A lot of promise

The Free Press asked prominent people connected to the downtown to weigh in on the latest ideas for The Forks:

— Mayor Brian Bowman

The big ideas for Parcel 4 are great and cover many concepts that, as you know, I believe are important for the city — from rapid transit, to public art and pedestrian corridors. But as you know, I committed to growing our residential population downtown to 20,000 through a perfect mix of rentals and condos. I believe the residential village idea for Parcel 4 would go a long way to ensuring the viability of all of the elements proposed because with more people living downtown, all of the ideas become even more effective.

— Stefano Grande, executive director of Downtown BIZ

What stands out for me is the proposed elevated pedestrian high line, which could be a one-of-a-kind pedestrian experience connecting our downtown to this site along our railway, celebrating sustainability and park in a different way. Similar to what was done in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, which resulted in a renaissance of those aging neighbourhoods, through increased development opportunities. The High Line in New York is now a favourite tourist attraction, too.

The proposed production spaces and storefronts is also a critical piece where we believe our local arts community can finally find a home and showcase their art, creativity and works of all forms. Traditionally, our burgeoning and emerging art community thrives in old, affordable warehouse spaces and out of sight of the public, moving from space to space due to increasing lease rates in our downtown. This proposed space at The Forks could be the sustainability and visibility this community deserves.

— Damon Johnston, president of Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg

I am certainly interested in the potential aboriginal benefits that might flow from the plan. One of the things that had been floating around is the idea of an aboriginal forest. Something to represent in a real way, something for Canadians to think about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and residential schools. In the presentation we got from Paul (Jordan, CEO of The Forks Renewal Corp.) they are going to have some sort of walkway maybe coming off one of the buildings (developed) on Parcel 4, from there down towards the river. So they would work with us to do something there… the fact they have woven that into the plan is good.

— Brent Bellamy, Number TEN Architectural Group, member of design team for the development

As a clean slate, the rail side and Parcel 4 lands represent a rare opportunity to create a completely new neighbourhood in the centre of the city. The character of The Forks, with its public attractions that now include a global-calibre museum, makes it a place that can offer a different experience and attract a more diverse residential and commercial population than other downtown locations. Realizing this opportunity can redefine what urban living means in Winnipeg. A vibrant urban village focused around pedestrian streets, public plazas, courtyards and ground-floor shops will be a place for all Winnipeggers. The residential component will add a vibrancy and activity to the area, helping to make the markets sustainable, the streets lively and safe.

The new neighbourhood will be designed for people first. The 10 concepts identified are an extension of The Forks core values. They are elements that build a community focused primarily on the human experience, unlike much of the rest of downtown which is designed around automobile circulation. If successful, it will change the perception of what Winnipeg can be. It will redefine urban living and be an example of what can be achieved by building a city at a pedestrian scale.

A human-scale urban village will be an extension of what has made The Forks a successful public place and will make the site more accessible for everyone. Numerous smaller buildings built on lanes and plazas allows a commercial and residential affordability that will create the diversity needed to realize a vibrant neighbourhood. The smaller buildings represent development opportunity for a greater number of entrepreneurs who want to be part of the community.