Nestaweya River trail opens after delay from warm weather
Posted January 25, 2024 2:48 pm.
Last Updated January 25, 2024 9:02 pm.
After one of the warmest winters in recent memory, Winnipeggers can now lace up their skates and enjoy one of their favourite pastimes.
Aside from 2020, when, due to poor ice conditions, the Winnipeg winter staple didn’t open at all, this marks the latest opening date on record. The Forks CEO, Sara Stasiuk said that Thursday’s opening would not have been possible without the hard work of their ice crew.
“So believe it or not the day has finally come, and we are excited to officially open the Nestaweya River trail presented by the Winnipeg Foundation. It was a big slog but here we are,” said Stasiuk.
“No thanks to the effects of climate change, but huge thanks and major credit to our hardworking river trail crew, they have been putting in long hours and elbow grease to ensure that this trail is cleared and that it is safe.”
RELATED: Opening of Winnipeg’s Nestaweya River Trail days away
Last year the trail opened on New Year’s Day and remained open for 72 days, closing in mid-March, a result that many in the community who turn to the river trail for exercise during the winter months are hoping to see repeated.
“Going out on the river is basically the main event of the winter season, I think everyone has been waiting for it, I think it’s great for people to get out here, great for local business and I think everyone is hoping that it stays open for a while,” said one Winnipegger CityNews spoke to.
Currently, just one section of the normally 6-kilometre trail is open to the public with The Forks saying further sections of the river trail will open as mother nature allows. The public is encouraged to visit the Forks website to stay up to date on ice and skating conditions.
