The Forks

Downtown Winnipeg, at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers
Winnipeg, Canada

Submitted by: Catherine White

This former industrial area has been redeveloped to promote outdoor activity both summer and winter - important in a northern city like Winnipeg.

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Why It Works

This community place is used year round for gathering and recreation. In the summer there are concerts and markets and lots of greenspace. In the winter, once the river is frozen, the City prepares the ice for ice skating (originating at the forks), curling rinks, sleigh rides. The Forks promotes outdoor activity both in the summer and winter.

The Forks originally was an industrial area of the city. Once it was no longer used industrially, the city redeveloped the area for community interaction. The buildings (old train stations) were turned into markets, and the river had a walkway developed along it. It is also a historical site with museums, a childrens museum and other creative spaces. The nice thing is that it is a success story: People in the 1980's didn't expect it to work, and it has.

What Makes The Forks a Great Place?

There is a free shuttle service from downtown to The Forks, and due to the river walkways it is accessible from both bridges crossing the river. The walkways are lit to make the areas more safe. The area is also very vehicle-friendly with 1000's of free parking spaces.

The forks is a bright and friendly atmosphere where people go to gather. It is a family spot with a relatively even balance of different types of people.

The area is meant for outdoor activity and it is used for this purpose.

Very sociable place!

Contact Info:

City of Winnipeg Public Works

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User Comments:

02/27/02 Jeneva Storme said:
The Forks is my ten-year-old daughter's favourite spot to visit when she comes to Winnipeg. She likes the shops where she buys Pokemon cards and other trinkets, and she likes to play in the green spaces. I like the green spaces and outdoor activities, and the performances and festivals that are put on there. I am glad to live in a city that has such a thriving social centre for so many different activities. I hope that the Forks can serve as an example to inspire more such places throughout our city and the world.
03/07/02 Andy Filer said:
I was about to nominate this place when I found that it already had been. It's a wonderful place, both in the summer and the winter. It's close to the river, close to transport, connected by bicycle trails, and is still near the center of the city. One of the best parts about this though is it's usefulness in summer and winter. The big old buildings like the Johnston Terminal are wonderful marketplaces year-round, especially nice when it's freezing cold and blowing outside.

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