Winnipeg, MB – The tree canopy along Winnipeg’s picturesque Broadway corridor will soon be a lot greener thanks to a joint investment of more than $5.4 million from the City of Winnipeg and Government of Canada.
The Government of Canada today announced a more than $3-million contribution from the Natural Infrastructure Fund, which supports – among other things – projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, mitigate carbon emissions, and promote Canadians’ access to nature.
Winnipeg is topping up the initiative with an additional $2.3 million investment.
“With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, it is more important than ever we build resilient communities to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “In partnership with the City of Winnipeg we will ensure a healthy tree canopy lies along Winnipeg’s historic Broadway. We will continue to support projects such as this, that protect our environment and support healthy and resilient communities for years to come.”
“Over a century ago, our city’s leaders had the foresight to plant these majestic elms, which have grown to become iconic features of our downtown,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Today’s investment will protect and revive the Broadway tree canopy so it continues to stand for generations to come.
Many of Broadway’s existing trees have in recent years succumbed to environmental stresses and disease. Additional boulevard trees are being removed this year as part of this year’s portion of the five-year Downtown Pavement Renewals Project.
More than 70 new trees will be planted on Broadway’s boulevards over the next two years with improved planting systems that will support the trees’ longevity and a healthier canopy.
Their addition is just one piece of a greater push to revitalize one of Winnipeg’s most iconic streets.
Work started earlier this week on this year’s portion of the pavement renewals. In addition to the monumental tree work, the project will improve roadway and sidewalk conditions on Broadway between Main Street and Osborne Street over the next two years.
The City is also supporting the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ in ongoing efforts to restore and beautify the corridor via improvements to the Broadway Centennial Fountain and new streetscaping elements like benches, bike racks, and waste receptacles.
Next, the City will with the support of the BIZ undertake Phase 2 of the Revitalization Project which will determine how to spend $600,000 in Downtown Recovery Strategy funding.
“Broadway’s character and greenspaces already encourage pedestrian activity and vibrancy downtown,” said Kate Fenske, CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “While there will undoubtedly be disruption as this work takes place, the investment is critical for improving how people experience the area, its businesses, and its attractions.”
More information on the Downtown Pavement Renewal Project is available at winnipeg.ca/downtownrenewal.