Manitoba

19-year-old charged after Canada Day stabbing at The Forks

Police called to skate park at around 7:20 p.m.

Police called to skate park at around 7:20 p.m.

Winnipeg Police Service cruiser
Police were called to several incidents on Canada Day, including an alleged assault with a weapon at The Forks skate park. (Prabhjot Singh Lotey/CBC)

A 19-year-old man has been charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats after a stabbing at The Forks on Canada Day.

Police were called to an area near the skate park at around 7:20 p.m. after an 18-year-old man was stabbed.

He was rushed to hospital in unstable condition but has since been upgraded to stable, police said.

A 19-year-old man was arrested shortly after. He was also taken to hospital to be treated for an injury from the altercation.

Police said they are known to each other.

Safety a priority: Forks

The Forks said attendence numbers aren't officially in yet, but estimate it saw a 15% increase from around 80,000 visitors in previous years.

Chelsea Thomson, who is the manager of marketing and communications, called the stabbing an "unfortunate incident on an otherwise great day of celebration."

"Our own security team works very closely with the Winnipeg Police Service for all major events on site including Canada Day," said Thomson. "The safety of visitors is a top priority here at The Forks and we are thankful to the Winnipeg police for taking such swift action."

In 2015, one male was injured in a machete attack at the skate park during Canada Day celebrations. 

Late Saturday and early Sunday, police attended four other incidents at which six other people were stabbed.​