THE COMMUNITY IN COMMON
Railside at The Forks on track to break ground this fall
By James Peters
The idea of building residences at The Forks, an iconic Winnipeg destination, has been in the works since is inception, and now the reality is finally about to take shape. What will be called "Railside at The Forks" is scheduled for shovels in the ground this fall. "The idea of a residential development at The Forks has been around forever. Even our mandate and mission includes a line about a residential component,
and now we're finally ever close to construction." says Zach Peters. communications & marketing manager at The Forks. "Last fall. much of the Infrastructure was created on the first two surface lots, including underground water systems. sewer pipes and utility framework We've also prepared the site to accommodate geothermal energy throughout. Most of the work that's been done is undetectable at this stage. except for a couple of fire hydrants that never used to be there. The first phase will begin soon with 10 new residential buildings scheduled, each ranging from four to six storeys in height."
One of the more unique features of the projects matthere are currently six different architects assigned to the buildings. "This definitely won't be a cookie-cutter neighbourhood," says Peters. "That feature alone will give this neignbournood a very fresh and exciting vibe.
DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS
Over the last few years, The Forks North Portage Partnership held several public open houses related to the best future use of a few remaining surface parking lots. The lots in question are located between Israel Asper Way and the elevated CN main line. The first phase of the project will contain 10 buildings; five will he erected in the southern lot near CityTV headquarters, and the northern lot - on the other side of the Broadway Promenade - will contain the other five.
MORE OF THE FORKS
Interesting to note is that the first floor of every building at Railside will feature shops for both residents and visitors alike. The buildings will feature retail space designed to enhance living and shopping, even possibly including a daycare centre. And a wide variety of styles, layouts and affordability will be available, with nine of the buildings currently slated as apartments and the 10th as condos. Citing the Railside website, "Imagine more green spaces, more places to spend time and something creative around every corner. Public art will be integrated throughout the development to enhance the character of the neighbourhood. Recognizing that Winnipeg is a hotbed of artistic creativity, Railside's public art program will emphasize and promote work by well-known and emerging Manitoba artists."
"Railside is being carefully and thoughtfully arranged, not only to provide attractive public spaces but also walkways that connect The Forks to downtown," adds Peters.
"Active spaces will be purposefully integrated throughout the development, encouraging people to move, play and interact with their physical surroundings, including walking and cycling pathways, plays capes and sport courts. The development will also feature many gathering spaces - from café-style seating in courtyards to park benches."
"At Railside, we will be constructing one six-storey building with a commercial main floor that's divided by a breezeway. The breezeway is functional and will contribute towards pedestrian flow from Railside to The Forks proper." says Paul Gray, senior project manager with Qualico's StreetSide Developments. "Our building is being developed with non-combustible construction methods, using a mix of cast-in-place concrete, structural steel and pre-cast concrete components. These methods allow for a certain flexibility in design, such as with the breezeway. "As the first-of-its-kind residence at The Forks, this is clearly unique," Gray adds. "It's the only development offering our customers special status - being among the first to own a residence at Winnipeg's top tourist destination."
PARKING CONCERNS
As Peters explains, before construction could be slated with any certainty, several extensive studies had been conducted to examine the current usage of the parking lots. "The 2023 parking supply and demand study suggests a sufficient supply of parking for staff, visitors and residents on site at The Forks," he says. "Both The Forks proper and Railside emphasize active transportation and micro-mobility connections to and through the site. A partnership with Peg City Car Co-op is also in place for visitors and residents, while Winnipeg Transit's master plan includes improved connections to the site.
"We know our current tiered parkade is under-utilized - all indications are that the loss of parking in these lots will not be a concern," he adds. "The data also indicates that Winnipeg is becoming more of an active commuter city, and more people are working from home than ever before. We really like to consider this an opportunity to emphasize the type of living situation Railside will be."
HONOURING THE PAST
"The Forks is committed to protecting and preserving the history of the Railside lands by mandating that there be no basements or underground parking as a part of the development, states Railside's website. "In the fall of 2017 and spring of 2018, The Forks' consulting archaeologists undertook a pre-development heritage survey of the Railside lands. This survey work recommended that archaeological monitoring be done during the construction phase" Peters concludes, "We take our role as the current stewards of this place seriously. In all areas of our business operations, including the development of Railside, we're committed to honoring the land and the people who've gathered at this historic meeting place throughout history."
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