Forks "New Day" event did not reach pre-pandemic attendance levels

Visitors enjoy the nice weather at The Forks, July 1, 2022. (Source: Gary Robson, CTV News Winnipeg)

Winnipeg — The Forks ‘New Day’ celebrations saw more people come down to celebrate on July 1 than the year before, but attendance levels came nowhere near pre-pandemic levels, according to a spokesperson.

The historic site hosted a reimagined approach to Canada Day on Friday, aiming to “provide a welcoming space for all communities in the wake of discoveries of unmarked graves at residential school sites across the country last year.” Those plans drew criticism from some public figures, including former federal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy and current mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk.

In an email to CTV News Winnipeg, a spokesperson for The Forks says while exact attendance is difficult to measure, some 22,000 people entered the Forks Market on Canada Day. That’s more than double the 10,000 people who attended in 2021. However, pre-pandemic, in 2019, attendance was nearly 50,000.

The Forks says overall the day was positive, despite a stabbing incident around 10:30 p.m. near the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. A spokesperson said attendees wearing red shirts were sitting alongside those wearing orange, finding common ground and space for reflection. They called it “a beautiful example of our communities coming together.”