WINNIPEG -- June 15, 2006 -- The Red River in Manitoba - a river that played an influential role in Canada's development as a nation - has been nominated for membership in the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS).
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, with the Honourable Stan Struthers, Manitoba's Minister of Conservation, today announced the acceptance of the nomination of the Red River to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, the Red River can now be considered for possible full designation as a Canadian Heritage River. The nomination of the Red River was spearheaded by Rivers West with the co-operation of Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Water Stewardship, and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism. It includes the
175-kilometre reach from the United States border to Lake Winnipeg.
"This historic river has played an important role in the development of our nation," said Minister Ambrose. "With its rich assemblages of artifacts representing 6,000 years of Aboriginal history including the earliest example of Aboriginal agriculture on the prairies and its ties to the earliest European explorers to reach this part of Canada, the Red River and its history form a unique and valuable part of our rich Canadian heritage. I appreciate the efforts made by all parties to date and as they work toward its designation as a Canadian Heritage River. "
"Few rivers are so steeped in history or have had such a profound influence on a region as the Red," said Minister Struthers. "From its role in the fur trade, the settlement and expansion of Western Canada, the birth of Winnipeg and the range of recreational opportunities it offers, the Red River has touched the lives of countless Canadians. Rivers West is to be commended for helping Manitobans celebrate the Red River."
At Rivers West's annual general meeting tonight at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, Minister Struthers will present Rivers West chairman, Jim August, with a cheque for $15,000 to support its work on preparing a CHRS designation document for the Red.
"Rivers West continues to work to have the Red River gain full status as a Canadian Heritage River," said August. "We will soon begin a second round of citizen involvement about the Red. Rivers West wants to be able to describe how government, industry and citizens conserve and acknowledge the special natural, cultural and recreational values of the river. We need people to tell us how they celebrate and care for the river."
Rivers West, officially known as Rivers West - Red River Corridor Inc./L'Association du Corridor Riviere Rouge, is a not-for-profit organization with the overall objective to develop the Red River Corridor as a destination. Its mandate is to create and implement a long-term tourism and conservation strategy focusing on the development, promotion and management of the natural, tourism, cultural, heritage and recreational resources of the Red River from Emerson to Lake Winnipeg.
The Red River would be the first prairie river in the CHRS. It illustrates characteristics of the tall grass prairie region through which it flows, including the frequent flooding that has given it an international reputation. The Red River has many notable natural features such as Netley Marsh and remnants of river bottom forest, such as the Jennifer and Tom Shay Ecological Reserve.
In addition to its historic and natural significance, the Red River has become a popular recreation area in many communities with riverfront developments like The Forks in Winnipeg and the waterfront in Selkirk.
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is a joint federal-provincial-territorial initiative which gives national recognition to Canadian rivers of extraordinary natural, cultural and recreational significance. The Bloodvein, Hayes and Seal rivers are designated Canadian Heritage Rivers in Manitoba.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Press Secretary and Associate Director
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
RED RIVER NOMINATED FOR INCLUSION IN CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER SYSTEM
