'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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.