Unveiling the FortWhyte Forever Capital Campaign Donor Recognition Wall

FortWhyte Alive was thrilled to welcome supporters to celebrate the successful conclusion of the FortWhyte Forever Capital Campaign and the unveiling of our permanent bison donor recognition wall, marking a special opportunity to gather in gratitude and recognize the generosity that brought this vision to life. This milestone reflects the enduring impact of our community’s investment in FortWhyte’s future and the shared commitment to its mission and leadership role as a dynamic, multi-faceted hub of outdoor discovery and sustainability.

Together, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, we gathered to reflect on what we have accomplished together and to celebrate the lasting impact that donor support will have on our community, our environment, and future generations.

When Buffalo Crossing first opened its doors, we knew it would be something special.  Set against the stunning backdrop of FortWhyte’s lakes and prairie landscape, Buffalo Crossing has come alive over the past 14 months in ways that have exceeded every expectation.

With your support of the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre at FortWhyte Alive, you’ve helped create more than a building; you’ve realized a dream: a gathering place where people connect deeply with nature, with our heritage, and with each other. 

In its remarkable first year, Buffalo Crossing has become a gathering place for learning, celebration, connection, and community. The site has welcomed 55 schools and more than 4,500 children, hosted hundreds of summer campers, and provided space for Indigenous communities, ceremonies, and cultural gatherings. Beyond its role as a centre for learning, it has become a place where communities can come together. Over the past year, it has proudly hosted a dynamic lineup of mission-driven events, corporate retreats and private gatherings.

The next time you visit FortWhyte Alive, we encourage you to stop by Buffalo Crossing and visit the bison donor recognition wall.  The donor recognition wall is designed as a herd of steel bison. In Manitoba the bison represent resilience, strength, and deep roots in the landscape, perfectly representing FortWhyte Alive’s community of donors and supporters. A special thank you to Mr. Bob Williams, for his generosity to spark the grassroots campaign and offering a one million dollar matching gift.

Thank you to our capital cabinet members: The Honourable Gary Filmon (Chair), Nancy Cipryk, Bill Elliott, Tim Kurbis, Peter Muir, Wynn Sweatman, Doug Harvey, Liz Prall, Doug Pollard, Sprague Richardson and Liz Wilson. A special thank you to Board Chair, Jane Johnston, and FortWhyte Alive Vice President Ian Barnett for their participation.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the FortWhyte Alive community, we have taken a major step forward in our vision for the future.  Together, the following four completed projects represent over $37 million in immediate investment into our campus. They ensure that FortWhyte will continue to welcome and inspire over 100,000 visitors, including 30,000 school children, every single year.

Buffalo Crossing, The Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre

• Our flagship project, Buffalo Crossing, is a stunning new development on McGillivray Boulevard that has become FortWhyte Alive’s south gateway; welcoming school children, day campers, nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventure seekers year-round. 
• The iconic new 18,000 square foot, two-storey multi-purpose facility, built to Passive House certifications, is the first commercial build of its kind in Manitoba and a model for climate resilient architecture on the prairies.  It features a stunning pedestrian walkway across Muir Lake, expanded programming opportunities and an active transportation connection to the rapidly growing communities of South Winnipeg.

Richardson Interpretive Centre Retrofit

• The addition of the Climate Action Lab as a programming space dedicated to expand and strengthen our commitment to climate education for Manitoba students. 
• Interior and exterior renovation of our primary educational facility by upgrading to the Green Globes standard, leading to a 35% reduction in energy use.
• New fossil-fuel free geothermal heating and cooling systems. 
• New anti-bird strike window treatment with energy-efficient fibreglass frames. 
• Improving the building envelope with additional insulation and enhanced air sealing. 

Ben & Rose Puchniak Woodworking Studio

• An updated teaching space for new programming and life skills to expand access and meet the needs of diverse, inner-city youth that participate in FortWhyte Farms’ youth employment program. 
• Energy efficient construction, built using Passive House principles. 

The Biodiversity Trail

• A beautifully restored 10-acre wetland habitat designed for self-guided exploration.
• Improved accessibility.
• New site development for additional outdoor classrooms and further areas for nature-based learning. 

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our FortWhyte Alive community. Together, you have helped create more than buildings and trails—you have helped create a welcoming place where visitors can connect with nature, discover our shared heritage, and build meaningful connections for generations to come.

A special thank you to our partners, Electra Signs and HTFC Planning and Design for helping make this donor recognition wall a reality. We truly appreciate your support. 

The Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre is now open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and beginning July 1st summer hours extend access until 8pm, Monday – Thursday.  Learn more about this building and what it means for your next visit by visiting our FAQ page.