Residents weigh in on Portage and Main proposals
Report renews debate over iconic intersection

A report regarding the future of Portage Avenue and Main Street has renewed discussions surrounding the contentious intersection, with residents weighing in on the potential of street-level pedestrian crossing.

On Tuesday, the city will release the findings of a study it commissioned in 2021 to assess upgrades for the iconic intersection. Current plans involve removing and replacing the concrete barriers that bar pedestrian passage, but future designs may be adaptable, allowing people to cross at street-level for special events, or during designated times, city documents show.

“The debate over Portage and Main has been a perennial discussion in Winnipeg for more than 40 years,” Winnipeg transportation planner Jairo Viafara said by phone Saturday. “If we are to open it, there must be a balance.”

The intersection, which spans up to eight lanes at some points, presents a particular challenge for city planners. While keeping the intersection closed to pedestrian traffic compromises accessibility, opening it will likely impact traffic flow and may frustrate stakeholders who’ve made significant investments in and around the underground concourse, he said.

Among possible solutions is a suggestion from Coun. Jeff Browaty to allow pedestrians to cross outside of peak traffic times, possibly between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. when the underground passage is closed.

Viafara was hesitant to endorse this idea, citing safety concerns because the area is surrounded by several bars and restaurants.

“I do not want pedestrians who have drinking and dancing their way through the night to step out on the street in their merriment and (be struck by a vehicle),” he said.

Pedestrian safety and economic development must be paramount concerns as the city deliberates how to improve the intersection, he said.

City officials are not exploring permanently opening the intersection, but promised to allow residents to weigh-in on the design options through an online survey.

People passing though the underground concourse Saturday afternoon voiced mixed opinions on the subject.

“It is a bit of a nuisance to have to come down particularly because… downtown has gotten a lot sketchier in the last few years,” said Francine Martin. “It doesn’t always feel (safe) and it’s dirtier than it used to be.”

Martin, who described herself as a “non-motorist” pointed to a 2018 plebiscite in which 65 per cent of people in Winnipeg voted against reopening street-level crossings at the intersection.

According to voter demographic data released at the time, people in suburban areas felt most strongly that the intersection should remain closed.

“Maybe they should survey people in the core areas who actually use this intersection as non-motorists,” Martin said. “If we’re the ones using it, or perhaps more likely to use it, then maybe our vote should count for a little bit more.”

Others passing through felt the opposite.

“I don’t think its a good idea to take the barriers down. It’s going to snarl traffic even more than it is now. It will be a complete hassle,” said Lisa, an Exchange District resident who asked to withhold her last name.

“Yeah, its a hassle to come down here, but I’d rather have that hassle (than open the intersection),” she said. “If you live (downtown), you understand why the barriers are there… We’re going to find out real fast if they allow pedestrian traffic up there how inconvenient it is.”

Another group of men, who declined an interview but paused long enough to offer their opinion, agreed.

“There’s just way too much traffic on Portage and Main,” one said.

Corey Yantha, a visitor from Halifax who found himself lost in the underground concourse, said he’s encountered similar underground crossings in other Canadian cities, but found navigating Winnipeg’s confusing.

“I think it’s pretty annoying… I don’t really know which way to go,” he said. “It should be a lot easier to get to the other side of the street.”

Others passing through had similar experiences, with one group saying they paused several times to check if they were heading the right direction.

Regardless of the proposal report, the intersection is likely to see significant construction in the near future. A waterproof membrane surrounding the underground concourse needs to be replaced and it can only be accessed from above.

Preliminary estimates suggest the project could cost between $15 million and $20 million.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca