Ripple Effect: Investigating Winnipeg’s waterways

WINNIPEG — Over the past few weeks, Global News launched a series on the Red and Assiniboine rivers in the city. The stories examined the water quality in the rivers, the erosion of property and the sinking tourism on the waterways.

If you missed part of the series – or would like to take another look – here is a breakdown of all the investigative stories for ‘Ripple Effect’.

Is the water in the Red River safe?

2:42 Ripple Effect: The Red River, what’s in the water and how safe is it?

Winnipeggers have a complicated relationship with the Red River. Although it’s used for outdoor activities, the popular perception of the Red is one of pollution; full of raw sewage, junk and at times and dead bodies.

The question posed by Global News was simple: is the water in the Red River safe? Would you get sick if you ingested the water? And what kind of materials are really in the water? Our reporter, Adrian Cheung took it to the test with three different water samples.

READ THE STORY: The Red River, what’s in the water and how safe is it?

Flooded riverwalk

1:49 Ripple effect: No easy fix for Winnipeg’s flood-prone riverwalk

It’s a city attraction that can draw thousands of visitors every year. However, the riverwalk near The Forks is prone to flooding and muddy pathways, leaving many grasping for a solution. Between June and September, the pathway has been closed nearly half the time, for 56 out of 122 days.

But what can be done to make our path more user friendly? Global’s Sean Leslie investigated possible solutions and setbacks.

READ THE STORY: No easy fix for Winnipeg’s flood-prone riverwalk

Zebra mussel infestation

2:10 Ripple effect: Zebra mussels could cause province-wide power outages, Manitoba Hydro says

Zebra mussels are already in three Manitoba waterways and are spreading at an incredible rate, which is one huge concern for Manitoba Hydro. The crown corporation has multi-millions of dollars in infrastructure along Manitoba waterways. Infrastructure that is threatened by the stronghold of the invasive species.

Global News reporter, Brittany Greenslade looks into what the province is doing to stop the mussel invasion, and how much it could cost.

READ THE STORY: Zebra mussels could cause province-wide power outages, Manitoba Hydro says

Eroding riverbank

2:08 Eroding riverbank: Winnipeg couple watches land disappear before their eyes

Over the past few decades, the Red and Assiniboine rivers have been causing heavy erosion. What was once on the riverbanks, is now at the bottom of the rivers.  City officials said some areas facing erosion, especially at the top of the bank, have moved back about one foot per year.

Global’s Zahra Premji looks into how much it would cost to stabalize the riverbanks and what property is at risk.

READ THE STORY: Eroding riverbank: Winnipeg couple watches land disappear before their eyes

Tourism on the river

2:20 The sinking tourism on Winnipeg’s rivers

There were once five large cruise ships running down the Red River: Paddlewheel Queen, the Paddlewheel Princess, the River Rouge, the MS Lady Winnipeg and the MS Lord Selkirk II. Now there are none.

Our reporter, Talia Ricci looks into why tourism on the Red River is a sinking activity.

READ THE STORY: The sinking tourism on Winnipeg’s rivers

Future of the Red and Assiniboine rivers

1:27 The future of Winnipeg’s waterways

Although there are many problems when it comes to Winnipeg’s waterways, some say there is still massive potential to build Winnipeg into a river city.

Global’s Lauren Mcnabb talks with local community leaders who see a potential for growth when it comes to building our rivers.

READ THE STORY: Turning Winnipeg’s rivers into a hub of activity: setbacks and solutions