The Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail closed from Hugo to Assiniboine Park last week and the river trail crew has been pulled over by citizens inquiring; “Why can’t you open the trail again, just scrape it with the zamboni”!
Ahhh, if it were only that easy…
We feel we owe all of you concerned River Trailers out there an explanation as to what is happening from Hugo to Assiniboine Park. Even though the river may look solid in parts from Hugo to Assiniboine it is very dangerous along the river bank, especially the North shore through Wolseley. The open water sections are flowing swiftly and some parts have a thin layer of ice not thick enough to bring our equipment.
In addition to the weak ice, the river is expected to rise 6 inches as the Province recently released water from the control station. This additional water is expected to arrive at the city limits on Sunday February 22. We’ve been advised that the ice conditions from Hugo to The Forks are expected to hold during this rise in water levels, but probably not for the rest of the trail.
We certainly empathize with your disappointment as a lot of work went in to building the trail and we love to see people using it. So please continue using the trail from the Forks to Hugo!
Here are a couple of photos to share from the rainy week we had:
Soggy River Trail in front of Historic Port at the Forks
Hardcore River Trailer, Dariah Redmond skating through the rain.
With the soggy conditions, and marginal ice River Trail workers traded their heavy insulated layers for Life-jacket, rain-pants and rubber boots!
The Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail is one of the best places to enjoy time with a K9 companion.Unfortunately the warm temperatures and rain left more than rough skating conditions on the River Trail. Many “presents” previously hidden under a thin layer of snow are now visible, exposing the irresponsible nature of some dog owners.
Dog poo showing-up everywhere since the warm weather has melted the top layer of snow.
Dog owners, PLEASE pick up your dog’s poo. C’mon it’s gross, Dog poo everywhere! The River Trail is no different from the rest of Winnipeg, you’re supposed to pick up after your dog.
Dog walkers on the River Trail doing the right thing.
Garbage cans have been placed the entire length of the trail, so their really is no excuse to not pick-up your dog’s poo.
Dave Pancoe, River Trail Operations Manager
Tutu-wearing ape leads parade to celebrate completion of River TrailOn February 1,2009, Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail users skated along to the hip-hop beats of DJ Hunnicut and Co-op.
Winnipeg Harbour Patrol leading the parade in their ATVs.
A motley mix of River Trail equipment, cyclists, skaters, the zamboni, and a trailer towing the DJs and speakers made up the parade.
In the spirit of healthy living, “Bananas the Ape”, Winnipeg’s favourite primate was handing-out energy-boosting bananas to skaters and walkers.
Banana’s the tutu-wearing ape sharing his favourite food.
The procession travelled the entire 9.34km to Assiniboine Park where they were met by a llama, a reindeer, hot chocolate and snacks.
~Dave Pancoe, River Trail Operations Manager