Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is considering a proposal that would allow the Assiniboine Park Conservancy to improve the main entrance to the Zoo in time to accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors when the Zoo’s Journey to Churchill project opens in 2014.
“The Journey to Churchill will be a must-see tourist destination attracting visitors from around the world, and a real source of pride for Winnipeggers,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “We want guests to be impressed from the moment they approach the gate.”
To facilitate this planned replacement of the Zoo’s main gate on Roblin Boulevard prior to Journey to Churchill’s opening, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) has requested a grant for $3.1 million be advanced ahead of schedule. The funds requested by APC have already been included in the City’s 2014 Capital Forecast, and the total City funding commitment over the ten year period will not increase as a result.
The Winnipeg Public Service will publish a report today, recommending approval of the request. If approved by City Council, $3.1 million for the new Zoo gate would be advanced in 2013, and capital grant requests in 2014, 2015 and 2016 would be reduced accordingly.
The report will be considered by the Executive Policy Committee on April 24, 2013.
Formed by Council in 2008, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy is leading a ten-year, $200 million plan launched in 2009 to redevelop Assiniboine Park, which has been a gathering place for Winnipeggers since it was established in 1904.