Spring can mean many things to different people, from the anticipation of an end to the school year to the return of the sun and warmth in northern climates. Springtime after a cold winter can be a relief beyond just the knowledge that summer is coming. Anyone familiar with the extreme cold that can dominate a winter in Winnipeg, Manitoba will understand the relief people feel when spring finally comes and they can put away their big parkas and boots, and store the mittens and toques in a closet for another year. As temperatures rise towards the freezing point, people realize that the time of winter hibernation is almost over.
One of the recurring themes in Winnipeg is the possibility of flooding in the spring. Set at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, Winnipeg experiences floods on a regular basis, exacerbated by the flat terrain in the area. Historical documents show that the two worst floods on record occurred in 1950, when 10,000 homes were flooded, and 1997, when a late spring blizzard in Manitoba and late thaw further up the Red River caused a sudden, large increase in the amount of water flowing through. After the 1950 flood, the government commissioned the building of the floodway to divert water from the Red River around the east side of Winnipeg. The large ditch has saved Winnipeg homes many times, but in 1997, not only were many of the towns and municipalities along the river badly damaged, but Winnipeg homes also sustained considerable damage.
Spring is about far more than floods in Winnipeg. The weather can be variable, with warm spells often followed by the return to icy days when temperatures reach winter levels. Weather statistics show overall rising temperatures as the hours of daylight increase and snow eventually melts. March can be colder than the preceding months, but eventually the cold gives way to the warmth of spring. Crocus shoots begin to sprout through the remaining snow, the buds begin to grow on the trees, and soon the fruit trees begin to blossom. Once the sand and salt on the winter roads are cleaned up, Winnipeg begins to look fresh, clean, and spring-like.
With the coming of spring, a new set of activities begin. When Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are done, many Winnipeggers begin to look forward to Festival du Voyageur, a tribute to Canada’s French communities. Snow sculptures, special events, and ethnic food are all part of the celebrations as people gather together to explore the past and present influence of the French on Canadian life.
The transformation from winter to spring is a special time in Winnipeg, with new activities for everyone and the beauties of the changing season to enjoy.
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