Whether it’s open for just nine days, as in the winter of 2023/2024, or for most of the season, the Nestaweya River Trail is expensive to maintain, with annual costs reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
To offset the expenses, the Forks Foundation launched the Trail Together campaign. Funds help develop and maintain nearly six kilometres of skating and walking trails along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. This initiative allows Winnipeggers to “adopt” a metre of the trail, fostering community involvement and pride. To date, 789 meters of the trail have been adopted, and signs have been installed to recognize contributors.
“It’s a way for the community to feel a sense of ownership and pride in this asset,” says Zach Peters, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Forks Foundation.
The trail officially opened on December 31, marking only the fifth time since 2008 could safely open before January.
“This is truly something special. We love the early opening because it gets people excited. The moment those barricades come down, the energy is palpable. People are out there enjoying the trail, and it really encapsulates what it means for Winnipeg to be a winter city.”
Although she hadn’t heard about the Trail Together campaign, Mackenzie says she’s interested in the idea and would participate if it continued. “It’s such a cool idea. It makes it feel personal.” Mackenzie says she eagerly anticipates the trail every year, regularly checking The Forks’ social media for updates. This year was particularly special, as it marked the first time she could bring her baby son out onto the trail.
For first-time skaters like Chris and Mia, they say the trail is something special. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and this is my first time skating,” he shared. “It’s amazing.” Mia adds, “I think it’s great. It’s bringing everyone together. And I think it’s something everyone looks forward to in our winters.”
Looking ahead, The Forks anticipates continuing the Trail Together campaign for the 2025/2026 season. Peters says this isn’t the only way they’re thinking ahead. He explains that Forks is developing a climate adaptation strategy in collaboration with the Prairie Climate Centre to ensure the trail remains viable as winters evolve.
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
