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WFP Editorial: Province must resume role in transit funding (May12'26)
by Beth McKechnie 12 May '26

12 May '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. EDITORIAL Province must resume role in transit funding https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/2026/05/12/province-mu… FOR a province that claims to be serious about fighting climate change, reducing traffic congestion and building more livable communities, Manitoba’s approach to public transit makes very little sense. The provincial government has found room in its budgets for broad-based tax cuts on gasoline and groceries — measures that disproportionately benefit higher-income households — yet it continues to leave Winnipeg Transit largely on its own financially. That needs to change. The Kinew government should restore the 50/50 transit funding agreement with the City of Winnipeg, a long-standing arrangement scrapped by the former Progressive Conservative government in 2016. Under that model, transit operating costs were shared equally between the province and the city. Its cancellation was penny-wise and pound-foolish. A decade later, the consequences are showing up every day at bus stops across Winnipeg. Transit service has deteriorated. Riders routinely deal with buses that don’t show up, overcrowded buses that pass them by and unreliable schedules that make getting to work, school or appointments unnecessarily stressful. Even the city’s much-publicized new transit network, implemented last year, failed to solve the core problem because it reshuffled routes and eliminated hundreds of bus stops without adding the resources needed to improve service. You can redesign routes all you want, but if there aren’t enough buses, drivers and operating dollars behind the system, riders will still be stranded. That frustration was on full display Saturday at the Manitoba legislature, where more than 100 demonstrators gathered to call for better transit funding. Organized by Climate Action Team Manitoba and the Amalgamated Transit Union, the rally featured a simple but powerful message: more buses, more routes and more reliable service. Public transit is not a luxury service, it is essential infrastructure. For many Winnipeggers — particularly students, seniors, low-income residents and people with disabilities — public transit is their primary connection to jobs, education, health care and daily life. When buses are unreliable, those residents pay the highest price. The province often talks about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation is one of the largest contributors to emissions in Manitoba. If government genuinely wants fewer cars on the road, it must provide people with a realistic alternative. Reliable public transit reduces congestion, lowers emissions and cuts wear and tear on roads and infrastructure. But the City of Winnipeg cannot shoulder the burden alone. Winnipeg will spend roughly $128.6 million on transit operations in 2026, increasing to $133.8 million in 2027, excluding fare revenue. Provincial operating support, meanwhile, has remained flat at about $42 million since 2017. Adjusted for inflation, that’s a funding cut. The province deserves some credit for dedicating about $10 million in its 2026 budget to provide free transit for kindergarten to Grade 12 students in several Manitoba communities, including Winnipeg. That policy may help families with costs and encourage younger people to use transit. But free fares are of limited value if buses are late, overcrowded or absent altogether. Governments reveal their priorities through spending decisions, and right now Manitoba is prioritizing politically popular tax cuts over longterm investments in public infrastructure. Broad-based tax reductions on gasoline and groceries may generate headlines, but they are poorly targeted tools for affordability. Higher-income households benefit the most because they spend more on fuel and consumer goods. Meanwhile, those tax cuts drain public revenues that could be used for more pressing needs. Restoring 50/50 transit funding would not solve every challenge facing Winnipeg Transit overnight, but it would represent a serious commitment to building a transportation system that is reliable, accessible and capable of meeting the needs of a growing city.

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WFP: Ready, set… MERGE: it’s construction time again (May9'26)
by Beth McKechnie 11 May '26

11 May '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Ready, set… MERGE: it’s construction time again City has $158M in budget for roads https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/05/08/ready-set-merge-c… THE orange traffic cones, road signs and work crews appearing all over the city mean the annual race has begun to complete all of the street construction projects planned before the end of the year. There is an estimated $156.8 million in the civic budget for local and regional road improvement this year. “The season is intense, because we have a short window of time,” Coun. Janice Lukes, the public works committee chair said Friday, kicking off the city’s construction season alongside Mayor Scott Gillingham. This year’s major projects include the rehabilitation of the Lagimodiere twin overpass, a new bike lane on Edmonton Street and the renewal of St. Mary’s Road from the south Perimeter to the Floodway. “Every spring, of course, one of the big questions that Winnipeggers ask us is: ‘What roads are getting fixed this year and when will it begin?’ The answer, of course… is a lot of them,” Gillingham said. Work to demolish the Arlington Bridge is also set to start this season. The city said in total, crews will be constructing or improving 175-lane kilometres of roads, improving 50 sidewalk locations and working on 15 kilometres of bike lanes and active transportation pathways. The corridor pathway from Church Avenue to Selkirk Avenue and from Leila Avenue to Daylan Marshall Gate Park, was highlighted Friday alongside the introduction of a protected bike lane on Sherbrook Street from Broadway to Cumberland Avenue. Budget allocations for road improvements dropped slightly this year. Last year, the city dedicated $165 million for street improvements. Both figures are part of a larger, $1.1-billion capital plan to fix roads over six years, which Gillingham said is the largest such investment in Winnipeg’s history. “We know that construction season can be frustrating,” he said. “Nobody likes detours, lane reductions or orange cones but, of course, every one of these projects is about improving how people move around our city — whether they drive, bike, walk or take transit.” Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association CEO Shaun Jeffrey said businesses need early and accurate information from the city on how construction projects are going to affect their customers’ access. “It’s huge. It’s massive,” he said, noting the restaurant industry is already struggling because of inflation. Jeffrey said he would like the city to proactively reach out to industry groups such as his to ensure they know what they’re up against as a result of planned street work. “Nobody… wants to sit on a patio with construction sitting in front of it,” he said. Gillingham said city staff will ensure there is proper communication, both printed and online. Businesses will benefit in the long run from better infrastructure for decades to come, he said. “Our staff will be — and should be — doing all they can to mitigate the timeline of the work that’s being done, to get the projects up, staged (and) completed as soon as possible.” morgan.modjeski(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca>

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WFP: Activists, union call on province to match Transit funding (May9'26)
by Beth McKechnie 11 May '26

11 May '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Activists, union call on province to match Transit funding https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/05/09/activists-union-c… DEMONSTRATORS brought a city bus Saturday to the stairs of the Manitoba legislature, where more than 100 people called on the province to better support transit through dedicated funding. “My parents actually met in 1966 on the Ellice bus, so transit has a long history in my family,” said musician John Samson Fellows, who wrote a new song specifically for the event. “The overarching theme is contained in the [song’s] phrase: ‘More buses. More routes. More accessible to everyone.’” Organized by Climate Action Team Manitoba and the local Amalgamated Transit Union, the rally called for a 50/50 transit-funding agreement that would see increases in city transit spending split dollar-for-dollar with the province moving forward. Kakeká Thundersky, the action team’s northern and rural engagement coordinator, said the restoration of 50/50 funding by the province — cancelled in 2016 by the former Conservative government — would make transit better and life easier for her and her two daughters. “Right now, riding the bus is kind of hit-or-miss,” she said. “I wouldn’t have to leave an hour before something just to get there. “There’s been so many times we’ve been turned around because there’s not enough room for us. Then there’s been times where there is space for us, but (it’s) overcrowded, so there’s nowhere to sit.” She hopes more resources for transit would also lead to fewer cars on the road, less pollution and a healthier environment for her kids. The union representing transit drivers also called for more investment in transit. “With proper funding, it makes the routes more reliable and it makes drivers a lot less stressed,” said James Van Gerwan, president of ATU 1505, which represents 1,400 drivers in Winnipeg and Brandon. As Winnipeg’s population grows, the transit system needs to keep up, he said. “We need to build a city that’s built around transit, not build transit around the city.” Excluding service revenue, Winnipeg will spend about $128.6 million in 2026 and increase that to $133.8 million in 2027, according to the city’s budget. Provincial funding spent on Winnipeg Transit has stayed flat since 2017 at roughly $42 million, according to budget documents. In its 2026 budget, the province dedicated about $10 million to provide free transit to students in kindergarten through Grade 12 in Winnipeg, Brandon, Selkirk and Flin Flon. Glen Simard, Manitoba’s minister of municipal relations, was not made available for an interview, but said in a statement that the province is investing in transit. “We’ve increased support for municipalities year after year because we know strong communities depend on reliable, stable and predictable funding increases,” he said. The statement did not address calls for 50/50 funding, but said the introduction of free transit for students will help families with the cost of living while encouraging more people to use public transit. In an emailed statement Saturday, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham’s office said the city would welcome any additional funding support for transit from other levels of government. morgan.modjeski(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca>

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WFP: Suspended drive struck cyclist (May8'26)
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '26

08 May '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. SUSPENDED DRIVER STRUCK CYCLIST: POLICE WINNIPEG police say a pickup truck driver who struck a cyclist near Dugald and Murdock roads in Transcona on Wednesday had a suspended licence. Winnipeg Police Service officers were called at about 5:30 a.m.; they found an injured 23-year-old man in the ditch off Dugald Road, just east of Murdock Road, and gave him first aid until paramedics arrived. The man was taken to hospital, where he remains in critical, but stable, condition, police said on Thursday. The driver of the Dodge Ram pickup, a 27-year-old woman, remained at the scene and co-operated with officers, police said. Traffic investigators have confirmed she was driving with a suspended licence. They’re still investigating the case and have asked anyone with potentially relevant video footage, including from dashcams, security cameras or cell phones, to call their office at 204-986-7085<tel:204-986-7085>. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477<tel:204-786-8477>.

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WFP: Feedback wanted on final design for Omand’s Creek bridge (May7'26)
by Beth McKechnie 07 May '26

07 May '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Feedback wanted on final design for Omand’s Creek bridge https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/this-just-in/feedback-wanted-on-final-des… The public is being asked for input on the final design of the new Omand’s Creek pedestrian bridge. The City of Winnipeg has now examined several designs for the bridge and want the public to say which is their favourite, said a city release Thursday. The current bridge needs to be replaced, as it’s poorly designed and prone to flooding. Residents are being asked about how the proposed designs support people in the park and how well it balances accessibility with nature. An online survey is open until June 14. Residents can also attend two drop-in events on June 2 at the park and June 9 at the Wolseley Farmers Market. More information about the designs and the survey can be found at winnipeg.ca/omandscreekbridge.<http://winnipeg.ca/omandscreekbridge> * * * * * [Survey link: https://winnipeg.surveymonkey.com/r/2QJXSPW]

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WFP: Cyclist struck in south Transcona (May7'26)
by Beth McKechnie 07 May '26

07 May '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. CYCLIST STRUCK IN SOUTH TRANSCONA A CYCLIST is recovering in hospital after a crash with a pickup truck in South Transcona early Wednesday morning. First responders were called to the area of Dugald Road, near Murdock Road, around 5:30 a.m., a Winnipeg Police Service spokesperson said. One person, a cyclist, was transported to hospital in critical condition, but later upgraded to stable, WPS said. Investigators were spotted taking photos of the scene, while other police deployed a drone to capture an aerial view. A black pickup truck was parked on the shoulder of the road, near what appeared to be a bent bicycle laying in the ditch. More info: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/crash-cyclist-dugald-winnipeg-9.718…

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WFP: City seeks consultant to design permanent Wellington bike lanes (May2'26)
by Beth McKechnie 02 May '26

02 May '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. City seeks consultant to design permanent Wellington bike lanes https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/05/01/city-seeks-consul… PERMANENT bike lanes on Wellington Crescent will be designed soon, as the city prepares to build them next year. “Wellington is a very popular street that people bike on because it’s a beautiful street, except this little section. This little section is horrible to bike on … It’s a dangerous gap (in the cycling network) and it’s on a curve and it’s narrow,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of public works. The city is now seeking a consultant to design the separated lanes, which a request for proposal deems a “high priority” to address, noting the location’s close proximity to protected bike lanes on River and Stradbrook avenues, as well as a seasonal bike route further west on Wellington. “This is one that’s been really brought up as a concern by the cycling community,” said Lukes. The winning contractor will design two options for separated bike lanes on Wellington Crescent, from Academy Road (at the Maryland Bridge) to Stradbrook Avenue. Money has been set aside for construction, though city council will vote on the final design. Last month, city councillors opted to bump up plans to build the permanent bike lanes in 2027, instead of 2029, and scrap a long-awaited temporary bike lane pilot project for the area. Dozens of Winnipeg cyclists lobbied against that move, insisting the interim measures were desperately needed. The pilot project was originally expected last summer before it was delayed to 2026 and, ultimately, cancelled. Lukes said the city should focus on permanent bike lanes instead, which will convert more space from boulevards and less from roads, allow planning to help prevent apartment delivery drop-off points from interfering with the lanes and save money. “If we put in an interim (solution), we’re just going to rip it out next year, so that just … didn’t make fiscal sense to many of us … (And) we want to provide a permanent one that would provide a higher level of safety for the cyclists,” she said. This section of Wellington currently has a speed limit of 50 km/h, which city council has voted to reduce to 40 km/h this spring and summer. Lukes said the final design will help determine whether that limit will be made permanent. The city plans to award the design contract by June 4 and begin construction on the bike lanes in spring 2027. It budgeted $300,000 for the work. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca> X: @joyanne_pursaga

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WFP: Speed limits set to drop on seasonal bike routes (Apr30'26)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Apr '26

30 Apr '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. SPEED LIMITS SET TO DROP ON SEASONAL BIKE ROUTES DRIVERS will need to slow down on the city’s seasonal bike routes, beginning Friday. The following reduced speed limits will kick in on stretches of four routes that otherwise have speed limits of 50 km/h: ● Lyndale Drive, from Cromwell Street to Gauvin Street (30 km/h) ● Wellington Crescent, from Academy Road to Guelph Street (30 km/h) ● Churchill Drive, between Hay Street and Jubilee Avenue (30 km/h) ● Kilkenny Drive between Burgess Avenue and Kings Drive/ Kings Drive between Kilkenny Drive and Patricia Avenue (40 km/h) Speed reductions at each site will be in effect at all hours once signs are installed and continue until mid-October. The routes create calmer travel paths for cyclists between May and October. Turn requirements at select intersections will take effect during weekends in May, June, September and October, and at all hours in July and August.

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WFP: Man, 33, charged in crash that killed mother of three (Apr27'26)
by Beth McKechnie 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Man, 33, charged in crash that killed mother of three https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/04/26/man-33-charged-in… A 33-year-old man has been charged after a mother of three was struck and killed by a vehicle on Abinojii Mikanah last September. The man was charged April 21 with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and driving while disqualified, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Sunday. He was released on an undertaking. Police did not release the name of the accused. Omotayo Samuel-Pepple, 49, was struck on Sept. 16 while waiting at a bus stop when an eastbound vehicle veered off Abinojii Mikanah near St. Mary’s Road. The vehicle hit a guard rail and flipped. The driver remained on scene, police said. Samuel-Pepple was rushed to hospital in critical condition but died two days later. Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Claude Chancy wouldn’t provide details about the exact circumstances of the crash, but said there was evidence of “imprudence” and the accused’s driver’s licence was suspended at the time of the crash. “It was an avoidable incident,” he said Sunday. Chancy wouldn’t say whether the suspect is known to police. The crash happened a little over seven months ago but charges were just recently authorized by the Manitoba Prosecution Service. Samuel-Pepple’s sister told the Free Press last fall the family had been given few details about what caused the collision. “It’s been frustrating, shocking and sudden,” Mary Oloyede said at the time. Samuel-Pepple arrived in Winnipeg in January 2025 as an international student and was studying human resource management at the University of Manitoba. “She was just peaceful, easygoing,” Oloyede said of her older sister. “Everyone who had an encounter with her would tell you she was a good person. She wasn’t the kind of person to make trouble. She was just a lovely person at heart. I am privileged to have her as a sister… the closest person to me.” Oloyede declined to speak to the Free Press Sunday. Samuel-Pepple’s husband and three children, a 21-year-old daughter and two sons aged 17 and 14, all lived in Nigeria at the time of the crash. Oloyede said her sister worked at one of the YMCA locations in the city and was on her way home when she was struck. At the time, Coun. Janice Lukes, who chairs the city’s public works committee and sits on the Transit Advisory Board, said the city would review the crash to see if safety improvements are needed at the site. On Sunday, a city spokesperson said the public service is planning to review the intersection and will forward any new safety recommendations for consideration, but did not provide a timeline on the review. nicole.buffie(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca>

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CBC: Man charged more than 7 months after fatal Abinojii Mikanah pedestrian collision: Winnipeg police
by Beth McKechnie 26 Apr '26

26 Apr '26

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Omotayo Samuel-Pepple, 49, was fatally struck by a vehicle while waiting for a bus on Sept. 16, 2025 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-police-abinojii-mikanah-pe…

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