‘We won’: Protestor fined for breaking Lemay Forest court injunction claims victory

A Lemay Forest protester has paid her fine for contempt of court, but says the fight isn't over yet.

A woman who was fined thousands of dollars for breaching a court-ordered injunction against a group protesting the removal of trees at a Winnipeg forest says the penalty represents a “failure” in the justice system.

On Thursday, Louise May paid the $15,000 fine issued in June 2025 by Court of King’s Bench Justice Sarah Inness.

CTV News previously reported the injunction, which was granted in December 2024 and extended in January 2025, ordered protesters to leave an area of the forest.

Shortly after the extension, protesters, including May, blocked an entrance to the forest, preventing construction workers from entering.

Following continued back and forth between the protestors and landowner Tochal Development Group, the province announced its plan to expropriate the land and turn it into a provincial park. Tochal had planned to build an assisted-living facility on the site.

“Lemay Forest was saved from destruction by the actions of individuals and community organizations, all dedicated to promoting human rights and caring for our natural environment,” May said.

“The individuals who were hell-bent on destroying the forest appear to be motivated by a predatory drive that dismisses these values, processes, and respect for history and nature.”

May explained she opted not to appeal the fine as she was told it would cost more in legal fees and would risk being sued for even more court costs.

She said she’s grateful for those who worked hard to save the forest and fundraise to pay off the fine.

“In fact, this fundraising effort was so successful…that significant additional funds have been raised,” she said.

“And as it turns out, these additional funds have been needed to protect other individuals who have been targeted by the malfeasance, as well as ongoing challenges to the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute.

May said she hopes the Lemay Forest situation gives hope to other communities and shows people the importance of standing up for what’s right.

She noted she considers the outcome a “hard-won victory,” explaining that saving the forest is more important than all of the “ridiculousness.”

“The fact is we won. And that’s what’s most important.”

• With files from CTV’s Glenn Pismenny and Devon McKendrick