Bittersweet way grand opening event

The weather was ideal on Saturday, September 19 for the official opening of Bittersweet Way, our initiative to enhance the Greenway with a commemorative circle, signage and landscaping. Seeds of the project began growing 5 years ago, shovels hit the ground in 2019, and finally this fall we had an opportunity to show off our work and thank all of those who helped make it happen.

We were fortunate to have elder Chickadee Reynolds give a blessing at the start of the event, and share her wisdom about living in harmony with the land.

The size of the event was limited to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, but we were pleased to have many of the people who contributed to the project on hand to help open it. Councillor Brian Mayes (St. Vital), MLA Rochelle Squires (Riel) and NDP MLA Jamie Moses (St. Vital) took part in the ceremonial opening, which, rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, involved the throwing of "seed bombs" which, with a little luck, will result in new wildflowers on the Greenway next spring!

To wrap up the event, bittersweet vine, the namesake of the project, was planted near the commemorative circle. If you have not had a chance yet, you should visit the circle to read the plaques to take in the rich history of St.Vital and the former Lot 47 on which you stand.

Read more about the event in the Winnipeg Sun or watch CTV's coverage.