Restoring Nature. Protecting Lake Winnipeg. Inspiring Community. Honouring Legacy.
The Gimli Wetlands Nature Preserve is a transformative, shovel-ready environmental project that will convert a former wastewater lagoon into a functional Wetlands—directly protecting Lake Winnipeg by filtering nutrients, improving water quality, and strengthening climate resilience.
Wetlands are essential natural infrastructure. This project provides a practical, local solution to nutrient loading and ecological pressures facing Lake Winnipeg, while creating a welcoming space for education, recreation, and community stewardship.
At the heart of the project is a proposed Interpretive & Learning Centre, ensuring the Wetlands is not only restored—but understood, valued, and sustained for generations.
Why Now
With environmental approvals secured, land committed, and strong community momentum, the project is ready to move into implementation.
Alignment with Provincial Priorities
The project supports Manitoba’s key environmental and climate objectives, including:
• 30x30 Conservation Commitment
• Path to Net Zero Strategy
• Lake Winnipeg nutrient reduction goals
• Watershed-based climate resilience initiatives
• Indigenous and community-led environmental stewardship
Recent Engagement and Partnerships
To further these objectives, members of the committee recently participated in a delegation visit to Winnipeg to engage directly with provincial leadership. The group met with MLA Robert Loiselle and Honourable Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, where discussions focused on shared environmental priorities, opportunities for collaboration, and the important role the Gimli Wetlands Nature Preserve can play in supporting Manitoba’s climate and conservation goals.
As part of this visit, the delegation also toured the FortWhyte Alive (Buffalo Crossing) facility, where they explored innovative approaches to environmental education, sustainability, and land stewardship. The tour provided valuable insight into best practices and potential partnership opportunities that could inform the development and programming of the Gimli Wetlands Nature Preserve.
A Place for Learning, Stewardship, and Connection
Spanning 144 acres of protected land, the Gimli Wetlands Nature Preserve will include:
- A future Interpretive & Learning Centre serving as a hub for watershed education, Indigenous knowledge sharing, cultural storytelling, and community gathering
- Accessible trails and boardwalks connecting visitors to Wetlands ecosystems
- Interpretive and cultural signage integrated across the site
- Native plantings and shoreline restoration to demonstrate Wetlands function
- Enhanced bird and wildlife habitat
Together, these elements will create a living classroom that connects people directly to Lake Winnipeg’s health and future.
Project Impact:
The Gimli Wetlands Nature Preserve is designed to:
• Improve Lake Winnipeg water quality by filtering nutrients and sediments
• Restore critical Wetlands and shoreline habitat
• Support migratory birds and biodiversity
• Provide inclusive, accessible outdoor space
• Deliver youth education and Indigenous-led programming
Project Milestones
2010–2022: Lagoon decommissioned under Environment Act License; Notice of Alteration approved
2023: Land rezoned for conservation
2023: Steering Committee and Project Committee formed to guide planning and ensure collaboration across stakeholders
2023/Ongoing - Indigenous Engagement
2025: Site cleaned up
2025/26: Community Foundation Partnerships
2026: Full Environmental Approval Obtained
2026: Presentation to Red River Basin International Conference
2026: Land Appraisal completed
2026: Presentation/meeting with Finance Minister Sala
2026: Private Fundraising Strategy draft completed
2026: Land Appraisal valued at $7,739,300 which moves us from planning to action
2026: Gimli High School Students Create Nesting Stations
2026: Tour of Fort WhyteAlive and Meeting with Honourable Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and MLA Robert Loiselle.
Closing
The Gimli Wetlands Nature Preserve represents the most ambitious volunteer-led environmental initiative in Gimli’s history.
The RM of Gimli has demonstrated strong leadership through:
• Land dedication and long-term protection
• Site remediation investment
• Establishment of an endowment fund
• Ongoing financial and administrative support
For a community of approximately 7,000 residents, this level of commitment is significant and underscores the project’s importance.
With strong local investment, broad community support, and growing regional and international interest, the project is well positioned to move forward as a flagship Lake Winnipeg protection initiative.
Contact
Tim Arnason, Chair
Gimli Wetlands Nature Preserve
TIMARNASON@GMAIL.COM
204-899-8073
Click HERE for the recent RM of Gimli Council Resolution Naming the Project.
Watch the VIDEO to learn more about the initiative by clicking HERE.
CLICK HERE to Read More about the Initiative with some Quick Facts:
Click HERE to read how Gimli High School Students are making their mark on the future Wetlands site.
