Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeggers – don’t be alarmed if you see a futuristic-looking quad out on Winnipeg sidewalks this month.
It’s not a real-life Transformers moment – it is a new-to-us data collection tool designed to help the City of Winnipeg better assess, maintain, and improve sidewalk and pathway conditions.
Two sidewalk surface testers will collect data on nearly 3,200 km of asphalt and concrete sidewalks and pathways over the next few months.
“This new technology will make a real difference in how we keep sidewalks in good shape,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “By using these advanced tools, we’re improving how we assess and maintain our infrastructure, which means better service for all Winnipeggers. This is a practical step toward ensuring our sidewalks are safe and accessible for everyone.”
We have previously collected data on surfaced street, back lanes, and pathways, but not sidewalks.
The machines will record information about:
- Sidewalk length and width
- Surface material
- Tripping hazards and cracks
- Steepness
- Factors that could reduce the sidewalk’s usable width
“For the first time ever, we’re collecting citywide baseline data on the conditions of our sidewalks,” said Janice Lukes, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works. “This data will help us determine what we’re working with now, what we may need to do to keep sidewalks serviceable in the future, and how much money we require to keep Winnipeggers moving on them.”
Once the sidewalk surface testers have inventoried the whole city, we will segment the sidewalk network and assign each a general condition (new, good, fair, poor, very poor), similar to our existing street conditions assessments.
The data will help us plan renewals and maintenance activities, including helping determine whether funding amounts are adequate to meet our future service level targets.
The City plans to collect the same data in 2027 and every three years after.