WINNIPEG - FEBRUARY 24, 2005 - Work will begin tomorrow, on a wetland enhancement and drainage project in the city’s Assiniboine Forest located in southwest Winnipeg. A joint effort of the City of Winnipeg and the Charleswood Rotary Club, the project will improve drainage of approximately 175 acres of the forest’s 700 acres. These areas typically experience problems with seasonal standing water that can result in trees being drowned. Improved drainage will also reduce mosquito breeding grounds and lessen the need for chemical control of the insects.

“A key feature of the project will be the development of a new pond that will support a diversity of aquatic flora and fauna,” says Cheryl Heming, City Naturalist. “Wetlands provide important habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and also act as nature’s water filters.”

Construction of the pond and related excavation work will take approximately two weeks. Re-vegetation and weed control measures around the pond and other locations will begin in spring.

When complete the project will complement the parks existing wetland area, Eve Werier Pond, located west of this project site.

The City of Winnipeg, Environment Canada, Manitoba Conversation and the Unilever-Evergreen Aquatic Stewardship Grant Program have provided a total of $86,000 funding for this phase of the project.