News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

October 22, 2020

Province Officially Opens Newly Completed Duff Roblin Provincial Park Viewing Platform and Interpretive Landscape



The Manitoba government has officially opened a viewing platform and interpretive landscape at Duff Roblin Provincial Park, dedicated to former premier Duff Roblin and located just south of Winnipeg, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today.
 
“We owe such a debt to former premier Duff Roblin for his drive and determination in building the Red River Floodway, and we are pleased to incorporate educational elements about it into the facilities of this park,” said Guillemard. “With a carefully thought-out blend of recreational opportunities and the chance to learn more about the floodway, the provincial park system and Duff Roblin himself, this new development offers Manitobans a place to relax and to develop a deeper appreciation of our great province.”
 
Duff Roblin Provincial Park covers 56 hectares surrounding a portion of the Red River Floodway and the floodway inlet control structure. The park includes carefully selected viewing points and interpretive spaces for observing and learning about the floodway’s history and operations, and about Roblin, who served as premier from 1958 to 1967 and was instrumental in the development of the floodway. The park is designed for passive recreation, wildlife viewing and picnicking, and provides vistas of the floodway channel and inlet control structure during high water events and throughout the year.
 
The new park facilities include a raised viewing platform and accessible ramp, picnic area, interpretive signage, a decommissioned bulldozer from the floodway construction era and accessible washrooms. The centre of the viewing platform features a piston once used to operate the floodway gates, in recognition of the engineering that went into the floodway’s design and construction. 
 
The Roblin family has supported and participated in the development of this lasting tribute and the park’s facilities.  
 
“My family is so pleased to see the park completed, and we enjoy the idea that Manitobans for generations to come can visit the park and learn about the Red River Floodway, the Manitoba parks system and Dad’s many other accomplishments,” said Jennifer Roblin, Duff Roblin’s daughter. “He would be most gratified and honoured.”
   
The designation of the park in 2007 saw the replacement of the Duff Roblin Park Reserve along the floodway channel just northeast of Winnipeg. 
 
The Red River Floodway is considered one of the world’s 16 engineering marvels. For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/mit/wms/rrf/index.html.
 
Manitobans can also stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following Manitoba Parks on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.
 
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