Hi all - please pass this to anyone interested in AT in Winnipeg / Manitoba.
While much can be said about AT and activities (and a lot was said a lot pre
- election!) - I will aim summarize into three areas:
1. WINNIPEG TRAILS ASSOCIATION COORDINATOR UPDATE
As mentioned in a previous update - the Winnipeg Trails Association
currently has no funding to hire a coordinator.
All funding WTA has received in the past is project based funding - related
to specific projects.
Partners and I are working to file an application to the Province of
Manitoba in hopes of securing funding to 'Collect Baseline AT Data' related
to trails, cycling and usage. Any updates / AT engagements I am involved in
are in a volunteer capacity. Rivers West - Red River Corridor Inc. has
contracted me to work on some of their special environmental projects. I am
very appreciated of the support they have provided to the Winnipeg Trails
Association over the years in the areas of finance, advice and
administration.
If any of you are interested in volunteering on some darn interesting trails
projects - please feel free to contact me. If you would like to receive AT
information, please consider signing up to:
Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba List serve:
http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/at-network
Bike to the Future:
http://biketothefuture.org/get-involved/join-bike-to-the-future
WTA updates will be limited to significant announcements going forward.
2. CITY OF WINNIPEG
CAPITAL BUDGET 2012 http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/
The preliminary 2012 capital budget is currently in the approval process.
You may recall in the 2011 budget - the 'recreational walkways and
pathways' was cut in half from $1M to $500 / year - for the next 5 years.
This year the budget remains the same, $500K / year for the next 5 years for
'recreational walkways and pathways' (fyi: 1km of asphalt = $400,000)
AT Corridors (on road cycling infrastructure) also stays the same at $500K.
Last year when questioned on the cuts to the 'recreational walkways and
pathways' budget - Mayor Sam responded by saying while it APPEARED the
budget was reduced - it really wasn't - it was merely the way finance was
accounting for AT and he promised to better reflect AT expenditures in the
2012 budget. This year there is a page (page 3-2) showing projected AT
projects for the next 3 years RELATED to roadway projects. This is great for
a lot of reasons; transparency, planning, consultation, budgeting, etc.
ALSO, in 2007, the Province provided the City of Winnipeg with $6 M over 5
years to put towards trail projects. That money has now been spent.
Personally, I am still challenged on amount being spent on AT - but - that
is another discussion.
AT PROJECTS:
The Active Transportation Advisory Committee recommended projects Feb /
March 2010 to occur in the 2011 construction season. The list is reviewed by
the Director of Public Works - and then goes to Standing Policy Committee /
Public Works for approval. We are still waiting to hear from the Standing
Policy Committee / Public Works for approval for the 2011 AT list of
projects (yes, this is no typo- 2011)
In theory, once the 2012 budget passes this month, ATAC recommends 2012
construction projects to Director of Public Works, which then goes to
Standing Policy Committee / Public Works for approval - and work starts for
the 2012 construction season. One AT coordinator working in the City in
Active Transportation arena - combined with great demand - is presenting
huge challenges in moving AT forward.
On a good note - check out the attached photos of the brand new ped / cycle
bridge under construction - located on the Northeast Pioneers Greenway and
OVER the Chief Peguis expansion!
AT ADVISORY COMMITTEES:
Am volunteering my time to sit as an AT advisor on the following committees
- and working with trail groups directly impacted.
If anyone would like information / update - please contact me.
- U of M Event Day Stadium Advisory Committee
- Pembina Hwy AT Advisory Group
- Red River Crossing from U of M to St. Vital Public Advisory Committee
- CentrePort and Active Transportation
3. PROVINCE OF MANITOBA
Many others along with myself clearly identified and ensured Provincial
candidates were made aware of active transportation challenges &
opportunities throughout Manitoba.
Prior to the election, the Provincial Government requested recommendations
on how to move AT forward. A report was put forward
http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf and Premier Selinger,
once elected, yet again personally committed to me to continue moving
forward on an Active Transportation Strategy. To date, I have heard nothing
more on that commitment. Maybe others have.
IN SUMMARY
AT can tremendously improve our quality of life and health in Manitoba.
We've all seen great strides forward. I am concerned we have heard nothing
from our Provincial leaders on active transportation in since being
re-elected - but, ever the optimist, I hold great hope for 2012 !
Check out this brilliant little video - of Sean Quigley, an Oak Park student
playing his drums on the stunningly beautiful Harte Trail - way to go
Sean!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM&feature=email> &feature=email
Happy Holidays!
Janice
Janice Lukes
Manager, Special Projects
Rivers West - Red River Corridor Inc
235-614 Des Meurons Street
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9
Cell (204) 952-4222
Fax (204) 237-4618
<mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca> jlukes(a)riverswest.ca
<http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/> www.WinnipegTrails.ca
Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee
Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group
Friendly reminder regarding this Wednesday's webinar from Transport Canada.
Please join us at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) for a group
viewing followed by discussion. RSVPs not required but welcomed.
thanks!
Beth
*Integrated Sustainable Transportation in Saint John, NB*
*December 7, 2011, 12:30-1:30pm CST*
Craig Campbell, City of Saint John
In order to avoid building up to five new parking garages in the downtown
core in the next few years, the City of Saint John has partnered with the
Saint John Transit Commission and the Saint John Parking Commission to
promote transit, ridesharing, cycling, and walking. The City's goals are to
reduce the demand on their transportation infrastructure and increase the
use of alternative modes of travel such as transit, carpooling, cycling, or
walking.
The City of Saint John is taking a multi-pronged approach to transportation
demand management. Initiatives such as implementing a NextBus GPS system,
expanding the RideShare carpooling program, and prioritizing active
transportation users during road construction have proven successful in
encouraging the shift to sustainable transportation.
--
*Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options
<http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action
Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/>
<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>
3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us
here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>
Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living.
Support our work by becoming a
member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>
Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a
local viewing of the APBP webinar on* "Accessibility in Work Zones" *at the
EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion. An
important topic given the challenges pedestrians and cyclists faced this
summer (and will do so again next year) with the work on Osborne Bridge,
among other projects.
RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then!
cheers,
Beth
925-3772
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents:
Accessibility in Work Zones
Wednesday, December 14th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST
High-quality pedestrian and bicycle accessibility in work zones begins with
policy that is carried out consistently through planning, project
development and construction. Attend this webinar to learn best
practices[image:
work-zone] for handling bicycle and pedestrian travel during construction
operations. Attendees will hear how the Minnesota DOT has developed its
standards for Temporary Pedestrian Access Routes (TPARs), including a
workshop, demonstration project and focus group evaluation.
Presenters from Boulder, Colorado, will discuss how that city worked with
developers, contractors and decision-makers to develop a new work zone
traffic control policy that establishes policies and procedures for
pedestrian and bicycle travel during construction operations and identifies
criteria for closing the PROW and designating alternate routes.
--
*Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options
<http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action
Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/>
<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>
3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us
here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>
Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living.
Support our work by becoming a
member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>