'It's fabulous in every respect': The Leaf opens at Assiniboine Park
Winnipeggers who have been watching construction progress in Assiniboine Park over the last few years can now satisfy their curiosity – The Leaf is finally open to the public.
The new horticultural attraction operated by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy features four separate biomes filled with plant life from all over the world.
Saturday was the first opportunity for people to experience The Leaf. "It's been a remarkable day," said Laura Cabak, Director of Public Relations and Communications, "we're absolutely thrilled to be welcoming visitors here over the weeks and months and years to come."
Dominating the tropical biome is a six-story high waterfall, the tallest indoor waterfall in Canada. The Mediterranean biome has a cooler, drier climate for plant life from that part of the world. A display house currently features holiday-themed plants, but will change throughout the year.
The third floor of the building is a butterfly garden - Stan McLeod's favourite part, "I like the butterflies, they kind of land on me a bit. If you put your finger out, they’ll land on your finger, it's great," said McLeod.
Laurel Sarginson was also impressed, "I think it's fabulous in every respect, I'm beyond excited to be here," she said.
Sarginson had been anticipating the opening, "I've been watching the construction for two years as it develops, and we were so interested to see the lights come on."
Caback says The Leaf is for everybody.
"We've seen people from Guyana, and South America, and Paraguay, and Sri Lanka, and all over the world saying that this place reminds them of home. And the emotion that they are sharing and they stories that they are sharing are just amazing."
The Leaf is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Admission is $15.50 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors and children.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.