WINNIPEG - November 14, 2008 – Winnipeg Transit’s newest Park and Ride location opens on Monday, November 17, 2008. The Taylor Avenue Park and Ride is located in the parking lot of the Manitoba Hydro building at 820 Taylor Avenue (Taylor and Wilton) and features electrical plug-ins for the comfort and convenience of transit customers. The new Park and Ride will be serviced by the route 39 Taylor Park and Ride which will operate express from the Park and Ride to downtown. (See Route 39 map).

Unlike the 12 other Park and Ride lots across the city, a fee will be charged for casual use and monthly parking. For more information on parking or to purchase a monthly parking pass visit the Winnipeg Parking Authority Parking Store at The Parking Store.

Funding of up to $90,000 for the Taylor Avenue Park and Ride Project is being provided by Transport Canada through their Urban Transportation Showcase Program.

How the Taylor Park and Ride works
Commuters can park their vehicle for the day by using one of the two pay stations located in the lot or purchase a monthly parking pass from the Winnipeg Parking Authority by calling 311 or emailing 311@winnipeg.ca

Casual use
Casual users may park in any stall not specifically reserved for Manitoba Hydro pass holders and should purchase a receipt from one of the two pay stations located in the lot. These pay stations will allow for the purchase of a full day’s parking at this location.

How to pay for parking
The Pay stations accept:
All coins from nickels to two dollar coins,
Visa, Mastercard and American Express
You can pay by Cell phone
Single-Use Meter Coupons are available for purchase

WINNIPEG - November 14, 2008 – The Assiniboine River Walk has been temporarily closed to pedestrian traffic due to high river levels.

The power will be temporarily turned off for the lighting system along the walkway during the high water period.

Currently, the level of the Red River is 8.7 feet James Avenue datum. The Red River is expected to crest at 8.9 feet on Saturday, November 15, 2008.

It is anticipated the river level will stay at 8.9 feet for about two days and then it will slowly decline. Once the water has receded, the condition of the walkway will be assessed and any icy conditions will be addressed before the river walk is re-opened.

River levels are dependent upon weather and levels can increase with significant rainfall.

In addition, the public are reminded that thin ice may be present on our rivers and retention ponds. This is an extremely dangerous time as open water on the rivers is swift and very cold.

Conditions may be extremely hazardous and falling through the ice can have tragic consequences. Citizens are urged to stay off the ice at this time.

WINNIPEG - November 14, 2008 – Winnipeg, MB – As part of the City of Winnipeg’s ongoing Transit Improvements Program, the public is advised that Winnipeg Transit has installed five new diamond lane locations that will become operational on Monday, November 17, 2008 on the following streets:

1. Eastbound Regent Avenue between Rougeau Avenue and Plessis Road
2. Westbound Regent Avenue between Plessis Road and Rougeau Avenue
3. Southbound Henderson Highway between Hespeler Avenue and Riverton Avenue
4. Northbound McPhillips Street between Selkirk Avenue and Inkster Boulevard
5. Southbound McPhillips Street between Inkster Boulevard and Selkirk Avenue

The installations include new overhead and side-mounted signs, lane painting, and “right lane must turn right” signs.

All of these new diamond lanes will be in effect during weekday peak periods only (07:00 – 09:00 and 15:30 – 17:30.)  Eligible users include transit vehicles, cyclists, and right-turning vehicles. Right-turning vehicles, however, must turn right at the first opportunity and “right lane must turn right” signs will be posted at appropriate locations.

Diamond lanes are specially marked traffic lanes designed to improve the speed and reliability of transit service, as well as benefiting cyclists. When motorists illegally use diamond lanes, transit service is negatively impacted in terms of travel time and reliability. As well, traffic not complying with diamond lane traffic controls can pose serious safety risks to motorists and pedestrians.

Funding for the Diamond Lane project of an estimated $2.154 million is provided by both the federal Gas Tax and Public Transit Capital Trust (PTCT) for projects that enhance transit service in communities across Manitoba.

WINNIPEG - November 14, 2008 – Winnipeg, MB – Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Reindeer Jazz and Haley will once again help generate the Christmas Spirit at several family events to be held in the city this year. 

It wouldn’t be the Santa Claus Parade (Saturday, November 15, 2008) without a live Reindeer, so Jazz will be making her fifth appearance, in the company of three miniature horses (Dusty, Daybreak and Edie), and 14 volunteer Zoo elves. Watch for them in the parade along with the Zoo’s colourful food van.

On Saturday, December 6, 2008, families are invited to pose with Jazz and her partner Haley at Family Day at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory - an event sponsored by The Friends of the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, and coordinated with the popular Festival of Trees and Lights.