Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeggers who live, work or play near the aging Arlington Bridge are invited to share their thoughts about a new bridge throughout September, City officials and community partners announced today.
“The Arlington Bridge is a Winnipeg landmark, but it’s over 100 years old and needs to be replaced,” said Mike Pagtakhan, City Councillor for Point Douglas. “The City of Winnipeg is designing a new bridge, and input from local residents and businesses is a vital part of the process.”
Citizens can participate throughout September in three ways:
- Coming out to neighbourhood “pop-ups” and other community-led events
- Completing a five-minute survey at winnipeg.ca/betterarlington
- Posting thoughts and ideas using the hashtag #betterarlington
A full list of scheduled events is available on the City’s Better Bridge for Arlington website, winnipeg.ca/betterarlington.
During the engagement period the public will be asked to provide input on important questions such as how best to utilize surplus land near the bridge, how bridge design could improve connectivity within neighbourhoods north and south of the bridge, and what type of public art and design features would be most appropriate on the new bridge given the current structure’s 100-year history.
This fall’s campaign is also intended to help build awareness of decisions made following a previous round of public engagement. Thanks to earlier public input, a new Arlington Bridge will offer:
- Easier walking and cycling – The new bridge will be far less steep and will include protected paths and wider sidewalks.
- Better transit – A new bridge will be able to accommodate Winnipeg Transit buses, providing more direct routes and faster commutes.
- Better emergency response times – Emergency vehicles are unable to use the current bridge. A new bridge for Arlington will mean direct access for fire and paramedic services.
- Better traffic flow – An additional traffic lane will make crossing a new bridge faster and more convenient.
A community-driven Project Advisory Committee (PAC) is helping ensure that local perspectives are heard at each stage of the project. Members of the PAC represent a broad range of views, including local residents, businesses, youth, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, cyclists and organizations that help support area needs.
“Working in partnership with the City, we can build a bridge that will meet the needs of area families and businesses for generations to come,” said Dustyne Lefurgey, Programs Manager at Ndinawe, a service organization that has served area residents for nearly 25 years.
Background information on the project, including FAQs and outcomes from previous project phases is available at winnipeg.ca/betterarlington
A simulation video of the bridge design concept to date as well as other project videos are available for download here.