Assiniboine Park & Zoo Redevelopment FAQs

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to protecting and increasing the park's green space.

The Assiniboine Park Perspectives Feedback Panel has been created in order to gather the public’s views and opinions about the Park and the enhancements that are taking place.

Assiniboine Park Perspectives is a panel of Winnipeggers who are interested in the future of Assiniboine Park. By being on the panel, you will have opportunity to provide occasional feedback on your views and opinions regarding the developments at Assiniboine Park. Over the next few years, as new developments happen, we will be coming to the panel and asking for your feedback. But the communication is also two-way – we will send you periodic updates about the results of these surveys.

The first of a series of surveys has now been posted on the website in order to gather public feedback. We invite you to participate in all of the surveys (about one every six months) by being on the “Assiniboine Park Perspectives” feedback panel.

We’ll communicate in whatever form you request – either through mailed surveys or electronically.

Public input is vitally important, to ensure that the changes and improvements reflect the vision and needs of Winnipeggers. We hope to build a panel that reflects all views and walks of life.

The support of all levels of government, private sector, foundations, and individual citizens will be required in order to bring the full vision to life.

The park will also be moving towards a sustainable financial model. Admission fees for major attractions, food vendors, more active promotion of event/space, and services provided by a few small entrepreneurs will also help generate the funds required to help make the park more self-sustaining.

In order to expand the duck pond, develop the new children’s playground and water play feature, build the family centre, design and build the conservatory, develop a new zoo including the world-class polar bear exhibit, create a youth area including zip line and basketball courts, expand and revitalize paths and trails, and implement a new people moving system throughout the park, it is expected to cost in the range of $200 million.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s overall $200 million redevelopment plan will be implemented in phases over the course of 10 years.

Phase I, which is now complete, consists of the Heart of the Park component, which includes the Nature Playground, the expansion of the Duck Pond, and the building of the Qualico Family Centre. Phase II consists of a dramatic transformation of the Zoo, with significant renovations, new exhibits, enhanced facilities for visitors, and a more visible and active contribution to environmental and wildlife education, research, and conservation in Manitoba. Phase III will see the development of the new Assiniboine Park Conservatory & Conference Centre to be situated in the south east corner of the Park near the Formal Gardens.

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to protecting and enhancing the park’s green space.

Any new buildings added to the park will be constructed to high environmental standards.

Development of the vision began with research undertaken by the City years ago as multiple groups were consulted, ranging from youth to local residents to heavy park users.

A city-wide research study, gathering the opinions of more than 1000 citizens per sample, was carried out in 2006.

Recent research was carried out with all park employees, and focus groups were conducted in order to gather feedback and reaction to the vision.

A new opinion panel – “Assiniboine Park Perspectives” – has been created and all Winnipeggers are invited to join. This will enable Winnipeggers to participate and weigh in with their opinions about future development at Assiniboine Park. Click here for more information on how to join the panel.

The Kinsman Discovery Centre and Primate Centre will be significantly enhanced to ensure they reflect the new zoo concept. The former Tropical House has already been transformed into Toucan Ridge which features animal and plant species native to Central and South Ameria. Many of the animals will be provided with new habitats and will be located in regionally-themed sections: Boreal Forest, Arctic, Prairies, and Asia.

Assiniboine Park will continue to be a 365 day per year destination and year-round activity additions include:

• Enhancements to the Zoo that make it more accessible and enjoyable for winter visits.
• The expanded Duck Pond offers a much larger skating surface and the adjacent Qualico Family Centre houses the park café with an inviting fireplace and patio overlooking the Duck Pond.
• New toboggan run next to the Nature Playground.

The first phase, Heart of the Park, is now complete. It includes the Nature Playground, the expanded Duck Pond, and the Qualico Family Centre.