Community consultations begin for three City pedestrian and cycling projects

Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is beginning community consultations for three planned pedestrian and cycling projects. Public input is a key component of these projects which include pedestrian and cycling improvements for communities in downtown, West Alexander and northwest Winnipeg.

�These projects will make it safer, easier and more enjoyable for Winnipeggers to walk or ride a bike,� said Scott Suderman, Transportation Facilities Planning Engineer. �They will improve transportation options for citizens of all ages and abilities, while ongoing public consultation will ensure the input of local stakeholders will be taken into account in the design of each project.�

The new or upgraded routes were identified as priority projects in the City's long-term Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies, which were developed following consultation with more than 3,000 citizens. In May, City Council approved the 2015 Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan which included these three projects. Planned community consultation for specific projects identified in the Action Plan is the next step in the process.

The locations to be studied include:

Project #1: Downtown Bike Lane System - Connecting the Forks to the Exchange District (Fort St., Garry St. & The Forks to Assiniboine Ave. Connection)

• Develop a plan to upgrade the existing bike lanes on Fort Street and Garry Street as well as an improved connection between the Assiniboine Avenue protected bicycle lanes and the new Forks protected bicycle lanes. The goal is to enable people of all ages and abilities to cycle between the Forks and the Exchange District.

Project #2: West Alexander Pedestrian and Cycling Corridor - Connecting McPhillips St. to Sherbook St.

• Develop a plan for a safe and convenient cycling connection between McPhillips Street and Sherbrook Street that will improve connectivity between the West Alexander community and the Exchange District.

Project #3: Northwest Hydro Corridor Pedestrian and Cycling Path

• Explore using an existing hydro corridor to create a multi-kilometre pathway in northwest Winnipeg which will connect numerous neighborhoods, schools, recreational facilities and workplaces.

For more information about these projects, please visit winnipeg.ca/walkbikeprojects

Each project will start with engaging citizens, businesses and other community stakeholders. The public will have a number of opportunities to ask questions and provide input on the three projects, including:

• A comprehensive public engagement website where citizens will be able to view maps of the proposed routes, submit questions and offer feedback (available later this fall);
• Targeted stakeholder meetings and walkabouts with businesses and residents who are directly on the routes;
• A series of community events that will ensure that local input and concerns are considered as part of the planning decisions;
• â�œTire Talksâ�� where members of the public can discuss issues and tour the sites with project team members; and
• Additional community events where results of the community consultations will be presented and discussed.

Watch for more information coming soon with details about opportunities to participate. Or, please join our email list to be notified about upcoming public engagement opportunities and follow the City of Winnipeg on Twitter and Facebook.

More information on the City's plans to improve walking and cycling options for citizens of all ages and abilities can be found online at City of Winnipeg - Pedestrian Cycling Strategies.