Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 26/8/2017 (1123 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The organization that runs The Forks has put out a call for local businesses and entrepreneurs with an interest in setting up shop at the proposed Railside mixed-use development planned for the north end of the popular downtown site.

The Forks Renewal Corp. issued an expression of interest on Friday, with a deadline of Sept. 29 for the first intake of applicants. However, the corporation will keep the expression of interest open beyond that date to build up an inventory of interested parties.

"We’re trying to get a sense of what’s out there and who might want to be a tenant in this innovative mixed-use neighbourhood," said Paul Jordan, CEO of The Forks North Portage. "It’s really to create a database so that when the time comes, we can match up potential main-floor tenants with projects as they come on stream."

Jordan said Forks officials expect proposals for everything from galleries to gyms and daycares to boutiques.

"We want to complement the offering that is already at The Forks," he added.

He noted it’s unusual for The Forks to be the party lining up potential main-floor tenants for the development. Usually, that’s the job of developers.

"But, since that main-floor activation and access is so important to us and to visitors at The Forks, we are effectively going to help curate that space."

While the expression of interest is designed to solicit any and all concepts, The Forks Renewal Corp. said the emphasis will be on attracting "the best in locally owned and independent businesses, including but not limited to, retail, food and beverage, community uses, recreation and fitness, offices and neighbourhood conveniences."

The Railside at The Forks development is based on a 20-year vision to transform a number of surface parking lots at the north end of the site into a dynamic mixed-used neighbourhood that will include a large public promenade, housing and retail and commercial components. The corporation noted citizen and stakeholder input has been central to the planning process thus far. It said it remains committed to ensuring a high degree of transparency and to engaging the public in a meaningful way as plans for the Railside land evolve.

It said ongoing dialogue on all aspects of the project is encouraged at http://wfp.to/fgW.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca