'Bizarre this year': River Trail closed following mild winter
The River Trail at The Forks is officially closed for the winter, marking the shortest season in history.
On Wednesday, the Forks announced that the Nestaweya River Trail is now closed following multiple closures and reopenings throughout the season.
“Last year, we were open for 72 days, and so this year, to be such a short stint of two short stints that were open, is really sad,” said Zach Peters, the marketing and communications manager with The Forks
“We’ve all sort of recognized that this weather has been bizarre this year. This warm start to winter, this freeze thaw cycle we’ve been under.”
CTV News Winnipeg previously reported that the popular trail was impacted this year by Mother Nature, including the challenges of warm temperatures, rain, snow and high water levels.
“I have to hand it to our team and our partners at The Winnipeg Foundation for navigating some really challenging and unpredictable conditions this winter – we’re already crossing our fingers for a better year next year,” said Sara Stasiuk, president and CEO of the Forks North Portage, in a news release.
The Forks noted that the trail was only open for two short stints this year -- from Jan. 25 to Jan. 30 and Feb. 13 to 17 – totalling nine full days. This is the shortest river trail season ever, excluding the winter of 2020 when it didn’t open at all. The previous shortest season was in 2017 when it was open for 33 days.
This year also marks the latest opening date for the trail on Jan. 25, and the earliest it’s ever been fully shut down.
“It has become something that we at The Forks take pride in. We know our city does, we know individuals do. The hard working River Trail crew certainly does. So year over year, to only have it grow and do it better is what we’re trying to achieve. And this year just simply wasn’t in the cards,” said Peters.
The Forks said it is no longer monitoring or maintaining any portions of the ice. Winnipeggers are being reminded to stay off the rivers.
If the weather permits, the on-land skating trails at the Winnipeg 150 Winter Park will remain open.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6975012.1721775341!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canadian Olympic Committee offers 'heartfelt apology' after New Zealand accuses Canada Soccer of spying
The Canadian Olympic Committee offered a 'heartfelt' apology to New Zealand Football Tuesday after the New Zealand women's club accused the Canadian women's team of spying on them during a training session.
Jasper evacuees forced into B.C. to flee fires told to make U-turn to Alberta for aid
Thousands of wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park into British Columbia along smoke-choked mountain roads Monday night were directed Tuesday to make a wide U-turn and head home if they needed a place to stay.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded, breaking global temperatures dating back to 1940, according to preliminary data from Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Polar bear at Calgary Zoo died by drowning following 'crushing' injury
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has revealed the cause of death for polar bear Baffin last week.
Clip resurfaces of Vance criticizing Harris for being 'childless,' testing Trump's new running mate
Comments Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance made in 2021 questioning U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ leadership because she did not have biological children have resurfaced, testing the young conservative senator in his early days campaigning as part of the Republicans' presidential ticket.
Premier says fine-tuning needed for alert system after miscommunicated Jasper evacuation timing
Alberta's premier says changes are needed to the province's emergency alert system after incorrect information was shared about the Jasper evacuation on Monday night.
'I had to go into hiding': Manitoba man still being harassed after charges into alleged human trafficking ring dropped
A man whose charges were stayed following an investigation into an alleged child sex trafficking ring in Portage la Prairie says his life has been ruined.
'Stars are aligning' for Bank of Canada rate cut: economists
The Bank of Canada is expected to deliver a dose of interest rate relief Wednesday when economists and market watchers predict the central bank will cut its overnight lending rate.