Unique tree carvings at Winnipeg park face new city regulation
Posted December 3, 2025 8:48 pm.
Unique carvings etched into trees have long been a well-known feature of a Winnipeg park, but now the City is taking steps to prevent the creation of the carvings putting a stop to what was previously a tree carving free for all.
“I hope they don’t stop it,” said Ulla Stetter, a park patron. “That’s my greatest concern.”
The art at Bois-des-Esprits is carved mostly into dead trees and began with a piece known as Woody, created on a Dutch elm tree in 2004.
Several other carvings followed with city permission, but over the years, and despite being prohibited by bylaw, more carvings appeared, raising concerns among some area residents.
At a city committee meeting this week, Winnipeg’s Public Service determined it will install signage discouraging the practice, warning of potential fines and explaining how people can apply for permission to carve a tree legally.
Stetter, who was walking her dog in the park Wednesday, said she doesn’t want the City to intervene.
“If it doesn’t harm anyone or anything, I don’t know why they can’t just let it go,” she said. “Why make another rule.”
“It just doesn’t make any sense to me,” said Rod Chapman, another park patron.
Chapman said he doesn’t see the point of the wood-carved pieces, arguing the natural scenery is enough.
“Just enjoy it,” Chapman said.
Ken Walus, also a park patron, said he believes the carvings will continue even with new city measures.
“It will reduce the number, but it’s not going to eliminate it. Where there is a will, there will always be a way,” Walus said.
Dave Domke, the City’s manager of Parks and Open Space, said the new approach is about balancing the needs of those who enjoy the carvings and those who do not. He added the city will be relying on the public for enforcement.
“We don’t have a carving police, but what we do have is a lot of eyes out there in the community that can let us know what’s happening in the community and can report to us what’s going on,” Domke said.
