A plan to turn land occupied by two surface parking lots at Winnipeg’s biggest tourist destination into a multi-use development has a supporter in the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber CEO Dave Angus threw his support behind a proposal for mixed-use development on Parcel 4, the land adjacent to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

“I think they came up with a plan that hits all the elements,” Angus said. “I do like more residential development at The Forks, I think that’s going to help bolster business at The Forks and help us attract amenities. But I also like the respect for green space.”

Jim August, CEO of The Forks North Portage Partnership, said the plan stays true to the mandate to make The Forks a multifaceted destination for Winnipeggers and tourists.

“We’ve been working on this plan for a little over a year,” August said. “The message that we were receiving from our consultations is people like The Forks, they like what’s been done at The Forks, so build on that.”

August said the intent is for a 60-40 split between public green space and commercial/residential development. He envisions parks, walkways, and play areas mixed with small retail locations and residential developments.

With the CMHR slated to open in September, Angus said there should be a “sense of urgency” in getting to a point where ribbons start getting cut.

“It was important for The Forks to really engage the museum to ensure visitors to that also have other places to go and it be in an environment that’s really attractive,” he said. “Surface parking lots aren’t exactly the best entry and exit out of a place like that. (Parcel 4) has been a bit of an eyesore for far too long.”

August said the next step is to hold a public open house, which he said “we’re pretty close with that.”

He said they need to “fine tune the business side of it, too.”

“We want to make sure our partners are on side with the vision and the key stakeholders are on side with the vision,” he said.

August said the plan doesn’t maximize the economic possibilities with the site, but is “respectful” of the museum by providing the green space.

August hopes development begins in early 2015.

david.larkins@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @LarkinsWSun