A sunny weekend ahead will be taken advantage of this weekend at parks and patios, but it is far from back to normal.
New health orders going into effect at midnight on Saturday will see the reopening of most businesses, restaurant dining, and larger gathering sizes for the first time in weeks.
Winnipeg's gathering spot is anticipating seeing more people than they have in the short past while this weekend.
"It may feel a bit weird to start off, to see lots of people. Take that into consideration when you do come here," Clare MacKay, the Executive Director of The Forks Foundation and Vice President of Strategic Incentives says.
While more people are expected to come to the Forks this weekend, she is not expecting their usual four-million visitors a year.
"I think people will be cautious and I think that they are correct to do that. Maybe by next year, we will be able to be in that position but I think for this year it will be great to welcome people in a safe way."
Their shops are limited to 25 per cent and the museum remains closed. MacKay reminding people that staff will be enforcing the health orders.
"We are all ready to start being able to do the things that we are good at, which is being the meeting place."
This first step in reopenings will also allow patios to open, something The Forks is preparing for.
Scott McTaggart from Fusion Grill is excited to open up his restaurant again. He says this move has been long-awaited.
"Honey, I love you, but I'm sick of eating with you. I want to see our friends," laughs McTaggart. "People can come to see their friends. And on the patio, I don't believe there are any restrictions all in that regard," he says. "I am looking forward to seeing people walking up and down the street."
The owner is envisioning sitting on the patio during a summer evening with others, something that was off the table days ago. He says the 25 per cent indoor capacity limit is difficult but welcome. McTaggart will be picking up a tray this weekend to serve his patio guests.
"The feel-good support aspect of it is super important... this is what makes us go."
He says another difficulty the restaurant businesses were and are facing is age and vaccinations. McTaggart says while they were considered essential, most restaurant staff, across the country, are young people, who were also among the last to get vaccinated.
"One of my co-workers made the observation that they use the word 'essential because it sounds a lot better than sacrifice."
The restauranteur also speaks for Academy Road businesses, says their small local businesses have stayed in business, which he believes is a testament to Manitobans supporting small businesses.
"Are salons happy to be open? You bet... these cats weren't even allowed to cut your hair in the backyard or driveway or anything."
Salons can open at a 25 per cent capacity.
MacKay says they have felt the impacts of the pandemic at The Forks on business, but says all of their tenants are still with them.
With files from Chris Wolf