Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is proposing to double its investment in Active Transportation Corridors in 2014, to help build safe pedestrian and cycling facilities near elementary schools in south Winnipeg.
Since 2010 the City, along with the Green Action Centre and the Winnipeg Trails Association, has been conducting a comprehensive consultation program called “Bike Walk & Roll” in Fort Richmond, aimed at identifying projects to improve Active Transportation in this neighborhood.
“Creating safer ways for children to travel to and from school is vital. Building more dedicated pedestrian corridors like this one at Dalhousie School in south Winnipeg is another step in ensuring that children and families have convenient and safer pedestrian and cycling access within their communities,” said Mayor Sam Katz.
The 2014 Preliminary Capital Budget calls for investments in Active Transportation Corridors to increase from $500,000 to $1 million in 2014.
“This additional funding will make a very significant positive impact on the quality of life of residents of the neighborhood,” said Councillor Justin Swandel, St. Norbert Ward and Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. “We will continue to work with the community to identify which projects are the highest priority.”
Other projects planned for south Winnipeg in 2014 include:
- A raised crosswalk in front of Ryerson School
- A sidewalk on Ryerson Avenue between Ryerson School and Rice Road
- A sidewalk on Patricia Avenue between Ecole St. Avila School and Kilkenny Drive
- A sidewalk and/or a multi-use pathway on Kilkenny Drive between Vassar Park and King’s Park.
Remaining funds will be spent on other projects throughout the city once the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy consultation has been completed, which is expected sometime in February.
In addition, the 2014 Budget also proposes that a further $500,000 will be spent on recreational walkways and pathways plus $250,000 will go toward new regional sidewalks, for total investments of $1.75 million.
Since 2008 the City of Winnipeg and its partners have invested over $80 million dollars into Active Transportation.
The 2014 Budget builds onthe City’s long-term Transportation Master Plan and OurWinnipeg to improve the quality of life for all citizens by fostering a transportation system that supports active, accessible and healthy lifestyle options, renewing our infrastructure, focusing on core services, and building communities through parks and recreation.
Investing in citizens’ priorities ensures that Winnipeg continues to be a great place to live, work and play, now and in the future.