City of Winnipeg Begins Construction of New Active Transportation Corridor

WINNIPEG - July 31, 2007 - Construction has commenced on Phase 1 of the City of Winnipeg’s new Active Transportation Corridor between Gateway Road and Raleigh Street.

“Active transportation is necessary to ensure a healthy and vibrant community,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “This project marks an important step in developing more environmental infrastructure for the benefit of all Winnipeggers.”

"This project will provide residents of northeast Winnipeg with both active transportation and recreation trail benefits," said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chair of the Mayor's Environmental Advisory Committee. "Our city's de-commissioned rail lines are a fantastic asset as many provide ideal linear routes towards our downtown core making active transportation options attractive."

The City’s Active Transportation Coordinator Kevin Nixon says, “Construction of Phase 1 has started and the public will see the new corridor take shape in the next few months. The facility is intended to accommodate a variety of modes of human powered transportation from walking to cycling.”

Phase 1 of the project will extend from Herbert Avenue to Springfield Road, along the rail line, with an expected opening later this fall. Phase 2 of the project, slated for 2008, will extend the corridor further north from Springfield Rd to Knowles Ave resulting in a total length of 6 kilometers. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.7 million, including a private donation from Mr. John Buhler.

Members of the public interested in additional information on the project can contact the City’s Active Transportation Coordinator at 311 or visit the River East Neighborhood Network (RENN) Trail Committee website at http://rivereast.cimnet.ca/cim/61.dhtm.