THE CHALLENGE
The City of Winnipeg faces significant challenges in balancing water resource management with community needs, particularly regarding greenspace preservation and urban biodiversity. Water scarcity, stormwater management, and urban development impact natural ecosystems, creating tensions between environmental priorities and municipal growth. In response to this challenge, and in collaboration with CIER, the City has initiated its first ever co-development process to co-create its comprehensive Greenspace and Natural Corridors Plan Bylaw and Biodiversity Policy with local Indigenous governments and regional organizations. This emphasizes the City’s commitments to reconciliation and advancing partnerships with Indigenous peoples, governments, and organizations in Winnipeg.
THE HISTORY
The City of Winnipeg has faced severe public health crises related to contaminated water supplies, prompting shifts in policy but not necessarily leading to long-term solutions for all communities affected. In response to these ongoing challenges, Winnipeg signed the Montreal Biodiversity Pledge in April 2023, committing to take 15 tangible actions aimed at protecting urban biodiversity and ecosystems. These efforts reflect Winnipeg’s recognition of the interconnectedness of urban planning, community health, and ecological sustainability as it seeks to address historical grievances and foster equitable solutions for all communities.
This pledge is part of a broader strategy that includes the co-development of a new Greenspace and Natural Corridors Plan Bylaw and Biodiversity Policy, to protect, enhance and restore shared greenspaces for future generations as part of the Our Winnipeg 2045 development plan. By addressing areas such as the expansion of greenspaces, the creation and maintenance of natural corridors, the protection of ecologically significant land, climate resilience, and community and Indigenous engagement, the Plan aims to make Winnipeg a healthier, more beautiful and sustainable city.
This co-development process builds on foundations laid during the original Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) in Manitoba, where current Mayor Scott Gillingham participated as a City Councillor. His involvement in the CLI contributed to shaping a shared governance approach that now guides this new chapter. The City’s commitment to co-development reflects a deeper understanding of the importance of collaborative governance and the inclusion of Indigenous voices in planning for a healthier, more sustainable future for present and future generations.
THE LEADERS
Co-Development Team (representatives from)
- Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
- Manitoba Métis Federation
- Treaty One Nation
- Southern Chiefs’ Organization
- Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
- Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
- City of Winnipeg
Planning Team (representatives from)
- HTFC Planning and Design
- City of Winnipeg Planning Department
Facilitation Team
- The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) CLI Team
- Laren Bill, Indigenous Project Coordinator
THE CLI ROLE
The Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) aims to foster collaboration amongst the members of the Co-Development team and the Planning team through the facilitation of the CLI co-development process. Through the CLI process, leaders build trust and relationships with one another, coordinate and share information, and provide direction to the Planning Team on the collaborative development of the final Greenspace and Natural Corridors Plan Bylaw and Biodiversity Policy. Supporting this process is a dedicated Indigenous coordinator that serves as the primary liaison between CIER, the City, the Planning Team, and Co-Development team, ensuring seamless communication. The CLI Team’s experience in building relationships and designing inclusive processes helps establish a foundation for meaningful and effective collaboration to ensure that all knowledge and voices are represented at the co-development table.
THE MEETINGS
See summaries of the integral meetings that took place at the governance table between the leaders from May 13, 2024 to May 6, 2025.
THE OUTCOME
With the co-development process underway for the Greenspace and Natural Corridors Plan Bylaw and Biodiversity Policy, team members from the Co-Development team have identified key priority areas, along with a shared vision and principles to guide the planning process. This co-development approach fosters transformative reconciliation and integrates diverse perspectives into urban planning for the City of Winnipeg.
The timeline of the co-development process is expected to take place over the course of two years with approximately six meetings, four of which have been completed. Through this work, the City of Winnipeg has the opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating how inclusive governance can create resilient urban environments. CIER’s facilitation ensures that Indigenous voices shape policy outcomes at a governance level, promoting a holistic approach rooted in environmental stewardship for present and future generations.
