Go to the Waterfront
About
Launched in 2014, Go…to the Waterfront is The Forks’ 20-year vision to improve public access to Winnipeg’s downtown waterways through stronger riverbanks, trails, gathering spaces, and connections.
The Forks’ work has demonstrated that investing in riverbank access, trails, and programming generates strong public use and value. The Nestaweya River Trail illustrates how high-quality waterfront infrastructure can catalyze year-round activity and public investment.
It is time to build on that success. Go…to the Waterfront is now focusing on strengthening connections along Winnipeg's rivers by closing gaps, improving continuity, and expanding access.
Go...to the Waterfront Today
Winnipeg is a river city.
The Forks sits where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, on 52 acres shaped by the waterways around it. For more than 35 years, The Forks has helped create and care for welcoming riverfront spaces, experiences, and programs for everyone to enjoy.
Strategic waterfront investments strengthen what is already working by improving connections, supporting safer public spaces, and creating high-quality riverfront amenities for everyone to enjoy. Continued investment in projects and daily operations keeps these spaces active, accessible, well-maintained, and connected to the waterfront. The success of the Nestaweya River Trail shows that when great riverfront spaces are built and cared for, people use them, program them, and help protect them.
Dock site, rendering
Guiding Principles
Lead the Way – The Forks as a waterfront developer: Extend The Forks’ role beyond the current land base by identifying strategic waterfront development projects that support programming, design excellence, partnerships, and seasonal activations along connected riverfront segments citywide.
Go…to the Waterfront: Establish a rolling 5–10-year waterfront project pipeline that clearly distinguishes conceptual ideas, funded projects, and shovel-ready work.
Truth and Reconciliation: Honouring the Red and Assiniboine rivers as ancestral Indigenous travel routes and The Forks as a continuing place of gathering and ceremony, waterfront revitalization will be guided by Indigenous leadership, knowledge, storytelling, and stewardship.
Treat flood protection and riverbank maintenance as city-building infrastructure: Position flood protection, riverbank stabilization, erosion control, general maintenance, and water and ice management as foundational investments that unlock public space, access, and future development opportunities.
Close the gap(s): Identify strategic locations where high-quality park, landing, or promenade projects can close connectivity gaps between downtown, adjacent neighbourhoods, and The Forks.
Partnership Opportunities: Strengthen the case for waterfront investment beyond recreation.
Alexander Docks Park
One of the signature early projects of the Go... to the Waterfront initiative is to transform the former Alexander Docks into a beautiful, accessible and lively riverside park and public space.
Learn more about the Alexander Docks Park project
For additional information, please see the City's supporting downtown and riverbank planning documents: