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Winnipeggers who love the outdoors don't
have to go far to enjoy some winter fun:
the city's two rivers provide several kilometres
of groomed trails right downtown for anyone
willing to brave the weather.
CBC's Wendy Sawatzky
headed down to check out the trails, then
talked to Justin Dyck, supervisor of operations
at The Forks, about what's up on the ice
– and what's underneath.
How long is the
river trail?
The trails run 3.5
kilometres on the Assiniboine River from
the Hugo Street dock of the river taxi to
The Forks, then continue on the Red River
another 2.5 kilometres to the Exchange District.
When is it open?
The trail is officially
open between Jan. 15 and Feb. 20, 2005,
as long as ice conditions permit.
What is there
to do?
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A warming shelter at the Hugo Street
Dock entrance to the trail
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There are two paths
on the river: an ice path, which is cleared
and groomed for skating, and a footpath.
The footpath is also
open to skiers, snowshoers and cyclists.
Leashed dogs are allowed. Snowmobiles and
other motorized equipment is not permitted.
Warming shacks are
provided at several points along the trail.
A snow maze and curling rink are also available
on the river near The Forks.
Special programming,
such as sleigh rides, face painting, and
winter games, is offered from noon to 4
p.m. on weekends. Most programming is free
of charge.
The river trail connects
with the skating trails and footpaths "on
shore" at The Forks; many more indoor
and outdoor activities are also available
around the Forks historical site.
How thick is the
ice?
Dyck estimates the
ice is currently about 60 centimetres (two
feet) thick under the skating and walking
paths.
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An ice-grooming machine clears the
ice for skaters on the Assiniboine
River
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When the ice reaches
25 centimetres (10 inches) thick, the city's
harbourmaster gives the Forks approval to
put equipment weighing almost 3,000 kilograms
(6,500 lbs) onto the ice.
Heavier equipment
is allowed as the weather gets colder and
the ice gets even thicker.
Currently, the Forks
sends very heavy equipment – such as
tractors, water tanks, trucks, and ice-clearing
Zambonis – onto the river, sometimes
several times per day.
What if the weather
warms up?
A single day or series
of days with temperatures slightly above
zero will not affect the stability of the
ice. When
weather warms up
in the spring, the harbourmaster begins
checking the ice daily.
Why are there
"thin ice" signs near the trail?
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Thin ice sign near a sewer outflow
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Thin ice signs are
posted in many areas around the city where
the ice may be dangerous to walk on.
Near the river trail,
they are posted near areas where sewer outlets
empty into the river. While the ice may
be hazardous in those areas, the stability
of the trail itself is not affected.
I stepped off
the trail and my feet got wet!
Heavy snow conditions
on the river this year put pressure on the
ice, says Dyck.
As a result, some
water and slush rests on top of the ice,
but under the snow.
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Slushy footprints near the path
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While the slush or water might fill your
boots with water, Dyck says there is no
need to worry about plunging through the
ice if you step off the trail.
However, to avoid
wet feet, he suggests staying on the cleared
paths and trails, or sticking to areas already
tramped down by other people.
How much does
it cost?
Dyck estimates it
costs between $55,000 and $60,000 to build
and maintain the trails for the season.
The Festival du Voyaguer pays about $40,000
for programming along the trail. Much of
the funding comes from the trail's sponsors,
including the Assiniboine Credit Union.
Getting There:
Red
arrows mark established access points to
the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail.
(Map courtesy the Festival du Voyageur)
Last Updated: February 1, 2005
Text and photos by CBC online journalist
Wendy
Sawatzky
Telephone: (204) 788-3646 |
