Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg announced today that it will engage the Forks Renewal Corporation to lead a planning initiative for the future development of lands owned by the two organizations at The Forks. The collaboration will create an integrated plan for nearly 12 acres of land currently used for surface parking.
The future redevelopment of this property includes The Forks land adjacent to the CN main line and directly across from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the City of Winnipeg Land commonly known as Parcel 4. This collaborative planning approach will consider public green spaces and a mix of uses and other ideas brought forward consistent with the original vision of Winnipeg as a world class community in which to live, work and play.
“The Forks has a rich tradition as a meeting place and is one of our most treasured public spaces,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Downtown Development, Heritage and Riverbank Management. “This partnership will ensure that The Forks continues to be an exciting attraction for all Winnipeggers and visitors to our city. Council recognizes that by engaging all stakeholders in our planning, including the general public, we can create something truly special.”
The Forks Renewal Corporation will build on public consultations undertaken by the organization in 2010 which resulted in a 10 Year Concept Plan for The Forks. The plan sets out the following guiding principles for the development activities at The Forks:
- create a rich pedestrian environment
- ensure a diversity of uses
- promote innovation and excellence
- ensure ease of access and
- highlight heritage
“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the City of Winnipeg on this exciting initiative and look forward to hearing from the public throughout, “ says Jim August, Chief Executive Officer, The Forks North Portage. “We think this is a great opportunity to pull together an integrated plan for one of the most important sites in the city.”
The City of Winnipeg will provide $75,000 toward the initiative which will include public input and urban design and development study over the next year.