Winnipeg, August 30, 2010 - An important extension to Winnipeg’s weather protected walkway system opened today, the result of a collaborative effort between the three levels of government and numerous private sector partners.

The extension, which connects key centres in the downtown area, was officially opened by the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification; Ron Lemieux, Manitoba Minister of Local Government; and Deputy Mayor Justin Swandel, on behalf of His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg.

The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects that stimulate strategic economic initiatives and support our priorities of improving infrastructure,” said
Minister Fletcher. “The expansion of the walkway provides safe, convenient access to downtown and encourages people to live, work, and play in the heart of Winnipeg.”

“This addition creates an important link in the already extensive series of weather protected walkways,” said Minister Lemieux. “People can now move further, more freely without having to contend with the elements.”

“The weather protected walkway is a major component to the revitalization of our downtown as we connect more people to more locations for year-round accessibility," said Deputy Mayor, Councillor for St. Norbert Justin Swandel. "The City of Winnipeg is pleased with the support from our provincial and federal partners so Winnipeggers and visitors alike can enjoy downtown’s newly expanded walkway.”

The expansion was funded by both the public and private sectors, with almost $4.5 million contributed by the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement and over $1.7 million provided by cityplace, the Delta Winnipeg, and LaSalle Investment Management, the owners of 330 St. Mary Avenue. The entire project was administered by the North Portage Development Corporation.

The 625-foot expansion connects to the existing downtown walkway system and provides pedestrians with an indoor passage between the Convention Centre, the MTS Centre, Portage Place, and the Millennium Library through to Portage Avenue and Main Street.

An exterior stairway and elevator entrance provides unique, fully accessible public access to the walkway from the public sidewalk. Both the stairway and the elevator enclosure are fully glazed and offer an unobstructed view of the downtown, while ensuring visibility from the street.

The gently shifting colours of the walkway animate the experience of movement and are meant to mimic those found in nature. There are 48 subtle colour changes as one progresses along the route. The exterior features a sparkling multi-color lighting system, which at night becomes a vibrant, focal point in the downtown.

Outside the main exterior entrance at 197 Carlton Street is a fully landscaped courtyard.

The walkway extension was designed by Number Ten Architectural Group of Winnipeg. Construction began in spring 2009.