A loon gliding across a blue-and-orange lake has been chosen as the winning design for Manitoba’s upcoming specialty parks licence plate after a province-wide public vote attracted more than 62,600 responses.
Premier Wab Kinew announced the winning design this week, saying the strong turnout highlights Manitobans’ connection to the province’s parks, waterways, and natural landscapes.
The loon artwork was selected from five finalist designs. While the province has not released the final vote totals or rankings, voters were also given the following options:
- Nighttime Campsite: A camping scene under a starlit sky.
- Canoe Design: A tribute to Manitoba’s lakes, rivers, and paddling culture.
- Map-Inspired Artwork: A design highlighting the geography of Manitoba’s provincial park system.
- “Park at Night” Plate: A black-themed plate featuring a nighttime park concept.
The new Manitoba Parks licence plate is being introduced through a partnership that includes the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Revenue generated through plate sales will help support Manitoba’s Provincial Parks Endowment Fund, managed through The Winnipeg Foundation.
Funds raised will be directed toward projects aimed at enhancing ecological conservation, accessibility, visitor experiences, and public safety in provincial parks across Manitoba.
The specialty plate will be available in both English and French and is expected to go on sale through Manitoba Public Insurance service centres and broker locations beginning in spring 2027.
The province says the loon plate will not replace Manitoba’s standard licence plate. Instead, it will be offered as an optional specialty plate for motorists who wish to support Manitoba’s provincial parks while displaying one of the province’s most recognizable wildlife symbols.
