When life gives you a lightning strike, why not make a splash?
In a daring and innovative move, the City of Selkirk is proud to announce its iconic Water Tower will be converted into the world’s largest bird bath, following irreparable damage caused by a lightning strike last summer.
The landmark attraction of the city’s skyline has faced repeated problems since the incident, prompting city officials to decide to repurpose the facility into a bird bath by removing the top of the tower.
“With the Water Tower no longer serving its initial purpose efficiently, and with repair costs not feasible for the city, we’ve decided to embrace this challenge as an opportunity to innovate and redefine our urban landscape,” said Raven Sharma, the city’s Utilities Manager.
“Converting the Water Tower into a bird bath not only addresses our infrastructure needs, but also fosters a renewed sense of environmental stewardship, transforming what could have a been a setback into a step forward for Selkirk.”
Removal of the top of the structure is slated to commence immediately after Easter long weekend, with Aviary AquaCrafts spearheading the swift three-week transformation. Having previously created the popular Goose Gusher in Steinbach, Aviary AquaCrafts brings a renowned expertise to crafting bird-friendly water features.
The new bird bath is anticipated to be a major attraction for several different bird species, including osprey, sharp-shinned hawk, and golden eagle, and the project’s timeline aligns perfectly with spring migration.
Riley Malinowski, the city’s Marketing and Communications Officer, emphasized the project’s potential to foster a sense of community pride and bring people to the city’s core.
“It might take a while for everyone to get used to the Water Tower’s new look, but we suspect it won’t be long until everyone, much like the birds, flock from all over to check out our latest attraction.”
Malinowski also highlighted the city’s multifaceted approach to the project, including creating further purposes for the structure in the future.
“Our full vision doesn’t stop with just a bird bath. We’re exploring dual functionalities, such as using it as a skating rink in the winter,” he said.
Mayor Larry Johannson expressed enthusiasm for the groundbreaking project, saying the conversion from tower to bird bath is in line with the city’s dedication to being innovative leaders in environmental conservation in Canada.
“We believe in thinking outside the box — or in this case — outside the tower,” Johannson said.
“This visionary project not only revitalizes a beloved landmark, but also embodies our commitment to being a trailblazer in environmental sustainability. We’re excited to witness this revolutionary fusion of urban infrastructure and natural habitat, and continue to set benchmarks that will protect and preserve our environment for generations to come.”
More details about the project’s progress won’t be shared by the city as construction will never get underway. The Water Tower remains a critical piece of Selkirk’s infrastructure and Aviary AquaCrafts doesn’t even exist. This bold initiative once again positions Selkirk as a leader in innovative and sustainable jokes now featuring community projects.
If this gave you a chuckle (or even if it didn’t) and you’re disappointed we aren’t actually providing a pool paradise for our feathered friends, consider donating to a local wildlife organization.
In Selkirk, our natural woodland and marsh habitat is Selkirk Park — and much like the imaginary bird bath, it really DOES attract a myriad of bird species, from woodpeckers, to gulls, to bald eagles, to owls, and many more. Donations to the Selkirk Parks Endowment help us maintain the area and leave a lasting legacy of nature, health, and recreation for generations to come. Donate here.
Other local wildlife organizations whose great work is supported by donations:
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society: The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s grassroots voice for wilderness. CPAWS Manitoba has helped establish 23 parks and protected areas in our province by working in partnership with Indigenous communities and have helped conserve an area larger than Lake Winnipeg.
Manitoba Habitat Conservancy: The Manitoba Habitat Conservancy’s mission is to be a pre-eminent leader in delivering diverse habitat conservation programs across the province through partnerships with the community and other governments.
Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF): Manitoba’s oldest and largest conservation organization. The MWF is committed to promoting conservation and the protection of natural resources and wildlife habitat in Manitoba.
Nature Conservancy Canada: The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada’s leading national land conservation organization. They partner with individuals, corporations, foundations, Indigenous communities, other non-profit organizations and all levels of government to protect the natural areas that sustain Canada’s plants and wildlife.
Oak Hammock Marsh: Oak Hammock Marsh is one of North America’s birding hotspots and features a restored prairie marsh, aspen-oak bluff, waterfowl lure crops, artesian springs, and some of Manitoba’s last remaining patches of tall-grass prairie. Your donation goes a long way to helping them provide top-quality programming for students and visitors.
Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: The Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre aims to provide the best care possible for injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife in Manitoba. Their educational program teaches Manitobans about wildlife issues and the importance of conservation.
Wildlife Haven: Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre has been rehabilitating injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife for their return to the wild since 1984. The volunteer-driven registered charity has cared for over 55,000 wildlife who play a vital role in the ecological and biological processes that are essential to life here in Manitoba.
