August 2020 - AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

TONS Seeks Urban Transportation Consultant
by Beth McKechnie 31 Aug '20

31 Aug '20

From: Samantha Rodeck <info(a)tonsmb.org> Date: Mon, Aug 31, 2020 at 10:09 AM Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS) is looking to hire an Urban Transportation Consultant to help fulfill its mandate of informing and educating Manitobans on transportation options that enhance quality of life and promote age-friendly communities. Attached is the job description to be shared within your networks and to those who you know would be interested in applying. The *application deadline is 3:00pm on September 11*, 2020. If you have any questions, please email Samantha at info(a)tonsbmb.org Thank you, Samantha Rodeck Executive Director (204) 799-1788 [image: signature_349093641]

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WFP: Bike Dump - Volunteers pedal passion at bike shop (Aug31'20)
by Beth McKechnie 31 Aug '20

31 Aug '20

*Volunteers pedal passion at bike shop* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/finding-life-with-wheel-meaning-572… FOR someone who spent the first 33 years of life in California, it seems odd that Edward Cloud would enjoy riding a bicycle in frigid winter temperatures. “I remember the first time I rode in -45 weather for 10 or 15 kilometres. I just felt so vibrantly alive — more alive than I ever felt,” said Cloud. “I’ve never found anything to be enjoyable in that way.” Cloud’s love of cycling turned into a volunteer role at the Bike Dump, a volunteer-run, community bicycle shop. Started in 2005, the Bike Dump strives to make cycling accessible to all by offering access to tools and a space where people can fix their bikes for free. People can also use recycled bike frames and parts to build their own bike. Volunteers are available at the shop, which is located at the back of Red Road Lodge at Main Street and Logan Avenue, to help guide people through repairs and bike-building projects. Cloud, who lives in the North End, is committed to making the community a better place. “I’ve made it my personal mission to try to spend most of my life making things better for people. Volunteering at the Bike Dump is one of the ways I do that.” Darcee Lytwyn began attending the Bike Dump’s women, queer and trans night on Mondays in 2017 so she could learn how to repair her bike. She started volunteering last winter and says it’s “the grit and the passion” that she loves about being involved. “Everyone’s enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with you,” Lytwyn said. “It’s a great space for discovery and for learning all together.” Riley McMurray has volunteered at the Bike Dump for almost 10 years and enjoys it because he can immediately see the effect of his efforts. “You’re actually working with someone and you see them ride out with the bike they just built with you that day. You can really tell how much it means to them,” he said. “Sometimes they’ll tell you they need that bike to get to work tomorrow. It can really be a lifeline.” The Bike Dump is currently closed to the public as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic. It’s disappointing to all of the volunteers. The shop is hoping to offer limited hours soon. In the meantime, volunteers are helping folks by appointment on a limited basis. The Bike Dump is always looking for volunteers, Cloud says. They are expecting to hold some shop clean-up nights in the coming weeks, which is a great way for new volunteers to learn about the Bike Dump’s methods. Anyone interested in volunteering can email winnipegbikedump@gmail. com. No experience is necessary. Although the pandemic has weighed heavily on Bike Dump volunteers at times, Lytwyn says that interacting with the group online has reminded her what a special place the bike shop is. “As we’ve been organizing in our Zoom calls and our emails, it’s just been evident how our volunteers have the biggest hearts,” she said. “They care for the community and they care so much for each other.”

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CTV: A new active transportation route could link St. Boniface and Downtown (Aug27'20)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Aug '20

29 Aug '20

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/a-new-active-transportation-route-could-link-st… WINNIPEG -- The City of Winnipeg is seeking the public’s feedback on an active transportation route linking the St. Boniface and Downtown neighbourhoods. Through this initiative, called the St. Boniface to Downtown Walk Bike Project, the city would aim to improve travel options, accessibility, and connectivity between the Esplanade Riel footbridge/Provencher Bridge and the multi-use path on Archibald Street, south of Nairn Avenue. The city’s pedestrian and cycling strategies, which city council has approved, identify a connection between these two areas as a priority. As part of the first phase of the preliminary design study, the team working on the project is looking for Winnipeggers to provide information on how they travel through this area, and what type and routing of infrastructure would best meet their needs. To provide feedback online, <https://engage.winnipeg.ca/stboniface-walk-bike> Winnipeggers can conduct an online survey or use an online mapping tool on the project’s website. These tools will be available until Sept. 23. The city is also providing walking tours of the area, where residents can identify barriers and opportunities. These tours leave from the St. Boniface City Hall at 219 Provencher Boulevard and take place on two dates in September. The walking tours are on Tuesday, Sept. 15 and Tuesday, Sept. 22, with the north tours taking place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the south tours taking place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. During these events, project team members will be at St. Boniface City Hall to talk to anyone who wants to give input, but doesn’t want to or can’t participate in the walking tour. If the weather doesn’t allow for the walking tours, they will be cancelled. Instead, the project staff will stay inside St. Boniface City Hall to answer questions and discuss the initiative. Participants must register for the walking tours by contacting them at stbtodowntown(a)winnipeg.ca.

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WFP: Study urges traffic changes in school zones (Aug29'20)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Aug '20

29 Aug '20

*Study urges traffic changes in school zones * * Calls for reducing speeds all day on more streets* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/study-urges-traffic-changes-in-scho… A REPORT on school zone speeding in the East Kildonan-Transcona area has prompted the city’s public works department to make recommendations to get more drivers to obey school-zone speed limits. Tasked with investigating speed violations in the neighbourhood, the city department delivered a report to the East Kildonan-Transcona Community Committee, which found 11,195 tickets were issued in the neighbourhood’s reduced-speed school zones in 2018. The majority of tickets were issued through photo enforcement while 237 were issued through traditional police enforcement. Of the photo enforcement tickets, more than 90 per cent involved reduced speed zones at three schools: River Elm with 6,390 tickets, The King’s School with 2,276 tickets and École Riviere Rouge, where 1,367 tickets were issued. The report recommends expanding school zones beyond streets immediately bordering schools to ensure all parents and children within the 1.6 km walking zone of the school have access to safe streets, increasing the 30 km/h rules to a 24-hour, seven days a week schedule to reduce confusion about holidays and evenings, and expanding school zones to middle and high schools. It recommended removing the requirement that school zones be implemented on non-regional streets in favour of a policy based on road classification, fencing, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and other factors. Also, it recommended following the City of Calgary in implementing reduced- speed zones near playgrounds. There are 240 reduced speed school zones throughout Winnipeg. These zones have a maximum speed of 30 km/h which are in effect from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday from September to June. In an email statement Friday, Winnipeg Police Service said “reduced speed school zones throughout the city see fluctuations and variances in detected offences.” Though the study was only conducted for East Kildonan-Transcona, the city confirmed a wider study on road safety is underway, and will review reduced speed school zones efficacy in other areas of the city. Despite high levels of infractions in some school zones, police data found motorists generally reduce speeds to comply with school zones, and typically drive below the 50 km/h limit in effect during non-school hours. Feedback from six school districts in the city overwhelmingly indicated that the reduced-speed school zones improve student safety, according to the report. Further evidence from a study conducted in Edmonton found that reducing speed from 50 km/h to 30 km/h resulted in a 45 per cent reduction in fatal and non-fatal injury collisions and a 55 per cent reduction in injuries to vulnerable road users. The report comes in the midst of other municipal investigations into street safety measures, including a possible 30 km/h speed limit on all residential streets. If this limit were to come into play, reduced-speed school zones may not be necessary, the report said. julia-simone.rutgers(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Job Posting - Managing Director position @ The WRENCH
by Anders Swanson 29 Aug '20

29 Aug '20

Morning. Please pass on this exciting opportunity <https://thewrench.ca/tag/job-posting/> to anyone you think might be a great fit for a great organization! Anders

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NACTO guide: Setting safe speed limits on urban streets
by Beth McKechnie 26 Aug '20

26 Aug '20

*City Limits: Setting Safe Speed Limits on Urban Streets* A new guide <https://pedbikeinfo.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ae385fc8506278c2e45…> from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) outlines how to use a tested, context-sensitive safe systems approach to strategically set safer speed limits on urban streets to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. This three-method approach provides an alternative to percentile-based speed limit setting: 1) setting default speed limits on many streets at once; 2) designating slow zones in sensitive areas; and 3) setting corridor speed limits on high priority major streets using a Safe Speed Study. These approaches allow cities to holistically evaluate who is using streets and how people are using them. City Limits <https://pedbikeinfo.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ae385fc8506278c2e45…> is free to download and is part of a larger conversation about how to make streets safe for everyone.

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WFP: Local tech firm studies near-misses in bid to prevent collisions, make roads safer (Aug25'20)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Aug '20

25 Aug '20

Local tech firm studies near-misses in bid to prevent collisions, make roads safer DETOUR FROM DISASTER https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/detour-from-disaster-572209962.h… SERIOUS traffic accidents and fatalities have fallen dramatically over the past 50 years, but that decline has now plateaued and traffic fatalities remain the eighth leading cause of death around the world. MicroTraffic, a Winnipeg technology company, is using artificial intelligence to take a different approach to mitigating this ongoing public safety issue. It uses data from existing traffic cameras to identify intersections and roadways where the largest numbers of near-misses occur and is helping municipalities leverage that data into creating safer streets. MicroTraffic, which recently received funding to hire three more people from the province’s Innovation Growth program (which will bring its workforce up to 25), has already gained significant traction. After only a couple of years in the market, its work with around 40 municipalities has resulted in about $225 million in planned infrastructure changes to dangerous intersections. It has also attracted institutional validation in the form of a partnership with Aviva, the international insurance company. The unlikely duo has teamed up for an innovative funding program that is offering about $50,000 to five Canadian municipalities to conduct studies on 10 intersections in each city to provide data on intersections where the greatest number of “near-misses” occur. The winning applicants will be expected to pay 25 per cent of the costs up to maximum of $12,500. “Road infrastructure projects, like replacing a dangerous intersection with an interchange or a roundabout, cost a lot of money,” said Craig Milligan, CEO and co-founder of Micro-Traffic. “Knowing that you’re going to save lives and knowing the risks that are there can really help justify that decision.” Milligan is finding that traffic safety professionals are keen to be able to take a proactive approach rather than have to rely on data from crashes that have already occurred. “Almost three-quarter of fatalities are happening where they have not happened recently,’ he said. “So you put the money in locations where the fatalities happen and it just happens somewhere else. That is a frustrating approach for everyone working on road safety.” Milligan, who has a PhD and is an expert on road safety engineering, worked as a consultant for several years and he and co-founder Joel Penner conducted about 300 safety improvement studies. “After doing it for a time, too many people were dying at intersections where we had already done intersection safety improvement plans for,” he said. “The way they died was not represented in the historical crash data… and it was clear there were other risk factors, serious ones, at play that were impossible to detect with existing methods.” Milligan does not take credit for the approach, as there is active academic study to detect latent risk factors or the science of surrogate safety. But Milligan decided to implement those ideas through a computer vision system where the artificial intelligence drives an engine that automatically goes through the video. “It recognizes what is going on, sees how fast people are going, how close they are to one another and if someone is hitting the brakes sharply,” he said. “From those trajectories we construct risk indicators. They have proven to be very effective at precisely identifying risk.” Aviva connected with MicroTraffic as part of the insurance company’s own program to reduce serious traffic injuries called Take Back Our Roads. Catherine Brown, vice-president marketing and corporate social responsibility at Aviva Canada, said, “Micro-Traffic’s approach to prevention really fits nicely with our overall platform. Craig and his team are fantastic partners to work with. We wanted to be able to bring the technology to the forefront and make it more accessible to municipalities to focus their infrastructure investments in a way that is looking at prevention and proactive activities.” It is also not lost on the City of Winnipeg, which has just embarked on its own road safety strategic action plan that will use data and public input to set the pace of road safety investment over the next five years and beyond. Parallel and in conjunction with that, the city is in the middle of a pilot project with MicroTraffic. Rebecca Peterniak, the community traffic engineer at the City of Winnipeg, said MicroTraffic’s technology provides much more data to work with that traditional traffic analysis. “Improving road safety data is a really important objective,” she said. “We do have collision data which is historic in nature — we have to wait for collisions to happen before we get that information.” She said that using the kind of near-miss analysis that MicroTraffic can provide between all road users — vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians — allows them to take a deeper dive to understand what’s causing high accident rates. “It gives us a deeper understanding of what is going on in the background,” she said. martin.cash(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Telling people to "Slow Down" doesn't work.
by Beth McKechnie 24 Aug '20

24 Aug '20

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lauren at Strong Towns <lauren(a)strongtowns.org> Date: Mon, Aug 24, 2020 at 9:37 AM We need a new solution for Traffic Fatalities.‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Early on in the coronavirus shutdowns, we saw a sharp decrease in traffic, with some states observing as much as a 50% drop in daily trips. *And yet, traffic fatalities surged.* In the absence of traffic, all that is left is the road—*and the road is designed for speed,* posted limits be damned. We've over-engineered our streets to encourage dangerous driving. Now is the time to start dialing it back. *Today, Strong Towns founder Chuck Marohn lays out four simple steps <https://strongtowns.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=strongtowns&m=s_135a2040-557a-4a…> for undoing reckless street design in your place.* It took decades to build the networks of dangerous and costly streets we now think are normal. It will take time to replace them with something better. Let's get to work. Stay well, —Lauren at Strong Towns Strong Towns www.strongtowns.org [image: Facebook] <https://strongtowns.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=strongtowns&m=s_135a2040-557a-4a…> [image: Twitter] <https://strongtowns.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=strongtowns&m=s_135a2040-557a-4a…> [image: LinkedIn] <https://strongtowns.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=strongtowns&m=s_135a2040-557a-4a…> [image: Instagram] <https://strongtowns.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=strongtowns&m=s_135a2040-557a-4a…>

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Upcoming City of Winnipeg Road Safety Strategic Action Plan Events
by Beth McKechnie 24 Aug '20

24 Aug '20

As a stakeholder for the Road Safety Strategic Action Plan, you play a key role in providing information, feedback and support into the project’s vision and focus areas. We ask you to share the following information within your network to help... Un message en français suivra. As a stakeholder for the Road Safety Strategic Action Plan, you play a key role in providing information, feedback and support into the project’s vision and focus areas. We ask you to share the following information within your network to help identify gaps and opportunities in the current state of road safety in Winnipeg. Help Shape the Future of Road Safety for Winnipeg! Road safety is a priority for the City of Winnipeg. The Road Safety Strategic Action Plan is driven by data and public feedback and will serve as a roadmap for implementing both short-term solutions and long-term investments over the next 3-5 years and beyond. Get Involved In Road Safety Online Survey We want to hear from you about your perception and experience as a road user (pedestrian, cyclist or motorist) in Winnipeg and learn more about how and what road safety improvements can be made. Visit winnipeg.ca/roadsafetyplan <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> to complete a survey. Pop-up Events We selected four pop-up locations to safely engage with communities in higher needs areas that experience higher rates of collisions. Drop by and tell us your ideas for road safety improvements and share your vision for safer roads in Winnipeg. Date: Saturday, September 5, 2020 Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Location: Bronx Park Farmers’ Market, 720 Henderson Highway Date: * Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, 185 Young St Date: * Friday, September 11, 2020 Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Powers Park Plaza, Powers Street at Selkirk Avenue, North side Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Location: The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre, 51 Morrow Ave (*): Get a bike tune up from the WRENCH and tell us why road safety matters to you. Please Note: Public Health measures will be adhered to at all pop-up events. Gathering size will be limited to 50 people at a time, and appropriate social distance will be maintained. Please self-screen prior to attending, stay home if you are ill, and wash or sanitize your hands. Virtual Engagement Sessions We will be holding two Zoom virtual events to gather public input. Join us at one of the following events to learn more about the development of the strategic action plan, ask questions, and answer some of our questions live. Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Time: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register Here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> Date: Thursday, September 24, 2020 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register Here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> Registration required for virtual sessions by September 20, 2020. Discussion Kit We invite those unable to attend the events to complete the survey and mapping tool and to host a discussion with friends and family using the discussion kit. Available at winnipeg.ca/roadsafetyplan <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> until September 30, 2020. Submit your completed discussion guide to roadsafety(a)winnipeg.ca. For more information, to register for a virtual event or provide feedback online, visit: winnipeg.ca/roadsafetyplan <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> . For inquiries or for those who require alternate formats or interpretation in order to participate, please contact roadsafety(a)winnipeg.ca or 204-944-9907 by August 29, 2020. En tant qu’intervenant du Plan d’action stratégique pour la sécurité routière, vous jouez un rôle clé en fournissant des renseignements, des commentaires et du soutien quant à la vision et les secteurs d’intervention du projet. Nous vous demandons de communiquer les renseignements suivants à votre réseau afin de déterminer les lacunes et les possibilités relatives à l’état actuel de la sécurité routière à Winnipeg. Aidez-nous à façonner l’avenir de la sécurité routière à Winnipeg! La sécurité routière est une priorité pour la Ville de Winnipeg. Le Plan d’action stratégique pour la sécurité routière s’appuie sur des données et les commentaires du public; il servira de feuille de route pour la mise en œuvre de solutions à court terme et d’investissements à long terme au cours des 3 à 5 prochaines années et par la suite. Améliorez la sécurité routière Sondage en ligne Nous aimerions connaître votre opinion et vos expériences en tant qu’usager de la route (piéton, cycliste ou automobiliste) à Winnipeg et en savoir plus sur la manière dont la sécurité routière peut être améliorée. Consultez winnipeg.ca/plansecuriteroutiere <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> pour répondre à un sondage. Événements ponctuels Nous avons sélectionné quatre lieux de rencontre ponctuelle afin d’engager le dialogue, en toute sécurité, avec les collectivités des secteurs aux besoins élevés, où les collisions sont plus fréquentes. Passez nous voir, faites-nous part de vos idées visant à améliorer la sécurité routière et communiquez votre vision quant à des routes plus sûres à Winnipeg. Date : Samedi 5 septembre 2020 Heure : De 9 h à 11 h Lieu : Marché de producteurs du parc Bronx, 720, route Henderson Date : * Mercredi 9 septembre 2020 Heure : De 16 h à 18 h Lieu : Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, 185, rue Young Date : * Vendredi 11 septembre 2020 Heure : De 16 h à 18 h Lieu : Powers Park Plaza, rue Powers, au niveau de l’avenue Selkirk, du côté nord Date : Mardi 15 septembre 2020 Heure : De 14 h à 16 h Lieu : Armée du Salut, Barbara Mitchell Resource Centre, 51, avenue Morrow (*) : Faites mettre au point votre vélo par The WRENCH et dites-nous pourquoi la sécurité routière est importante pour vous. Remarque : Les mesures de santé publique seront respectées à tous les événements ponctuels. La taille des rassemblements sera limitée à 50 personnes, et une distance physique appropriée sera maintenue. Veuillez effectuer un dépistage avant de vous présenter, rester à la maison si vous êtes malade et vous laver ou vous désinfecter les mains. Séances de participation virtuelles Nous tiendrons deux événements virtuels sur Zoom afin de recueillir les commentaires du public. Joignez-vous à nous pendant l’un des événements suivants pour en savoir plus sur l’élaboration du plan d’action stratégique, poser des questions et répondre à certaines de nos questions en direct. Date : Mardi 22 septembre 2020 Heure : De 14 h à 15 h 30 Inscrivez-vous ici <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> Date : Jeudi 24 septembre 2020 Heure : De 18 h 30 à 20 h Inscrivez-vous ici <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> L’inscription est obligatoire pour les séances virtuelles, d’ici le 20 septembre 2020. Trousse de discussion Nous invitons les personnes qui ne pourront pas être présentes aux événements à se servir de l’outil de sondage et de cartographie et à organiser une discussion avec leurs proches à l’aide de la trousse de discussion. Il est accessible à l’adresse winnipeg.ca/plansecuriteroutiere <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> jusqu’au 30 septembre 2020. Envoyez votre guide de discussion rempli à roadsafety(a)winnipeg.ca. Pour en savoir plus, pour vous inscrire à un événement virtuel ou pour donner votre avis en ligne, consultez le site winnipeg.ca/plansecuriteroutiere <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011hytNyznS-nPIZq63KS5rOzfuHGWb7JheFO8fF_x6IjX…> . Si vous avez des questions, ou si vous avez besoin de médias substituts ou de services d’interprétation pour participer, veuillez écrire à roadsafety(a)winnipeg.ca ou composer le 204 944-9907 avant le 29 août 2020. HTFC Planning & Design | 500 - 115 Bannatyne Avenue East, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3 Canada Sent by info(a)htfc.ca powered by [image: Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.] <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE> Try email marketing for free today! <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE>

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Get involved - Winnipeg's Road Safety Strategic Action Plan
by Beth McKechnie 20 Aug '20

20 Aug '20

From: City of Winnipeg <notifications(a)engagementhq.com> Road Safety Strategic Action Plan - what does road safety mean to you?Work on our Road Safety Strategic Action Plan has begun! We want you to share their thoughts on how we can work together to make our roads safer. Get involved by: - joining a virtual session <http://emails.engagementhq.com/ls/click?upn=9vcdD193qA8wVAWAMcxkDRPI9yvzhYQ…> - attending a pop-up Talk Road Safety event <http://emails.engagementhq.com/ls/click?upn=9vcdD193qA8wVAWAMcxkDRPI9yvzhYQ…> - completing an online survey <http://emails.engagementhq.com/ls/click?upn=9vcdD193qA8wVAWAMcxkDRPI9yvzhYQ…> - hosting your own discussion by downloading the discussion kit <http://emails.engagementhq.com/ls/click?upn=9vcdD193qA8wVAWAMcxkDRPI9yvzhYQ…> Visit winnipeg.ca/roadsafetyplan <http://emails.engagementhq.com/ls/click?upn=9vcdD193qA8wVAWAMcxkDRPI9yvzhYQ…> for more information.

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Webinar: Congestion Pricing & Travel Behavior During COVID
by Beth McKechnie 20 Aug '20

20 Aug '20

Join us on Wednesday, September 2 at 1:15pm ET for a discussion on congestion pricing, travel behavior, and COVID-19. ROAD TO RECOVERY WEBINAR Rebalancing the Load: How Road User Charging Can Influence Traveler Behavior September 2, 2020 from 1:15pm ET to 2:00pm ET Congestion pricing can be a valuable tool for regions to address congestion and meet goals for sustainability and equity. ITS tools and ETC technologies to enable congestion management systems that can sense, adapt, and influence driver behavior so that planners and policy makers can optimize their transportation networks. Given the current changes in traveler behavior due to the pandemic, there is increasing interest in road user charging schemes as a new approach to manage the load on regional transport systems. In this webinar, you’ll learn how technology is being leveraged to integrate other road network systems, holistically manage networks, coordinate planned demand against different modal capacities, and incentivize specific choices. *Speakers:* *Marc Deflin,* *Vice President of Business Development – Road User Charging, Cubic Transportation Systems* *Brianne Eby,* *Senior Policy Analyst, Eno Center for Transportation* September 2020 02 REGISTER <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> *Connect with us and don't miss out on other great resources!* [image: Facebook] <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> Facebook <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> [image: Twitter] <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> Twitter <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> [image: VIEW UPCOMING WEBINARS] <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> VIEW UPCOMING WEBINARS <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> *Copyright © 2020 Eno Center for Transportation, All rights reserved.* You are receiving this email because you opted in to our email list. *Our mailing address is:* Eno Center for Transportation 1629 K St. NW Ste 200 Washington, DC 20006 Add us to your address book <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/vcard?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff96&id=d…> -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America (Angie Schmitt)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Aug '20

19 Aug '20

Free Webinar - a conversation with author Angie Schmitt Support Walkable Communities <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America – a conversation with author Angie Schmitt September 8th, 2020 at 1pm – 2pm EST, 10am – 11pm PST Register Here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> Join us for an interview with Angie Schmitt and discussion of her book, Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America. This webinar is hosted by America Walks Board Member Charles Brown, who wrote the foreword. Right of Way documents the traffic violence that occurs daily on America’s streets and reveals the racist policies and practices that create and perpetuate these tragedies. Contrary to popular opinion, pedestrian deaths are not unavoidable “accidents,” but highly predictable events, occurring in stark geographic patterns that tell a story about systemic inequalities. The victims are disproportionately those marginalized by society: immigrants, People of Color, those with lower incomes, the elderly, and the disabled. The discussion will address the following critical questions: - Why do we accept pedestrian fatalities as the status quo? - Why do we hold pedestrians, not drivers, responsible for traffic collisions? - How do political inaction, victim blaming, lack of media interest, and cultural apathy block change? - What does the national walking movement need to do to implement solutions that save lives? Learn More and Register Here <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> Help Us Spread the Word About this Webinar [image: Facebook] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> [image: Twitter] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> Angie Schmitt, author and journalist, former National Editor at Streetsblog Angie Schmitt is one of the best-known writers in the United States on the topic of sustainable transportation. She was the long-time national editor at Streetsblog, covering the movement for safe, multi-modal cities, and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Bicycling, and GOOD. She is frequently sought out as an expert source on transportation topics by the news media. Schmitt holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and an undergraduate degree in journalism. Charles T. Brown, Senior Researcher, Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center Charles T. Brown, MPA is one of the nation’s leading voices in transportation equity and justice. He is a senior researcher with the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) and adjunct professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, both at Rutgers University. He also serves as a 2020 Fellow within the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication in Partnership with The OpEd Project. His work has been published in international journals and featured by various national outlets, including the New York Times, Vice and CityLab. STAY CONNECTED [image: Facebook] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> [image: Twitter] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> [image: LinkedIn] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> [image: Instagram] ‌ <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> Donate to Our Webinar Program <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001by_ghNbl05qUfvwIUtUDw0AzGinaCIdORiECdJFB9gvP…> America Walks | PO Box 70742, Bethesda, MD 20813 Sent by info(a)americawalks.org powered by [image: Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.] <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE> Try email marketing for free today! <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE>

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WFP Metro: Should we lower residential speed limits? - Scott Gillingham (Aug19'20)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Aug '20

19 Aug '20

Should we lower residential speed limits? I regularly hear from many residents of St. James concerned about the speeds that vehicles are travelling down their streets. My office receives multiple requests every year for speed humps, slow down signs, stop signs, pedestrian crosswalks, traffic studies and increased police enforcement, all in an effort to make the streets we live on feel safer. The people of St. James are not alone in their desire. My council colleagues receive similar requests from residents across Winnipeg who are calling for steps to be taken to improve the sense of safety on local streets. This is a trend that is growing across Canada. The cities of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto are currently engaged in studies examining the reduction of speed limits on residential streets to something less than 50 km/h. The City of Winnipeg is also considering reducing the default speed limit on residential streets to either 30 km/h or 40 km/h. The speed limit is currently 50 km/h on residential streets. A recent report from the city’s administration says “(t)here is a strong interest from both Council and the public to investigate a city-wide speed limit reduction for Winnipeg’s residential streets, as reducing speeds is proven to make streets calmer, quieter, and safer for people walking, biking, driving, and enjoying their neighbourhood.” Council has asked city staff to conduct a jurisdictional scan, to examine the impacts of reducing speeds on residential streets to 30 km/h or 40 km/h, to review the existing street classification system, to look at best practices and engineering data and to conduct public engagement in order to get feedback, ideas and involve the public in decision-making. This work will take place over the next year. The study will also include a trial speed limit reduction on one street in each ward (including the St. James ward) of either 30 km/h or 40 km/h. The pilot streets have not yet been selected. I support lowering the default speed limit from 50 km/h on Winnipeg’s residential streets. Research shows that there is a relationship between speed and the severity of injuries in a collision. Even though lower speeds are known to improve safety, I still hear from some residents (albeit fewer) who want the speed limit to remain at 50 km/h. Therefore, I believe 40 km/h on local streets has the best chance of getting public support as a reasonable middle ground between those residents opposed to any change and those calling for 30 km/h. I realize that speed limits are a contentious issue, so I want to hear from you. Are you in favour of seeing speed limits on residential streets lowered from 50 km/hr? Please call me at 204-986-5848 or email scottgillingham(a)winnipeg.ca Enjoy the rest of your summer.

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WFP - The Times: A healthier community — one bike at a time (Aug17'20)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Aug '20

18 Aug '20

A healthier community — one bike at a time https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/times/forum/A-healthier-c… Over the spring and summer months, I have been working very closely with an organization in the Notre Dame constituency that does really great work. The Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub, also known as The WRENCH, builds, repairs, and helps to maintain bikes. They sell, rent, and donate their bikes, not just to individual people, but they even have entire fleets available for businesses. Bicycles are a fantastic way to participate in active transportation. We know that getting around by bike is healthy not only for ourselves but for the environment and our community, as well. In cities around the world where bike use is more common, traffic congestion lightens up and air pollution is reduced. The WRENCH is a permanent fixture of Hugh John Macdonald School, where staff and volunteers provide skills and training to students. They also do community outreach events such as cycling safety workshops and bike giveaway/tune-up events which they have held at IRCOM and Rossbrook House. I was thrilled to work with The WRENCH on some of these outreach events where I got to witness firsthand how hard they work for our community. Not only is The WRENCH promoting a healthier community by getting people on bikes, they are also saving bike parts that are still useable from landfills. Sustainably is a core value of the organization. Most recently, I was happy to be in attendance when The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) donated four laptops to The WRENCH that will be used by staff to keep the organization running, growing, and thriving. *Because The WRENCH has been so successful at making a good impact in our community, it is expanding. It is currently in a basement on Logan Avenue which it has outgrown. So, The WRENCH is looking to purchase a larger building to meet the demands of the growing organization. In order to achieve this, The WRENCH is planning a capital campaign to raise $250,000 to put towards the purchase of a bigger space.* To learn more about this fantastic organization and to see its event schedule, you can visit thewrench.ca/ <https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/times/forum/thewrench.ca/> As always, feel free to get in touch with my office at Malaya.marcelino(a)yourmanitoba.ca or call 204-788-0800.

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WFP: City seeks input on enhanced AT routes (Aug17'20)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Aug '20

18 Aug '20

** please share widely ** City seeks input on enhanced AT routes The City of Winnipeg wants your views on opening local streets to offer greater active transportation access. As part of its COVID-19 response, Winnipeg now offers 10 enhanced temporary active transportation routes, which prioritize bicycles and pedestrians by limiting motor vehicles to one block of travel between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. The move was meant to help Winnipeggers safely enjoy the outdoors with enough room to socially distance themselves from others. The current routes are slated to last until at least Sept. 7. *To help evaluate future options for these “open streets,” Winnipeggers are asked to complete a survey now posted at *winnipeg.ca/walkbike2020. Prior to 2020, four enhanced AT routes were offered each year on Sundays and holidays only, between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving weekend. Complete the survey by September 7th.

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10th anniversary of Bicycle Valet Winnipeg
by Beth McKechnie 14 Aug '20

14 Aug '20

Great article on the Bike Winnipeg website for the 10th anniversary of Bicycle Valet Winnipeg. Hard to believe it's already been 10 years! https://bikewinnipeg.ca/2020/08/12/winnipeg-bicycle-valet-from-idea-to-real… Congrats to founder, David Weiser, and to all the hard working staff and volunteers since 2009. cheers, Beth -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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The shape and size of personal trucks
by Charles Feaver 14 Aug '20

14 Aug '20

An article about the growing size and shape of personal trucks, and the danger they pose to other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists: https://theweek.com/articles/929196/case-against-american-truck-bloat FYI Bike Winnipeg argued this issue at the latest PUB review of MPI road safety programs, and the PUB has ordered MPI to analyze the extent to which personal trucks do more harm to other road users than sedan type vehicles. MPI is in a unique position to do this, what with having 100% of the data from crashes in the province and a methodology for assigning costs to injury (v. other jurisdictions which have highly variable injury cost settlements arising from court proceedings). It will be interesting to see what this study finds. Charles Feaver 11 Harvard Ave Winnipeg R3M 0J6 204.293.6332

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CTV: City reopens new and improved Empress Street after three years (Aug13'20)
by Beth McKechnie 14 Aug '20

14 Aug '20

WINNIPEG -- After three years of road construction, the new Empress Street overpass, which included rehabilitation and the creation of a new cycling and pedestrian route, is now open. On Thursday morning the City of Winnipeg, along with the federal and provincial government, got together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the stretch of road between Portage Avenue and St. Matthews Avenue. "I can't tell you how great it is to have protected cycling facilities that are separate from the road," said Coun. Matt Allard, chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works said. "Infrastructure investments like these are so essential to encouraging mode shift." Despite the pouring rain, Allard said he did cycle to the announcement to give the new cycling route a try. The project cost about $23 million, with $921,000 coming from the province and nearly $4.5 million coming from the federal government. The rest of the project was covered in the City's capital budget. "As a (former) city councillor, I understand that the city can't do it alone – we need the federal government and the provincial government to step up and that is exactly what we've been doing," said Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, representing the federal government. The project included new accessible pedestrian ramps on the north and south side of Portage Avenue, as well as new bi-directional bicycle paths in a protected lane along Empress from the Assiniboine River path. "As an avid cyclist, I am very thrilled to be partnering with my civic and federal counterparts to build more active transportation, because we know in Winnipeg we get all kinds of weather," said Rochelle Squires, Manitoba Minister of Municipal Relations. "I know this pathway will be used well into the future for all the people who do choose the active transportation." Coun. Scott Gillingham, who represents St. James, said this was a project he's had in his sights since he was elected. "When I was fundraising in 2014, the residents told me many times that roads were the number one issue, specifically around the Polo Park area, so I'm glad to see this project completed," he said. The City of Winnipeg has more information about the project online <https://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/construction/projects/empress.stm>. https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/city-reopens-new-and-improved-empress-street-af…

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Why Walking to Work May Be Better for You Than a Casual Stroll
by Beth McKechnie 12 Aug '20

12 Aug '20

Study finds people walk faster, report being healthier, when they walk with a purpose https://news.osu.edu/why-walking-to-work-may-be-better-for-you-than-a-casua…

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WFP: First Fridays talk puts post-pandemic Winnipeg in focus
by Beth McKechnie 06 Aug '20

06 Aug '20

First Fridays talk puts post-pandemic Winnipeg in focus https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/arts/first-fr… THERE are few aspects of daily life in Winnipeg and beyond that haven’t been changed, in some way, over the past few months by the pandemic — among them how we interact and communicate, get places and buy things. Urban designer and visual artist Lawrence Bird doesn’t have all the answers, but he does have plenty of ideas that he’ll be discussing Friday with Alison Gillmor, moderator of Building a Post-Pandemic Future, this month’s First Fridays in the Exchange Art Talk. >From bike lanes to open-plan offices, Bird and Gillmor will discuss how prior pandemics have transformed the world and what kind of changes the current one might inspire. The big question is if Winnipeg — a city that “doesn’t change super-quickly,” says Bird — will do the unexpected and embrace the changes that may be coming, or remain entrenched in its old ways. “It’s been 10 years or so since there has been a gradual movement downtown,” says Bird. “Will that stop? Will they turn around? I don’t think so.” Changes to urban design and architecture have been the response, in some cases, to pandemics of the past, such as the creation of Central Park in New York City to improve public health, or the construction of the avenues of Paris; improvements that benefited the wealthy while displacing other communities, he says. Adding to the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic was the need to lock down personal care homes to outside visitors which, in some cases, eliminated any communication between residents and family. Recognizing the need for family contact, the province put out a call for “visitation shelter” designs that would allow in-person connections while ensuring other residents and staff remain safe. Bird is an urban designer at Sputnik Architecture Inc., which recently submitted a design. He believes the pandemic — and learning from past mistakes — may help people better understand the need for new urban designs that are sustainable, inclusive and equitable. One example is shared road spaces — called “woonerfs” in Holland. “A couple decades ago, this idea came up that rather than separating cars and pedestrians, they can walk in the same space,” he says. “And the result is less accidents. Instead of zooming through, focused on the road, the (drivers) are looking out for pedestrians and the pedestrians are looking out for cars. It’s a mutual recognition.” Could an idea like that actually work in a car-centric city such as Winnipeg? It already has, he says. “Winnipeg has actually experimented with this in John Hirsch Place, the alleyway by the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre,” he says. “People can walk through there and drive through there. There haven’t been accidents, as far as I know.” “You could do that along many other streets in Winnipeg.” Building a Post-Pandemic Future, with Lawrence Bird, will be streamed online at firstfridayswinnipeg.org Friday at 7 p.m. The event is free to watch. frances.koncan(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @franceskoncan

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WFP: Ottawa aims to spur quick builds (Aug6'20)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Aug '20

06 Aug '20

Program tweaked so Manitoba can get $117M Ottawa aims to spur quick builds https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/coronavirus/ottawa-makes-push-for… OTTAWA — The federal government is rejigging its massive infrastructure plan to allow provinces to divert 10 per cent of their federal funding into shovel-ready projects aimed at helping people keep physically distant. *That could mean Manitoba will get up to $117 million, which has been gummed up in red tape, to build bike lanes and hospital extensions and retrofit classrooms.* “Once we get on the other side of COVID… infrastructure’s going to be a way to rebuild our cities, our rural areas and the North,” said Dan Vandal, Manitoba’s federal cabinet minister. The Manitoba government said it will study the proposal and see if it can help clear obstacles to getting infrastructure funds out the door. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) has been plagued with problems since Manitoba signed onto its quota in 2018. The decade-long plan is aimed at repairing Canada’s crumbling roads and outdated buildings, such as recreation centres. *ICIP splits projects into four areas, such as green, rural and public transit *— and largely requires provinces to match the cost. Numerous provinces have said the criteria make it hard to get projects through the federal approval process. The Liberals have partially acknowledged that problem, while insisting provinces aren’t putting up enough cash to qualify. Winnipeg’s city council has shelved projects it nominated for the plan, after the belt-tightening provincial Progressive Conservatives put up less funding than the city wanted. On Wednesday, the federal Liberals announced provinces can divert 10 per cent of their federal ICIP cash into shovel-ready projects, targeted at making life easier during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna told reporters even cell phone and broadband projects could qualify for funding. “We’re using existing money to make sure that we’re getting better outcomes,” she said. “This is for projects that can be built quickly.” The reappropriated funding is intended for projects for which construction would start by fall 2021 and be completed by the end of that year. The federal government could also form more direct partnerships with cities, which municipalities have sought for years. *Instead of the usual formula of Ottawa and the province each covering 40 per cent of costs and leaving the city to pay the remaining 20 per cent, these COVID-19 projects could have Ottawa pay four-fifths of the cost without provinces contributing a dime.* *However, those projects would still require the provincial government to sign off on them.* Manitoba Central Services Minister Reg Helwer seemed open to green-lighting such projects, saying the PCs want job-stimulating projects in cities and First Nations, while allowing the province to afford essential services. “We’re going to make it work best for Manitoba and we are in very active negotiations with the federal government,” Helwer said in an interview. He did not provide examples of specific projects the PCs would make a priority. Vandal said the money can be used for anything from cycling routes in Winnipeg to medical research facilities. As an example, he cited the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, which is in his riding. “Many of our hospitals need some investment, so I’m hoping we can use some of these funds to do some important work in our hospitals, as well as our schools,” Vandal said. Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman was not aware of the arrangement before its announcement; his office said it would seek clarity. Helwer said he’d still prefer the Liberals do away with the criteria for projects, but hoped Wednesday’s new program will clear the logjam by making more projects eligible for funding. “Anything would help,” he said. “All provinces are struggling with finding a way to fit their projects into the (federal) streams.” dylan.robertson(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Today's Federal Announcement
by Beth McKechnie 05 Aug '20

05 Aug '20

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Brian Pincott <ed(a)canadabikes.org> Date: Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 1:38 PM This morning the federal government made a significant announcement for active transportation. They have created a $3.3 billion “Resiliency” stream within the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This has a significant AT component to it. Please see the attached memo for full details on what they have announced. We have a great chance to make a difference for cycling coast to coast to coast with this announcement. I’m looking forward to a busy 18 months!! Brian Brian Pincott Executive Director Directeur Executif he/him Vélo Canada Bikes ed(a)canadabikes.org 403-701-6335 @bpincott www.canadabikes.org

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The Herald: Imagining a new Elmwood streetscape (Aug5'20)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Aug '20

05 Aug '20

Imagining a new Elmwood streetscape https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/herald/Imagining-a-new-El… Motorists driving on Henderson Highway between Johnson Avenue and Hespeler Avenue may have noticed some temporary changes July 25 — some of which could become permanent. The new streetscape was part of Reimagine Elmwood, a one-day trial which saw a temporary crosswalk, bicycle lanes and parking lanes installed on Henderson between noon and 8 p.m. It was an experiment to see how organizers could make Elmwood a more livable community. Michel Durand-Wood, co-chair of the Glenelm Neighbourhood Association, helped organize Reimagine Elmwood along with representatives of seven other community groups. He said the afternoon’s test-drive evolved from the results of a survey of more than 1,500 respondents. “One of the major themes that came back was the difficulty in getting around the neighbourhood, especially for families, youth and seniors,” Durand-Wood said. One significant barrier is the six lanes of traffic on Henderson Highway, Durand-Wood said. Vehicle traffic and noise makes it difficult to converse on the sidewalks. If the speed limit is lowered, a bicycle lane added (as many cyclists now use the sidewalk), and some tables and chairs are placed on the sidewalks, all of a sudden you have a more hospitable environment. Durand-Wood said the intersection of Henderson and Poplar is the neighbourhood’s midway point, so the group decided to try a crosswalk. A guard was stationed there to help pedestrians. The final element was the elimination of one traffic lane in favour of on-street parking which, while allowed, can be discouraged by higher vehicle speeds. Turnouts were placed at street corners to encourage parking. “Its good for a neighbourhood feel and good for the businesses,” Durand-Wood said. “We’re working as a neighbourhood and community to get everybody on board to work toward something that works for everybody. “Luckily Coun. (Jason) Schreyer was very helpful and supportive throughout the way.” Reimagine Elmwood was a nice starting point, but the owner of a local business believes the results would have been different if the test was held on a weekday. “It’s good,” said Mike Bergmann, owner of Lower Level Sports Cards and Collectibles at 189 Henderson Hwy. “It’s one thing to do it on a Saturday, the traffic is flowing nicely, but when the crosswalk is being used by the Subway it backs traffic up and I wonder how it will Monday to Friday.” Bergmann also said any changes should only be made after extensive consultation with area business owners, which he doesn’t always see. “People don’t come and visit the business and ask my opinion. Maybe they do at other businesses but that has to happen for these changes to happen as well,” Bergmann said. Bergmann said there has been street parking on Henderson for years, so he would like to see existing parking used lots to their full capacity, including the one at Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church lot and even his own, which is shared with another building but cut in half by a fence. “Parking lots are essential and if you want people to come to Elmwood there has to be free parking in the parking lots, at least to begin with and then see what happens,” Bergmann said. Durand-Wood said organizers will review surveys and discuss the event. Next steps could be longer trials and added locations.

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Ban SUV adverts to meet UK climate goals, report urges
by Charles F 05 Aug '20

05 Aug '20

Not exactly AT, but who we share the road with....https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/03/ban-suv-adverts… from my phone.

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