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 $180 million.

The development plan is a 10 year plan.

The vision will be implemented in phases. The first phase is expected to include the expanded duck pond, children’s playground, and family centre. The current goal is to see these enhancements completed by fall of 2010.

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, Tropical House, and Primate Centre will be significantly enhanced to ensure they reflect the new zoo concept. Many of the animals will be provided with new habitats and will be located in regionally-themed sections: Boreal Forest, Arctic, Prairies, and Asia.

The crown jewel in the new Gateway to the Arctic area will be a world-class polar bear habitat and observation exhibit. This is expected to include multiple bears. With the addition of the Polar Bear Conservation and Rehabilitation Centre, the park will become a link with polar bear conservation and research programs around the world, including a polar bear rescue program and centre.

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

All development depends on obtaining the required capital funding.
The expanded duck pond, children’s playground, and family centre will be in the first phase of development.
We also hope to begin the zoo redevelopment in 2010.