We're fighting climate change and growing a community of environmental stewards in Manitoba!
FortWhyte Alive’s existence demonstrates the possibility of environmental renewal and regeneration. Through community cooperation, what began as an industrial site is now 660 acres of green space. More than 125,000 people visit us each year to find their own connection with nature. The deeper our relationship with nature, the stronger our commitment to protecting it for generations to come.
FortWhyte Alive believes that sustainable communities are built on three essential and interconnected cornerstones: a healthy natural environment, a vibrant economy, and a healthy and equitable social environment. These three pillars ground and motivate everything we do at FortWhyte.
Sustainability is a consideration in every decision we make at FortWhyte Alive. Below we've outlined just a few of the things we do to reduce our impact on the planet.
FortWhyte incorporates several sustainable gardening techniques in our planted gardens and across our site. We are home to two biodiversity gardens featuring a variety of local plants chosen to support pollinators, collect rainwater to care for the gardens and other plantings, and selectively plant trees around the site as need each year.
FortWhyte uses a combination of composting and specialty recycling programs to reduce our input to the waste stream. While many of these programs are for internal use (including office supplies and electronics), members of the public are invited to recycle batteries in our Alloway Reception Centre. While you’re here, we encourage you to take the time to sort your waste into the appropriate organic, recyclable, and waste bins around our site.
Our new facility, Buffalo Crossing, will be the first commercial building in Manitoba certified to the Passive House standard. Passive House is considered to be the most rigorous voluntary energy-based standard in the design and construction industry today. By using passive house design, Buffalo Crossing will use 90% less energy than a building constructed to the National Energy Code. The building will also be certified to the Zero-Carbon building standard, further demonstrating FortWhyte Alive’s commitment to finding solutions to the climate crisis.
All buildings on-site use geothermal heating and cooling, and the Richardson Interpretive Centre underwent a deep energy retrofit in 2019 which reduced its electricity consumption by 36%. FortWhyte Farms is 50% powered by solar energy.
FortWhyte has an electric vehicle as the mandatory first choice for staff errands and transportation and in the summer months, bicycles for staff to use for on-site transportation. Electric vehicle and Tesla charging stations are available in our parking lot, as well as priority parking spaces for those carpooling to our site, or using Peg City Car Co-op.
Sustainability doesn’t end with garbage, it also means supporting our ecosystems so they can support the environment. To support our water systems, we do monthly lake water testing to monitor their health. This information is then used by our team, in consultation with our Water Advisory Committee, experts in related sciences, to inform any action we take to improve or maintain their health for the animals and plants that live here. One action that’s easy to spot is the aerators we’ve added to improve lake oxygen levels.
In 2023, FortWhyte completed a large restoration of our constructed wetlands to reestablish water flow by removing congestion caused by cattails, soil, and sediment. This allows our lake water to flow easily through the wetlands, being filtered along the way, and reentering out lakes cleaner than it started.
Every decision made at FortWhyte Alive considers what impact it will have on the planet and how that impact can be reduced or eliminated. This is done in consultation with an internal Sustainability Committee of staff who advocate for sustainable choices, education and training opportunities, and manage programs like our composting, water monitoring, and sustainable transportation options.
When new staff start at FortWhyte Alive, they undergo training on FortWhyte’s sustainability initiatives to ensure they can do their best for the planet at FortWhyte Alive.
Have a question about FortWhyte Alive’s commitment to Sustainability or the actions we take?
Send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you!
February 11, 2022
Women in science are making major strides in the world of science. We see it right here at FortWhyte Alive, where Katrina Froese shares her love for environmental science and inspires youth to consider a career in STEM.
January 31, 2022
February 2 is World Wetlands Day. We know, a strange time of year to celebrate water -- our water is frozen pretty solid in Winnipeg right now. But in every season, wetlands play an essential role in the health of our environment.
October 4, 2021
Every autumn thousands of geese take part in the breathtaking ritual of migration, using FortWhyte Alive’s lakes to prepare for their long journey ahead.
September 29, 2021
As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, many of us are preparing our homes and gardens for the upcoming season. Why not re-think some of our old habits and make changes that are going to reduce our impact on the planet? Check out these three tips to kick off fall on a sustainable note and make a difference in your environmental footprint today.
September 1, 2021
Lakes are a crucial part of climate change mitigation in Manitoba. Their unique ecosystems provide essential fresh water and habitats for thousands. But as the climate changes, so do the landscapes.
July 29, 2021
Manitoba’s forests are a crucial part of the climate change solution for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. But as the climate changes, so does this landscape. Here’s what you need to know.
June 29, 2021
Wetlands are an incredible tool for a healthy environment. From the diverse wildlife it supports to its ability to purify water, wetlands help ecosystems flourish. However, Canada has already lost 40 percent of its prairie wetlands to climate change, and we’re seeing the impacts.
June 7, 2021
Wetlands are an incredible tool for a healthy environment. From the diverse wildlife it supports to its ability to purify water, wetlands help ecosystems flourish. However, Canada has already lost 40 percent of its prairie wetlands to climate change, and we’re seeing the impacts.
April 30, 2021
Learn how rain barrels benefits you and the planet, plus tips on setting one up.