Brandon's Protected Spaces

The City of Brandon and the Government of Manitoba are working together to protect and celebrate some of the city’s most valued natural landscapes.

Several municipal parks and city-owned lands along the Assiniboine River have officially been added to Manitoba’s Protected and Conserved Areas Network, recognizing the ecological importance of Brandon’s river corridor.

This designation ensures these lands will be safeguarded from future development so residents and visitors can continue to gather, explore, celebrate and connect with nature

Five important natural areas are now formally protected. The Protected Areas designation is low-cost and low-risk, as it is based on the existing by-laws and management plans of the City of Brandon, without any changes to regulation.

This designation helps ensure that Brandon’s river corridor continues to provide:

• Clean water and healthy ecosystems
• Habitat for wildlife and pollinators
• Biodiversity and native plant communities
• Climate resilience and flood protection
• Accessible outdoor spaces for the community

Protecting these lands reflects the city’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.

The river corridor is home to wetlands, grasslands, and native plant species that help support the health of both the environment and the community.

Natural Systems at Work

These landscapes help:

 • Filter and clean water
 • Reduce erosion along the riverbanks
 • Manage flooding and absorb stormwater
 • Store carbon and reduce climate impacts
 • Provide cooling during hot summer months

Together, these natural systems act as a living buffer against extreme weather, strengthening Brandon’s resilience.

“The Assiniboine River corridor is the heart of local outdoor spaces in Brandon,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “These spaces are where our community gathers throughout the year for national celebrations, family barbecues, graduation parties, and weekend fishing trips. This designation recognizes the stewardship work already being done and reinforces our commitment to keeping these lands natural, resilient and thriving.”

The Assiniboine River corridor also serves as an important urban wildlife pathway.

Pollinators, birds and animals like deer, turtles and even black bears rely on these connected habitats to move through the city and thrive.

Native plants with deep root systems establish themselves along the riverbanks and allow for the connectivity of ecosystems.

Protecting these natural spaces is a shared effort.

Community organizations like Brandon Riverbank Inc. and Bee City Brandon play a key role in restoration, education, and stewardship along the river corridor.

Through programs, restoration work, and community engagement, these organizations help ensure the long-term health of Brandon’s natural areas.

Urban natural areas quietly provide services that would otherwise cost millions of dollars to replace.

These services include:

• Stormwater management
• Natural water filtration
• Carbon storage
• Habitat for pollinators and wildlife

Protecting them is both an environmental responsibility and an economic investment in the future of the community.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to experience these protected spaces by:

• Walking the trails
• Fishing along the river
• Gathering with friends and family
• Learning about native plants and wildlife

These lands are part of Brandon’s story, and now they are protected for generations to come.

This work aligns with Action #5 of Brandon’s Climate Change Action Plan to Conserve and Protect Nature.

Photographs courtesy of Sherry Punak-Murphy, Randy Shand & Brandon Riverbank