Tourists and Winnipeggers alike will be seeing green in Festival Park at The Forks, thanks to a $1.3 million contribution from the Canada/Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement. The Forks North Portage Partnership will undertake a project in the Festival Park area of The Forks to create a pedestrian-friendly environment and urban park setting as a complement to the active use and programming of Festival Stage.

Jean Friesen, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs for Manitoba and Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), made the announcement today. The two levels of government are providing $1.3 million in funding towards the $2 million project through the Canada/Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement. The Forks North Portage Partnership will contribute the remaining funds.

"There is both a strong historical and contemporary attachment to the Forks by many Manitobans and Canadians," said Friesen. "People have gathered here for generations, and these improvements will encourage them do so for years to come."

"The Forks is a premier meeting place and tourist attraction," said Stephen Owen. "The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Province of Manitoba to help enhance The Forks and encourage the economic, cultural and community development of this vibrant area. We're providing Manitobans and tourists another great reason to come and meet at this historic destination."

The enhancement project will encourage recreational use and contribute to comfortable and easy pedestrian movement within The Forks site. It will enhance the green space and commercial viability of the area to improve the quality of life in downtown Winnipeg, and also improve the attractiveness of the city as a place to live and do business.

"We are pleased to be able to support further upgrades at The Forks, which will mean better access for Manitobans and visitors and will result in improved educational and recreational opportunities for all," said Tim Sale, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing who also spoke at the announcement. "The Forks and the Festival Park area are popular sites for countless cultural events and these improvements will help build stronger communities."

"The Forks continues to be a primary attraction in the city of Winnipeg," said Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, senior federal minister for Manitoba. "The Festival Park enhancement project will help the revitalization efforts of the downtown by improving the commercial, environmental and recreational appeal of this important venue. This is good news for all Manitobans."

The project is expected to include a landscaped urban park environment which involves the development of additional public places, enhancing the visual connection to St. Boniface, a water feature, and the creation of a pleasant pedestrian environment through site furnishings such as benches and signage. The project will also include improvements to backstage areas of the already existing Festival Stage, and servicing to make room for more street vendors, lighting and other park-related conveniences.

"We made a major commitment in our ten year Concept Plan to enhance this historic site's character through a mix of unique projects, an increase in green space and improvements to public spaces" said Bill Norrie, Board Chair of The Forks North Portage Partnership. "The appeal of The Forks is based on numerous elements working together to form a truly unique and exquisite environment."

As of March 2002, the Canada/Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement has directed $40 million into strategic projects that will expand the international competitiveness of Manitoba's key growth sectors, commercialize new technologies, assist small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs and enhance the long-term economic self-sustainability of rural and urban communities. For information on other projects funded, log on to: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ia/

For additional information, contact:

Jacquie Sippola
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-0280

Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
http://www.gov.mb.ca/ 
 
Sue Murray
Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-8778
Toll free: 1-800-268-4883