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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Holy war engulfs The Forks
(DALE CUMMINGS/ WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
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It's not just aboriginals who consider The Forks sacred land. Judging by the reaction to a proposal to build a hotel and water park on the historic meeting ground, Winnipeggers in general have very passionate and special opinions on what belongs there.
For some of them, that doesn't include a water park. Or for that matter, a human rights museum, parkade, theatre, children's museum or even the hotel that's there now. All these projects were controversial. The Inn at The Forks even faced two lawsuits before it was finally built nine years ago.
Someone at city hall obviously forgot about all that when they decided to fast-track the water park/hotel/parkade plan without proper consultation, and particularly without a detailed site plan and architectural rendering, which would have helped at least some people decide if it was suitable for the location.
Having failed to take those steps, the project's supporters were without any facts when faced with the inevitable wall of opposition.
That's why city council did the right thing Wednesday when it voted to defer a decision while more details are sought.
Council is demanding to see "substantial design plans" and a completed public-access agreement between the city and the proponents. Equally important, the motion by Coun. Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) also requires consultations with The Forks-North Portage Corp. and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
The final design must be architecturally sympathetic with its surroundings, but pedestrian walkways, promenades and public squares must also figure in the final picture, too.
There's a risk, of course, that the proponent will walk away rather than invest money in architects, consultations and urban planners, particularly when even the world's greatest design is unlikely to change some minds.
The city could have avoided the current mess, but some officials seemed to believe a water park would be a perfect fit at The Forks and that it would be warmly embraced.
Indeed, a water park and hotel complex could be a wonderful addition to The Forks if they are properly designed and planned. The original concept plan for The Forks actually listed a water park as a possible use.
Winnipeggers should keep an open mind when the proponents come back in 70 days with more information and a detailed plan.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 26, 2012 A14
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