Another day, another spectacle surrounding the private property many call the “Lemay Forest.” It’s disappointing—and frankly, alarming—that we’re still debating what should be a straightforward issue. My mother used to say, “If you give people a stage, they’ll keep acting,” and that sentiment rings true here. What began as a debate over land use has spiraled into a chaotic display of bullying, entitlement, and disregard for the rule of law. This situation is no longer about trees or development—it’s about whether property rights and the legal system still mean anything in Winnipeg.
Let’s start with the facts. A recent Winnipeg Sun poll revealed that only 27.03% of respondents supported preserving the so-called “Lemay Forest” in its entirety. The majority favoured development or a balanced approach, with some park space—precisely what the landowner proposed. That’s a fair compromise. Yet the vocal minority opposed to any development has taken this disagreement to absurd lengths, crossing lines that should concern every citizen, regardless of their stance on the environment.
The property in question is privately owned for over 100 years. Despite the catchy name “Lemay Forest,” this land is not officially designated as a forest. In fact, if you search for it on Google Maps, you won’t find it listed. Someone affiliated with savelemayforest.ca added the name to online maps, but that doesn’t change the legal reality: this is private land.
Private property rights are a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. They ensure that individuals and businesses can invest, innovate, and build without arbitrary interference. Yet, in Winnipeg, we’re seeing those rights trampled by a small group of protesters who feel entitled to dictate what a landowner can and cannot do. This is a dangerous precedent.
On Wednesday, the situation reached a new low when the landowner and their planner, John Wintrup, were blocked from accessing the property. This was in direct violation of a court injunction issued earlier in the week by Justice Sarah Inness, which barred protesters from obstructing access to the site. The protesters ignored the order, claiming that the landowner was violating cemetery and migratory bird legislation. Their spokeswoman, Louise May, even announced plans to file yet another injunction.
Where were the police in all this? According to Wintrup, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) made it clear they wouldn’t enforce the court order. "I spoke with a WPS Inspector several times," he said. "They told us WPS was not going to be attending. We had zero expectations they would attend and continue to have zero expectations WPS will carry out the Court’s Order."
This inaction by law enforcement is troubling. What’s the point of investing millions of taxpayer dollars into the judicial system if its rulings are ignored? When court orders are not enforced, bullies are emboldened, and chaos reigns. This undermines public trust in both the police and the courts, leaving law-abiding citizens to wonder whether the system is capable of protecting their rights.
Councillor Markus Chambers, the Chair of the Winnipeg Police Board, should be answering some hard questions. Why wasn’t the court order enforced? Why are protesters being allowed to flout the law with impunity? Chambers’ silence is deafening, especially given his responsibility to ensure the police uphold the rule of law. Without enforcement, court orders become meaningless, and society inches closer to anarchy.
This situation is a microcosm of a broader issue in Canada: the erosion of accountability and the rise of mob rule. Bullies, whether they’re blocking a development site or exploiting loopholes in our justice system, need to be shut down quickly. When they aren’t, their actions set a precedent that encourages others to follow suit.
Winnipeg’s leaders are not helping matters. Councillors Markus Chambers and Russ Wyatt have added to the confusion with conflicting statements. Wyatt told reporters that Chambers was planning to move a motion to expropriate the land for a park. Chambers denied this, calling Wyatt’s claim false. This back-and-forth only adds more noise to an already chaotic situation and raises questions about the city council’s competence in handling the issue.
Meanwhile, Mayor Scott Gillingham appears to be hoping the problem will resolve itself or that another level of government will step in. This hands-off approach is not leadership—it’s avoidance. Winnipeg is in the middle of a housing crisis, yet city officials are wasting time and resources on a property dispute that should have been resolved long ago.
The solution is straightforward: either approve the development application or buy the land. The developers have already offered to preserve 30% of the property, a significant concession that balances development with environmental concerns. Yet the city council, seemingly paralyzed by indecision and political posturing, has done nothing.
Think about what this debacle signals to potential investors and developers. Winnipeg desperately needs housing, but this ongoing soap opera sends a clear message: if you try to build here, you’ll face endless obstacles, from city hall to protesters. Why would anyone invest in such a hostile environment?
The right to own and develop property within the bounds of the law is fundamental. If we allow governments or vocal minorities to bully landowners into submission, we set a dangerous precedent. What’s next? Will homeowners need permission from their neighbours to build a deck? Will businesses need to consult public opinion before expanding?
This is a slippery slope with no return. Property rights must be upheld, and the rule of law must be enforced. Bullies, whether they’re wielding placards or political power, cannot be allowed to dictate terms. The city council and the police have a duty to protect landowners from this kind of harassment and ensure that laws are applied equally to all.
The debate over this private property is not just about trees or development—it’s about the kind of city Winnipeg wants to be. Do we want to be a place where property rights are respected, and the rule of law is upheld? Or do we want to descend into chaos, where mob rule dictates what people can and cannot do with their land?
The choice is clear: Buy the land or let the landowner build. Anything else is just more noise—and a dangerous step toward a future where bullies call the shots.