The Forks Nestaweya River Trail closes again

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This article was published 17/02/2024 (597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Days after reopening, the river trail at The Forks has once again shuttered as a result of weather-related challenges.

The recreational site known as the Nestaweya River Trail opened on Jan. 25 — the latest launch in its history, owing to an unseasonably warm winter. It closed five days later amid mild temperatures.

The Forks announced its crew had determined the port rink was finally safe for skating again on Feb. 13. The latest shutdown was announced Saturday.

“It looked like a swimming pool almost more than a skating rink so the crews moved quickly to close it down, keep people safe,” said Zach Peters of The Forks North Portage.

Peters said staff had anticipated what they are calling a “temporary closure” given the province warned them about an influx of water coming up the Red River.

High levels of precipitation south of the border are typically not an issue at this time of the year but milder temperatures have resulted in rain rather than snow, in turn causing water levels to rise, he said.

The public is being asked to stay off the trail and access on-land trails and rinks indefinitely for safety reasons.

Peters noted he is optimistic that skaters will be able to return to the river trail before the end of the season.

Last year, the Nestaweya River Trail closed for the season on March 13.

— staff