Long after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II cut the ribbon on the Promenade Taché in 1984, the river-side development was looking a little worse for wear. While many community groups were investing in their properties along Taché, a plea for restoration of the Promenade was being made. Entreprises Riel was asked to lead a task force that would see to a significant investment and renewal. Designs were considered, which included a raised overlook. Soon, under the leadership of Rick Frost, the Winnipeg Foundation announced it would contribute up to $1 million towards the project. Using this commitment, Entreprises Riel made a proposal to the Federal government for funding as part of Canada’s 150^th birthday celebrations. MP Dan Vandal announced a $500,000 pledge. With these commitments on the table, it became increasingly difficult for the City of Winnipeg to ignore such an opportunity and invest in this community led initiative. After more than six years of work, we were extremely proud to take part in the official ribbon cutting ceremony on the Belvédère Saint-Boniface and the renewed Promenade Taché.

Following the flood of the century in 1997, the province announced its intention to expand the floodway capacity. With the floodway gates, and the mouth of the floodway itself being in St-Norbert, we held many conversations in the community about how this project could have a positive impact on the community beyond flood protection. We suggested that we should celebrate the engineering marvel that it is and if we were to move millions of tons of earth, why not look at ways this could be done to include recreational opportunities when the floodway is not being used during flood events. In 2004, the community was mobilized and with our partners, we lobbied government and the Floodway Expansion Authority to consider options. There was much pushback but eventually after doing public consultations, undertaking studies, and submitting reports to government, in 2007, with Mr. Roblin present, it was announced that an investment would be made. Everything takes time and, in this case, 16 years, but eventually an active transportation trail from St-Norbert to Birds Hill Park was installed and in 2020, the new Duff Roblin Park was unveiled.