Features Forestry Management Harvesting
Manitoba to close Pineland Forest Nursery in December

The decision, rendered by Manitoba Sustainable Development, was part of an ongoing, extensive value for money review across government.

The the Pineland Forest Nursery, located near Hadashville, contains valuable assets, and the province is exploring new options for its use. A request for proposal (RFP) call will be issued shortly in an effort to find a buyer for the assets who will, ideally, invest in a new operation in the facility. Manitoba is seen as an ideal place to grow a business, and the province is committed to encouraging continued investment and economic development for sustainable job opportunities.

Employees have been notified that operations will continue throughout the summer and fall, but will cease as of Dec. 31. Pineland Forest Nursery has a mix of approximately eight full-time and 17 part-time/seasonal employees as well as casual staff hired during peak times for about eight weeks per year. The province is working closely with the employees and will offer whatever supports it can during this transition period. Full-time staff will be eligible for redeployment to other jobs within the provincial civil service.

Pineland Forest Nursery was originally established to produce seedlings for the Province of Manitoba but grew to produce seedlings for customers outside the province as well. However, Pineland Forest Nursery has recorded substantial operating losses over a number of years and the provincially operated model, as it currently exists, is not sustainable.