Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Water on ice stumps Forks officials

 Water flows over the ice on the Assiniboine River near Dominion Street Tuesday morning, threatening plans to set a record for longest man-made skating rink this year.

WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Enlarge Image

Water flows over the ice on the Assiniboine River near Dominion Street Tuesday morning, threatening plans to set a record for longest man-made skating rink this year.

OFFICIALS at The Forks are stumped about why water was flowing over the ice along portions of the Assiniboine River on Tuesday.

Paul Jordan, chief operating officer, said plans to expand the River Trail beyond Hugo Street have been postponed because of water over the ice between Arlington Street and Omand's Creek.

David Pancoe from The Forks places a sign at Omand’s Creek access.

Enlarge Image

David Pancoe from The Forks places a sign at Omand’s Creek access. ( WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA)

"We don't know what's causing it," Jordan said. "We don't know if it's weather-related or if something else is going on," he said, adding it's cold enough and the ice on the Assiniboine is very thick.

Jordan said officials will turn their attention southward this weekend, extending the River Trail along the Red River to Churchill Park, Tache and Norwood.

That will double the length of the River Trail from three kilometres to six.

Jordan said if they're unable to extend the trail beyond Hugo Street, The Forks will not attempt to set a record for longest, man-made skating rink this year.

"We'll go as far as the river lets us," Jordan said.

Jordan said staff will be conducting tests on the ice on the Assiniboine River this week to determine why water is flowing over it.

The province's Water Stewardship department would not comment on the situation other than to say "The position of Water Stewardship is that the City of Winnipeg monitors the water drains and systems in the city and water flowing from these drains and pipes, into the river, is for them to address."

The city did not respond to a request for comment.

 

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 20, 2010 B1

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