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The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is characterized by a landscape dominated by forested land (76% cover) and Precambrian bedrock. The region's geology, featuring pink granodiorite, results in high water runoff toward Lake Winnipeg with low levels of nutrients and suspended sediments. Soil types are primarily clayey lacustrine, organic peat, and bedrock, with limited agricultural capacity, resulting in cropland accounting for only approximately 3% of the land cover.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is characterized by a mean annual discharge of 1,008 ± 294 m3/s at the Pine Falls Generating system, with peaks typically occurring in June and July. The river is a critical contributor to Lake Winnipeg, accounting for 49% of the mean monthly discharge of all rivers and streams entering the lake and providing the largest volume of water to it. Six run-of-river hydroelectric stations in the LWRB generate 583 MW of electrical capacity, representing approximately 10% of Manitoba's energy needs. Climate projections for the 2050s suggest a 6.9% increase in mean annual precipitation and a 3.3% increase in runoff, which may impact downstream nutrient loading. While water levels at most hydrometric stations remain relatively constant, Nutimik Lake shows seasonal trends.

The briefing assesses water quality and nutrient loading in the lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB), identifying significant exceedances of total phosphorus and certain metals, particularly at the Pine Falls Forebay. It highlights that the Winnipeg River is a major nutrient contributor to Lake Winnipeg, with nutrient exports increasing downstream. The document also notes that climate projections suggest increased precipitation and runoff, which may further impact nutrient loading.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is a sparsely populated area characterized by low population density and significant seasonal population fluctuations due to cottage developments. Between 2011 and 2016, the population across six census subdivisions grew by 4%, from 11,839 to 12,292. While towns like Pinawa, Lac du Bonnet, and Powerview-Pine Falls have high occupancy rates for usual residents, rural municipalities like Alexander and Lac du Bonnet have less than half of their dwellings occupied by permanent residents. The region has a strong Indigenous presence, including the Fort Alexander First Nation/Sagkeeng Anicinabe and Métis people, who traditionally use the land and water for harvesting and spiritual activities.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) has evolved from an ancient Indigenous travel and ceremonial route and a 17th-century fur trade corridor into a region defined by hydroelectric power, mining, and tourism. Key developments include the 1906 construction of the Pinawa dam, the establishment of the Pine Falls paper mill in 1926, and the creation of Whiteshell Provincial Park in 1961. The region's economic history is also marked by copper-nickel and lithium mining in the early 20th century and the transition from river-based transport to rail and road networks, including the Trans-Canada Highway.

The document describes the humid continental climate of the lower Winnipeg River basin and details historical increases in river discharge. It presents climate projections for the 2050s, indicating rising temperatures, precipitation, and runoff, which may impact hydroelectric development and aquatic ecosystems.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) economy is driven by hydroelectric generation, tourism, and limited mining, with a history of forestry and ongoing agricultural activity. Hydroelectric stations provide approximately 10% of Manitoba Hydro's power, while the Tanco Mine is the only operational mine in the region. Tourism is a critical sector, with the broader Eastman region attracting 2.223 million visitors in 2015. While forestry is currently non-operational following a 2009 mill closure, Indigenous communities are exploring new commercial opportunities. The document emphasizes that future economic expansions in mining, forestry, and tourism must be reconciled with ecological and social priorities.

The document details the health of aquatic ecosystems in the lower Winnipeg River basin, utilizing data from the Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP). It examines benthic macroinvertebrates and fish populations, noting that Lac du Bonnet generally shows the best fish performance and diversity. The text highlights the influence of hydroelectric generating stations on river morphology and habitat, and identifies four species at risk in the region.

The document identifies the lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) as being at high risk for the transport of aquatic invasive species (AIS) due to recreational activities. While spiny waterflea is confirmed in the LWRB, other high-concern species like zebra mussels and rusty crayfish are present in the wider Winnipeg River basin but not the lower basin. The basin is noted to have moderate suitability for zebra mussel colonization based on calcium concentrations.

The document details the land management landscape of the lower Winnipeg River basin, identifying the distribution of Crown and private lands, municipal zoning, and the specific land claims and harvesting rights of Indigenous groups including the Sagkeeng First Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, and Métis people.