Universal dock opens at John Bruce Park
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This article was published 07/06/2021 (1654 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Word is quickly spreading that Winnipeg’s first universal dock is now open at John Bruce Park.
The dock was custom-designed by Scatliff+Miller+Murray (SMM) and the Save Our Seine design team led by Marc St. Laurent. The team used universal design principles to create a dock that works for people with a wide range of abilities. A full-scale prototype was built by the team and tested by local paralympian Colin Mathieson.
The dock’s universal design makes it easier for everyone to access and enjoy the beauty of the Seine River. Paddlers can enter their canoes or kayaks on solid ground and slide down a chute into the river – without even getting their feet wet. This is ideal for young families, seniors, and novice paddlers.
Unlike most docks, this one is built into the riverbank. It will not interfere with the flow of the river and it will remain usable as the water level rises and falls.
The dock is the product of a partnership between Save Our Seine, the City of Winnipeg, and SMM. The City of Winnipeg approved the site. Many departments provided advice, expertise, and support. Thanks to Karl, Jason, Kendall, Christina, Rodney, and Rob to name a few. Bob Somers and the team at SMM donated many, many hours of their expertise to make the project a success.
The dock was made possible with funding from the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg (St. Vital ward and the land dedication reserve fund), The Winnipeg Foundation, The Conservation Trust, Mountain Equipment Co-op, the Thomas Sill Foundation, the Blennerhassett Family Foundation, and dozens of individual and corporate donors. Special thanks to Riel MLA Rochelle Squires, St. Vital city councillor Brian Mayes, Coun. Kevin Klein (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood), and Coun. Shawn Nason (Transcona) for their amazing support.
Owing to COVID-19, we are unable to host a suitable event at the dock until fall. In the meantime, you can help us celebrate by visiting the dock in small groups as restrictions allow. Take a selfie, group photo, or video featuring the dock. Join the new Seine River Paddlers Facebook group to share your photos and thoughts as a project funder, partner, supporter, or paddler. This group is a place for paddlers who use the Seine River to share photos, sightings, tips, and information about river conditions.
Enjoy the Seine River until we can safely meet in person. The dock can be reached from John Bruce Road (west or east).
Michele Kading is a community correspondent for St. Vital and the executive director of Save Our Seine.
Michele Kading
St. Vital community correspondent
Michele Kading is a community correspondent for St. Vital. She is also the executive director of the Association of Manitoba Museums.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Michele Kading
St. Vital community correspondent
Michele Kading is a community correspondent for St. Vital. She is also the executive director of the Association of Manitoba Museums.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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