HISTORY OF THE ASSINIBOINE FOREST

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     In 1974, the former Parks and Protection Division of the City of Winnipeg established the concept of regional nature parks.  It was proposed that these parks represent each of the four types of vegetative communities historically found in the area now covered by the City of Winnipeg.  The idea was conceived after the formation of two other nature parks within the city, namely the Living Prairie Museum and Assiniboine Forest.

     Many changes have taken place since the settlement of the west by Eurasian cultures.  The northern and eastern confines of the prairies were sections of grasslands interspersed with trees in the biome known as aspen parkland.  This land was agriculturally fertile and was consequently cleared and tilled.  Soon, few natural areas remained, having given way to cities and farms.  The Assiniboine Forest represents one of the few remaining areas of aspen parkland in western Canada.

     In 1920, the area known today as Assiniboine Forest was slotted for development and road cuts were established throughout the forest.  The Great Stock Market Crash and the following Depression called a halt to the development and plans for the area were put aside.  Local residents used the area for recreation and parts were used as a refuse dump.  This was the way it remained until the 1960’s.

     In 1964 there was a concern about car collisions with white-tail deer in the town of Tuxedo.  City of Winnipeg Councillor Bernie R. Wolfe attended the posting of “Deer Crossing” signs and became interested in protecting this park area and the wildlife within.  Tuxedo was not interested in preserving the area so early attempts were unsuccessful.  However, when Tuxedo was incorporated into the City of Winnipeg in 1971 the process became easier.  In 1973, boundaries for the park were set and land acquisition began.  Eve Werier Memorial Pond was constructed in 1977 and on September 25, 1980 Assiniboine Forest was officially opened.

     The Assiniboine Forest is one of the largest urban nature parks of its kind in Canada.  The City of Winnipeg has not only provided another park but has preserved habitat where residents may view wildlife close at hand.  Such an interpretive experience of natural heritage is a significant factor in quality of life for citizens.  Located south of Assiniboine Park and Zoo, the forest encompasses approximately 287 hectares of aspen parkland.