Winnipeg, MB - A new, proposed by-law that is being recommended by the Winnipeg Public Service would regulate winter activities on frozen waterways and promote public safety.
In recent years, Winnipeg has realized the potential of its frozen rivers and lakes, with activities like The Forks river trail for ice skating and initiatives like pop-up restaurants becoming increasingly popular. The City of Winnipeg is committed to facilitating and celebrating these winter activities, recognizing that they enrich the culture of our city and the well-being of our residents.
The proposed by-law would replace the existing Frozen Waterways Bylaw, and is intended to:
- Recognize that frozen waterways (i.e., ice surfaces) are a public resource with no clear property ownership, zoning permission or limitations, and government jurisdiction.
- Create a balance between allowing, facilitating and permitting the many unregulated activities that occur on ice surfaces from skating, cross-country skiing and tobogganing to annual events like The Forks skating trail or temporary restaurants.
- Promote public safety and consider safety factors such as ice thickness and access for emergency vehicles.
- Ensure that materials, structures, and objects are removed prior to the ice melting and do not pose a threat to the condition of our waterways.
This by-law would feature some enhancements, although the requirements for obtaining a permit under the by-law would remain largely unchanged, including:
- Wider consideration for commercial activities and buildings or structures, and
- Clearer information for applicants as to when a permit is required, and for which activities.
The City currently manages activities and vehicle traffic on frozen waterways via the existing Frozen Waterways By-law (6582/95) and through permits issued by the Winnipeg Police Service.
The administrative report will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Downtown Development, Heritage and Riverbank Management at its meeting Monday, July 7.