Mayor on hand to open Canopy Rink in Winnipeg 150 Winter Park at The Forks

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This article was published 22/12/2023 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Although winter is playing hard to get this year, a favourite location for cold-weather fun is getting into the spirit to celebrate Winnipeg’s 150th birthday.

The on-land skating rinks and trails at The Forks are located inside Winnipeg 150 Winter Park this season.

The Canopy Rink is the first section to open in the current balmy conditions.

“The Forks has always really been at the heart of this community, for a lot longer than 150 years,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham, who laced up a pair of skates and was among the first handful of skaters on the pristine surface.

“It’s very fitting to celebrate this milestone in a place that holds such deep roots in the foundation of our community.”

Once complete, Winnipeg 150 Winter Park will include more than a kilometre of on-land skating and walking trails, the Forks Market Canopy Rink and the CN Stage Rink.

The partnership is appropriate, considering Winnipeg is a winter city and The Forks embraces the colder temperatures every year, Forks CEO Sara Stasiuk said.

“Something that holds a lot of prominence for us here at The Forks as the current stewards of this place is its deep, rich cultural history,” Stasiuk said. “Woven into that centuries-long history is also a history of our city.”

Indigenous elder Barbara Nepinak offered a prayer in Anishinaabemowin to bless all the Winnipeggers, Manitobans and other guests that visit the skating trails.

“I embrace you all, my friends and relatives,” she said.

Gillingham said the festivities are about reflecting on the city’s past and looking toward its future while also building memories.

“Let’s lace up skates, let’s embrace the season and make the Winnipeg 150 Winter Park a symbol of joy and community and the spirit that defines our great city,” Gillingham said before joining Stasiuk and a few eager bystanders on the Canopy Rink ice.

James Torrance, 57, was among them.

“I’ve seen the (rink) roped off but now that it’s officially open… I’m happy to be back out,” Torrence said. “It’s one of my favourite winter activities.”

Torrence has been a frequent skater under the canopy over the past decade,

He said it keeps him busy while waiting to break out his bike again in the spring.

“I’m always optimistic of any Winnipeg or Manitoba celebration,” he said. “It’s nice to enjoy a celebration of Winnipeg’s history.”

The 150th anniversary celebrations officially kick off Jan. 19 — the city’s first council meeting took place on Jan. 19, 1874 — and run through February.

Winnipeg 150 Winter Park will host free events every weekend, including Indigenous storytelling and drumming. Skating, skiing and snowshoeing lessons will be available.

jura.mcilraith@freepress.mb.ca