Public art for Railside at The Forks: call for emerging artists
The Forks is looking for local emerging artists to express interest in producing a new public art commission for Railside at The Forks.
More of The Forks
We asked people what they wanted to see in a new development at The Forks.
The response we heard: “More of The Forks!”
Welcome to Railside at The Forks, a plan that’s been in the works for some time to transform two surface parking lots into a mixed-use neighbourhood. What does that mean? More places to hang out together, more activities, more shopping, more food, more art, more culture, and more public spaces.
And, for the first time ever, you can live at The Forks.
Building Railside
Welcome to “More of The Forks.”
As a mixed-use space that is a natural extension of The Forks, Railside will be home to a dynamic village atmosphere that invites connection, exploration, and discovery.
The success of Railside depends on the richness of daily life at street level — for both residents and visitors. The ground level of all buildings will offer a combination of local shopping, dining, cafés, community spaces, arts and culture, education, and more.
Railside has been designed so buildings are connected through public courtyards and plazas with vivid lighting, outdoor seating, public art, and greenery. Railside is a vibrant all-season neighbourhood.
Initial Consultations, Phase 1
From May to October 2013, The Forks Renewal Corporation launched a project website to solicit feedback on the proposed Railside development. Consultations in this initial phase included interviews with key stakeholders and two facilitated workshops, all of which sought input into the public space components of the plan.
Open Houses and Focus Groups, Phase 2
In July 2014, hundreds of interested individuals attended a series of open houses at The Forks Market, where The Forks presented concepts and gathered feedback. In the fall of the same year, Forks Renewal Corporation partnered with StorefrontMB to hold a series of focus groups with representatives from Winnipeg’s professional design community.
Open House Consultations, Phase 3
Another series of open houses were held in the summer of 2015. Updates were provided on the plan’s progression and feedback was gathered on the big ideas. Additional targeted stakeholder meetings were held throughout late 2015 and early 2016 to ensure that all key stakeholders were informed about the evolving development strategy and anticipated next steps.
Concept Plan and Archaeological Work
In the summer of 2017, the Railside at The Forks Concept Plan was finalized and it was approved by the Winnipeg City Council in December of that same year. Additionally, in October 2017, InterGroup Consultants did a first phase of archaeological discovery work on the Railside lands.
Archaeological Work, Phase 2
In the spring of 2018, InterGroup Consultants returned to continue the pre-development heritage survey of the development site. Both the 2017 and 2018 surveys recommended that further monitoring be done during the construction and development of Railside — work that will be further carried out by InterGroup.
Preparation
Integral work has taken place throughout 2019–2023: work began on the geothermal district system that will heat and cool all the buildings; underground serving work was completed; legal work was done, including alignment of roll numbers; and plans for the subdivision are continuing.
Get Set
Integral planning and design work has taken place throughout 2023 to secure initial development approvals, finalize agreements with our development and building partners, and install underground infrastructure.
Go
Construction work will begin on Phase 1 of the development in 2024. This phase includes 10 buildings, two courtyards, alleyways, and high-quality public spaces.
What the future holds
After Phase 1 is complete, the project will transition to focus on Phase 2, with more of The Forks and more of Railside planned and developed.
Featured News
The Candle, By Ian August | The first public art piece unveiled for Railside
A new landmark piece of public art has been selected for Railside at The Forks. Local Métis artist Ian August’s artwork, The Candle, will be the first piece of public art as a part of the upcoming mixed-use development.