Winnipeg river trail melting away, closed for season along Assiniboine

The season is coming to a close on Winnipeg's popular skating trail, which reached itslongest-ever distance this winter.

"This has been a great winter for the Red River Mutual Trail and we'll keep it going as long as we can on the Red River," said Paul Jordan, CEO of The Forks. "Butthe conditions on the Assiniboine are not good due to outflows of water and the access points are no longer in great shape, so it's time to close that part for everyone's safety.

"As of today, we will no longer be maintaining the Assiniboine and are in the process of removing any access points. This does not affect the Port area, which is now filled with Warming Huts making their way back home for the year."

Not only was the trail the longest it's ever been at 10 kilometresfrom the St. Vital Bridge on the Red to Arlington Street on the Assiniboine it was also open for the longest amount of time.

Skaters were welcomed onDec.22, which means it has been open for 71 days. In 2015, the trail was open for 68 days, and in 2017, with many opens and closes, there wereonly skating 33 days.

The warmer weather has also closed down the canopy rink at The Forksfor the season, although the trails around the site remain open.

As for the river trail, the only section remaining open is thestretch between the Port and Churchill Drive.

"We will update the conditions as they change but we are definitely getting near the end for the Red River Mutual Trail and Arctic Glacier Winter Park," Jordan said.