Winnipeg | Downtown | The Forks Market | Railside at The Forks

[trueviking]

“ a lot of people are going to be walking in -50”

Since we are always just making up numbers about winter temperatures, why don’t we all just agree that it’s -100 all winter long.

[Wpg_Guy]

Live cam:

Railside at The Forks


Screen shot 05/25/2026:

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by trueviking

“ a lot of people are going to be walking in -50”

Since we are always just making up numbers about winter temperatures, why don’t we all just agree that it’s -100 all winter long.

People are so dramatic.

[Biff]

I dropped off my daughter at the Forks on Sunday evening and it was packed. People everywhere. The parkade said 166 spots available. This news story is just made up sensationalization. Slow news day. Sure, when Canada Day is on parking will be a challenge.

[trueviking]

^exactly. The Forks can't build year-round parking capacity just for Canada Day.

That parkade also rents out lots of stalls to monthly parkers. They could end those contracts if more parking is needed.

[optimusREIM]

Originally Posted by Biff

I dropped off my daughter at the Forks on Sunday evening and it was packed. People everywhere. The parkade said 166 spots available. This news story is just made up sensationalization. Slow news day. Sure, when Canada Day is on parking will be a challenge.

I think the arguments are somewhat reasonable, and again, parking is not a reality that we can escape. However, the sensationalism does erode the credibility of those making the arguments, and I wish that the media wouldn't overstate their case.

The -50 thing is ridiculous to say.

I will say this though, in the past couple of years, I have found it increasingly difficult to find parking at the Forks, even during times where you might assume it would be easier such as a mid-week evening in the winter. Not saying it's situation critical, but it could become a deterent for some people as time goes on. I think a balance has to be struck, because you want to make it as convenient as possible to visit the attraction.

[Mr Tall Forehead]

Originally Posted by optimusREIM

I think the arguments are somewhat reasonable, and again, parking is not a reality that we can escape. However, the sensationalism does erode the credibility of those making the arguments, and I wish that the media wouldn't overstate their case.

The -50 thing is ridiculous to say.

I will say this though, in the past couple of years, I have found it increasingly difficult to find parking at the Forks, even during times where you might assume it would be easier such as a mid-week evening in the winter. Not saying it's situation critical, but it could become a deterent for some people as time goes on. I think a balance has to be struck, because you want to make it as convenient as possible to visit the attraction.

Yeah, it's not uncommon for the surface lot with all the chargers right in front of the terminal to be full, but I would bet a significant amount that the number of times the parkade at the Forks was full mid-week during the winter ever is somewhere around zero.

[Sheepish]

I sense the bigger question with the linear park is if it will impact movement in and out of the Forks - ie by removing two lanes rather than just parking. I am not weighing in one way or another as I don't know what the traffic flow is like now, and what is predicted in the coming years. I will say that the linear park looks great and should be seriously assessed, and perhaps conceptually could be employed in other areas downtown - Graham for eg or related to BRT lanes downtown. ANYTHING that can be undertaken to add green space, recreational space and beauty downtown should be jumped on!

[Biff]

Originally Posted by optimusREIM

I think the arguments are somewhat reasonable, and again, parking is not a reality that we can escape. However, the sensationalism does erode the credibility of those making the arguments, and I wish that the media wouldn't overstate their case.

The -50 thing is ridiculous to say.

I will say this though, in the past couple of years, I have found it increasingly difficult to find parking at the Forks, even during times where you might assume it would be easier such as a mid-week evening in the winter. Not saying it's situation critical, but it could become a deterent for some people as time goes on. I think a balance has to be struck, because you want to make it as convenient as possible to visit the attraction.

I think it is almost certain that in the near(er) future they will need another parkade structure. But the fact we will have gotten rid of those disgusting gravel surface parking lots will be a win in my books.

[NewIreland]

Originally Posted by Biff

I think it is almost certain that in the near(er) future they will need another parkade structure. But the fact we will have gotten rid of those disgusting gravel surface parking lots will be a win in my books.

I wish they would just convert the BRT line to LRT and extend the SW transit-way to Union Station. That would certainly ease traffic for those coming and going from The Forks, AND… as a bonus, it would make Winnipeg look like a real city. Surely, they can get this done… maybe with some federal money?

[Brick&BRT]

NewIreland beat me to it.

Agreed.

[bomberjet]

The problem now is where the maintenance/yard facilities would be for the LRT? Fort Rouge yards would be the place but that land is gone. Maybe CN will look to divest some of the yard space in the near future, who knows. Otherwise, there's isn't a place. The current bus transit facilities are in high demand. The new transit garage isn't enough to meet even the near future demand.

[bussche]

Originally Posted by trueviking

“ a lot of people are going to be walking in -50”

Since we are always just making up numbers about winter temperatures, why don’t we all just agree that it’s -100 all winter long.

Also ironic, given that outdoor activities at The Forks are extremely popular in Winter.

[bussche]

Originally Posted by NewIreland

I wish they would just convert the BRT line to LRT and extend the SW transit-way to Union Station. That would certainly ease traffic for those coming and going from The Forks, AND… as a bonus, it would make Winnipeg look like a real city. Surely, they can get this done… maybe with some federal money?

The BRT Blue Line stops on Main aren't that much further away.

[NewIreland]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

The problem now is where the maintenance/yard facilities would be for the LRT? Fort Rouge yards would be the place but that land is gone. Maybe CN will look to divest some of the yard space in the near future, who knows. Otherwise, there's isn't a place. The current bus transit facilities are in high demand. The new transit garage isn't enough to meet even the near future demand.

Build a deck over the old Earl’s site and make it a public/private partnership with housing/retail. There’s tons of room there.

[Brick&BRT]

The maintenance yard could also be further south. I don't think finding enough space is really an issue in our city.

[optimusREIM]

Originally Posted by Biff

I think it is almost certain that in the near(er) future they will need another parkade structure. But the fact we will have gotten rid of those disgusting gravel surface parking lots will be a win in my books.

Can agree with that, no controversy there. I just think the whole notion that we can ignore the way most people get around in Winnipeg is not realistic.

[trueviking]

Originally Posted by Biff

I think it is almost certain that in the near(er) future they will need another parkade structure. But the fact we will have gotten rid of those disgusting gravel surface parking lots will be a win in my books.

I can guarantee that the forks will not be building another parkade.....they do not have the money or the desire for that...a small 200 car parkade is easily $10 million....there is no payback for that.

people will just have to walk farther.....

[bomberjet]

Theres literally no space along the southwest transitway to build a rail yard and maintenance facility. Building an elevated facility along Main St downtown will never happen. There's not adequate space and that is a terrible use of land for whats a blank slate along that stretch of Main St.

The only possible place I can see it at the Brandon transit facility with some type of repurposing of land, if cn and/or via want to play ball. Sorry to derail this thread.

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by trueviking

I can guarantee that the forks will not be building another parkade.....they do not have the money or the desire for that...a small 200 car parkade is easily $10 million....there is no payback for that.

people will just have to walk farther.....

Judging by the amount of obese people in Winnipeg, it is a win-win.