September 2024 - AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

WFP: Replacing Arlington Bridge could come cheaper (Sep26'24)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Sep '24

26 Sep '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. New proposals tens of millions less than original $319-M estimate Replacing Arlington Bridge could come cheaper https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/09/25/replacing-arlingt… THE city has studied two proposals to replace the Arlington Bridge that could cost tens of millions of dollars less than previously expected, a city councillor says. A few months ago, city officials told councillors they were considering two key options to replace the decaying bridge, after the vital transportation link to the North End suddenly closed 10 months ago. “They’re talking about replacing it, on the same trajectory as it sits today, with slight differences,” said Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie. The councillor said a $171-million bridge option would involve closing Dufferin Avenue at Arlington Street, while a $180-million version would travel over Dufferin, leaving it open for vehicle traffic. Winnipeggers will need to wait at least another month to read final options to address the structure that was shut down in November 2023. Eadie said he was told the options are much cheaper than previous estimates to replace the bridge because a past option accommodated three lanes of traffic, while these versions would only have two. Past designs also included more property expropriations, adjustments to rail lines below the bridge and separated spaces for bike and pedestrian paths, which also contributed to the higher cost, he said. Eadie said the new options would have one shared active transportation path. In 2019, a preliminary design estimated a new bridge could cost $319 million. Eadie stressed the bridge’s replacement is critical. He plans to buy ads that urge Winnipeggers to push all city council members to support funding for the project. “The first step is to fund the removal of the old bridge because it’s very dangerous right now,” said Eadie. In 2016, city engineers deemed the Arlington Bridge, which opened to traffic in 1912, to be near the end of its life. Eadie said the bridge is in urgent need of replacement, describing it as a critical link used by several communities and a common route used to reach Health Sciences Centre, prior to its closure. “It’s more than just my ward… the Arlington Bridge should be the No. 1 project for this city, in terms of major infrastructure. Yeah, the St. James Bridge needs work but it’s still open,” he said. Coun. Janice Lukes cautioned against banking on either of the options becoming final proposals, calling both “preliminary” and noting both prices and options could change before a final report is released. “We don’t have the final facts yet because the report’s not done. It may change. It’s just not finished yet,” said Lukes (Waverley West), the chairwoman of council’s public works committee. “It’s an option that was presented to us, yes. … Really, we’re looking at a wide range of designs and options and that brings a wide range of prices. They have not, to my knowledge, decided on anything yet. What Coun. Eadie is (talking about) is a concept but they’ve got multiple concepts,” she added. Lukes expects a final council-ordered report on rehabilitation options for the bridge, which was expected in October, will now be released publicly in November. She warned the actual replacement of the bridge, should council find a way to fund it, would take years. “Even if we come out with (the decision) we’re going to replace it, we’ve still got to take the old bridge apart. So, it’s still going to be at least another two or three years … bare minimum,” she said. Lukes said she’s “optimistic” the bridge will be replaced but that would likely require funding from other levels of government. The city announced the sudden closure of the bridge on Nov. 21, 2023, after a condition assessment found steel corrosion had accelerated, raising the risk involved with keeping it open. Mayor Scott Gillingham said he wants the final options to cope with the bridge as soon as possible. “The consultants and our staff do need to take the time to get the report finalized … but I am eagerly anticipating that report,” said Gillingham. This summer, the city budgeted $1 million to replace multiple bearings on the bridge to prevent it from falling on the rail yard below it, work that did not help reopen or demolish it. A spokeswoman said that work was “completed as planned.” As they wait to learn the bridge’s fate, some residents say its absence is creating frustrating traffic delays. “It’s very important (to fix) … (On) McPhillips, Salter and Main, the traffic is just crazy now,” said Darrell Warren, president of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association. Warren said he’s frustrated that no decision on the bridge’s future has been made, years after the city acknowledged it was nearing the end of its useful life. “They’ve known for years that bridge is going to need replacement and they kept putting it off and putting it off,” he said. — with files from Gabrielle Piché joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca> X: @joyanne_pursaga

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WFP: Work at Portage and Main starts Nov. 15 (Sep21'24)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Sep '24

21 Sep '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Famous intersection closed to pedestrians in 1979 Work at Portage and Main starts Nov. 15 https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/09/20/work-to-reopen-po… CONSTRUCTION to reopen Portage Avenue and Main Street to pedestrian access appears set to begin in two months — 45 years after it was cut off. The City of Winnipeg is seeking a contractor to begin construction by Nov. 15 and reopen the intersection to foot traffic by July 1, 2025, as per tendering documents released Friday. Mayor Scott Gillingham said he’s received mostly positive feedback on the idea since council voted to reopen it in March, despite 65 per cent of Winnipeggers voting “no” to opening the intersection to pedestrians in a 2018 plebiscite. “Not everyone is in agreement but there has been a lot of people who have said to me, ‘This is the right decision. It’s time to treat this intersection like every other intersection,” said Gillingham. Debate over letting people cross the intersection on foot has raged for years. Opponents feared the change would be costly and delay traffic, while supporters argued it could help rejuvenate and better connect downtown. Pedestrian access was cut off at the crossing in 1979. In a press release, the city notes construction is needed to support the safe movement of traffic when pedestrians return. The construction will include: demolishing barrier walls; installing new traffic signals and street lights; adding a curb extension on the southeast corner to allow for shorter pedestrian crossing distance across Portage Avenue and more pedestrian space at the corner; repairing and adjusting the medians; and installing new curbs and sidewalks to accommodate pedestrian crossings on all four corners. “Certainly, our staff are focused on improving the intersection, changing the intersections to make it safe for everybody… There will be a real focus on maximizing movement and traffic flow,” said Gillingham. However, a councillor who has long opposed the reopening remains concerned it will delay traffic. “I do think it will slow traffic down, particularly those p.m. rush-hour movements,” said Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan). “Winnipeg does not have freeways… so, in terms of getting through the city, we use major arterial roadways and… making sure that those work efficiently is important.” Originally, the mayor proposed closing the intersection’s underground concourse as part of the plan but council voted to study the idea further before acting on it, said Browaty. He said next year’s budget might include funding to study the cost and impact of that change. “I still think the underground concourse plays a very important part of… the way people move around and work and live downtown in the winter,” he said. The councillor said the city should explore whether property owners at the intersection would cover the difference between the price of closing the concourse and the cost of repairing it and keeping it open. In March, Gillingham said it would cost $73 million to repair the leaking membrane to protect the concourse, while closing the city’s portion of the site could cost roughly $20 to $50 million. Multiple business leaders noted the closure cost was vaguely defined and stressed that many people rely on the underground connections to travel between businesses, especially in winter. Loren Remillard, president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said his organization looks forward to the street-level pedestrian access but the city must study any underground changes before acting on them. “We need to understand exactly how that functions, in terms of the connectivity into the walkway system, into servicing the various towers… The underground is a vital connection point for so many,” said Remillard. Gillingham said there’s no target timeline for the potential closure of the underground. “The underground won’t be closed this year nor next year,” he said. In March, council earmarked $13 million to pay for the initial reopening of the intersection to foot traffic. Additional design work for the intersection is expected to be part of a rapid transit design study, which is expected to begin in 2025. The pedestrian access is timed to resume shortly after a new primary transit network begins operating on June 29, 2025. While most of the construction period to prepare for that falls in the winter, Coun. Sherri Rollins said the timeline appears realistic. “The demo and removing of the barriers, the traffic signals, this is work that we do all year round,” said Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry). She noted she’s excited to see the pedestrian barriers come down. “They are an eyesore. It’s long overdue,” she said. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca> X: @joyanne_pursaga

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WFP: City carpooling program jump-started (Sep13'24)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Sep '24

13 Sep '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. City carpooling program jump-started https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/09/12/carpooling-progra… A WINNIPEG non-profit is encouraging Manitobans to save money — and curb pollution — with what it calls “the Kijiji of carpooling.” Members of the Green Action Centre joined provincial Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt at the Seel transit hub in south Winnipeg on Thursday to announce the reboot of GoManitoba. The online platform connects users looking to share a ride to work, school, appointments or special events. “In Manitoba, our leading cause of (greenhouse gas) emissions is transportation,” Mel Marginet, the Green Action Centre’s lead for workplace commuter options, said. “Manitobans often rely on single-occupancy vehicles to get them to their destinations … This has resulted in communities where it’s difficult to live your life without access to a personal vehicle.” The GoManitoba tool aims to help reduce single-passenger drives by helping users find carpool partners for frequent commutes or one-off trips. The service also encourages users to ride the bus, walk or cycle by providing route maps and connections with other active transportation travellers. Similar to Kijiji or Airbnb, the platform allows users to find and message other commuters who log similar trips. Once a connection is made, users can choose to swap contact information and build a network of commuting buddies. “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to choose transportation modes that don’t harm the environment, that are affordable and good for our health and, at the same time, modes that create connections and build communities,” action centre executive director Josep Seras-Gubert said. GoManitoba was first introduced in 2017 and amassed nearly 3,000 users before COVID-19 social distancing protocols came into effect. The pandemic lockdowns and work-from-home policies led to a drop-off in GoManitoba users, Marginet said, but also triggered a “bike boom” and prompted Manitobans to start thinking differently about how they travel. With more Manitobans back to their regular commutes, “We thought this was a really good time to do a relaunch with some more user- friendly tools,” she said. GoManitoba was upgraded this year to streamline the digital experience and — hopefully — reach more users. Marginet said she would like to see the user base grow to 5,000 Manitobans, including more rural and northern carpoolers. The action centre is also looking to work directly with businesses, schools and other organizations to create dedicated ride-sharing networks for staff members through the GoManitoba platform. The upgrades have come with a little help from the province, which provided $30,000 to cover technology costs. The NDP government announced in April it would restore nearly $400,000 in annual funding for environmental non-profits, including $230,000 for the action centre, which had been cut under the previous Tory government. “Finding greener transportation options is critical to reduce our (greenhouse gas) emissions, and we believe that Go Manitoba will not only help reduce our transportation emissions, but will also help folks have a bit more money in their pockets,” Schmidt said during the launch event. julia-simone.rutgers(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca>

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Equitable Cities is less than one month away!
by Mel Marginet 12 Sep '24

12 Sep '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Greetings, Green Action Centre and Peg City Car Co-op are excited to welcome Charles T. Brown to Winnipeg for Equitable Cities<https://3common.com/equitablecities> on October 9th! Don’t have your tickets yet? Don’t delay! From now until September 20th you can take advantage of our September Sale, saving yourself $25 per ticket. Just use ECSeptSale at checkout. Charles T. Brown is the founder and principal of Equitable Cities, a minority- and veteran-owned urban planning, public policy and research firm focused at the intersection of transportation, health and equity. He is also an adjunct professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He is the host of Arrested Mobility<https://arrestedmobility.com/>, a podcast that asks: What can we do to change the outcomes when people of colour step out their door to exist in the world? In this keynote presentation, Charles addresses how our transportation system in Winnipeg, like communities across the country, underserves and disproportionately harms those who are most vulnerable. By understanding inequities in our transportation system, Charles identifies potential strategies for action. Following the keynote, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in breakout sessions that bring the themes of Charles’ keynote into our local context. Topics include: FREEDOM TO MOVE: How do we build an accessible city for all? Facilitated by: Sarah Manteuffel Winnipeg’s urban footprint ballooned after the second world war, spreading people and places further apart. At the same time, the city invested less in transit and active transportation, and more in roads for personal vehicles. We now live in a car-oriented city and the disability community often finds themselves on the margins, forcing the choice to use personal vehicles, or being reliant on infrastructure and transit that can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. This session will focus on what we all lose when our city is inaccessible, while also asking: how can Winnipeg become more inclusive for everyone? POINT DOUGLAS: A Neighbourhood of Opportunity Facilitated by: TBA Point Douglas is one of Winnipeg’s oldest neighbourhoods. Like similar communities across North America, Point Douglas has suffered decades of disinvestment. For those who call Point Douglas home, they see endless untapped potential. Not only is this neighbourhood beautiful, with its canopy of trees and historic architecture, but also it is home to dedicated people and organizations who want to see it thrive once again. The City of Winnipeg has committed resources to create a neighbourhood plan for Point Douglas. This breakout session will give participants the opportunity to learn more about Point Douglas, and how we can think about transportation as a way to bring freedom, opportunity and wellness to those who call it home. We look forward to welcoming Charles T. Brown to Winnipeg for Equitable Cities<https://3common.com/equitablecities>, and we hope to see you at the Norwood Hotel on October 9th! Thank you to our sponsors Builder [45354-PC-PegCity-Logo-RGB-Release.png] Influencer [HTFC-CMYK.png] [Selkirk_logo_RGB.png] Advocate [image.png] [image.png] Supporter [Lankmark Logo - White on Green - JPG.jpg] [image001.png] Mel Marginet | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 300-286 Smith Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1K4 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> *Note: I work two days a week at Green Action Centre and it may take a few days to respond to you. We are located on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The water we drink comes from Shoal Lake First Nation. [https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif] 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/> [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xnHIzg-oNAxItLMxFnB1HS5HGb…]<http://gomb.ca>

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FW: Design Guide for Bus Steps Adjacent to Cycling Infrastructure - Free Webinar for CARSP and ITE Members / nominal fee for non-members
by Michelle Porter 05 Sep '24

05 Sep '24

Hi all! Here is a webinar opportunity that you might be interested in. Please note there is a nominal fee for non-members. Michelle Michelle M. Porter, PhD, Professor | Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management | Director, Centre on Aging | 338 Isbister Building | University of Manitoba | Winnipeg, MB CANADA | R3T 2N2 | (204) 474-8795 michelle.porter(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:michelle.porter@umanitoba.ca> | www.umanitoba.ca/aging<http://www.umanitoba.ca/aging> | https://twitter.com/coaporter | linkedin.com/in/michelle-porter-639890150<https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-porter-639890150> From: CARSP/ACPSER <brenda.suggett(a)carsp.ca> Sent: September 5, 2024 9:02 AM To: Michelle Porter <michelle.porter(a)umanitoba.ca> Subject: Design Guide for Bus Steps Adjacent to Cycling Infrastructure - Free Webinar for CARSP and ITE Members / nominal fee for non-members Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals L'Association canadienne des professionnels de la sécurité routière [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/abd86bfa37a97091490314c26/images/9f1c3699-299…] <https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…>[https://mcusercontent.com/abd86bfa37a97091490314c26/images/84da7771-4df5-31…]<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…><https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> Free Webinar for CARSP & ITE members! Oct 8, 2024, 12pm-1:00pm ET As part of our partnership agreement, CARSP and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Canada are pleased to present our second joint webinar. The topic will be of interest to anyone involved in road safety, as well as those focused on promoting equity and accessibility for all users. TransLink, in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), recently retained Urban Systems to create the Design Guide for Bus Stops Adjacent to Cycling Infrastructure to provide province-wide guidance to develop “island platform bus stops” or “floating bus stops” in British Columbia. The Design Guide provides a comprehensive set of planning and engineering guidelines offering solutions for the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of bus stops adjacent to protected cycling infrastructure in a range of contexts and applications throughout British Columbia, along with guidance for education and engagement. This Design Guide is the first of its kind in North America and addresses a significant gap in knowledge on how to design bus stops to meet the needs of people with disabilities while also being comfortable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The Design Guide was developed with extensive stakeholder engagement, including pilot projects in five municipalities in British Columbia. This session will provide an overview of the Design Guide as well as lessons learned from municipal staff from two case study communities. The Design Guide was awarded both the ITE Canada Stan Teply Outstanding Technical Project Award and the ITE International Transportation Achievement Award – Planning Award in 2024.. SIGN UP QUICKLY - SPACE IS LIMITED! [https://mcusercontent.com/abd86bfa37a97091490314c26/images/3ce72de7-a440-9c…: Brian Patterson, RPP, MCIP, PMP, RSP1 Brian is a senior transportation planner and brings over 20 years of experience in active transportation planning and design, multi-modal transportation planning, and safety and accessibility. Brian has developed over hundreds of plans, designs, and studies for communities of all sizes across Canada and has been recognized with numerous industry awards. Brian led the development of the Design Guide for Bus Stops Adajcent to Cycling Infrastructure and has led numerous other design guides, including the BC Active Transportation Design Guide. [https://mcusercontent.com/abd86bfa37a97091490314c26/images/b68fd8a2-33d1-db… Therrien, MPH Suzanne is an Active Transportation Planner at the City of Kelowna. Her work focuses on programs, resources and partnerships to promote more trips by active modes. She holds a Master degree in Public Health with specialty in population health and has over decade experience in active transportation research. [https://mcusercontent.com/abd86bfa37a97091490314c26/images/e9adb3ba-ae94-e1… Bot, RPP, PMP Mo is a collaboratively-minded project manager specializing in multimodal transportation policy development, infrastructure design and construction. Mo has worked across Canada on everything from big city major transit projects to site specific high impact public realm and active mobility improvements. They are always keen to hear all perspectives and strive to support physical and social spaces where learning and justice are centred. Rather than give everyone a space at the table, Mo invites you to smash the table to pieces and build something new that explores the collective experience together. Registration is open until Oct 7th. Space is limited, so sign up soon to reserve your spot! Register Now!<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> [Twitter]<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> Twitter<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> [LinkedIn]<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> LinkedIn<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> [YouTube]<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> YouTube<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> [Facebook]<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> Facebook<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> Copyright © 2024 CARSP-ACPSER, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as you have chosen to be on the CARSP email distribution list. Our mailing address is: CARSP-ACPSER 2846 Arrowsmith Court Stevensville, ON L0S 1S0 Canada Add us to your address book<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/vcard?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&id=b56b…> unsubscribe from this list<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&i…> update subscription preferences<https://carsp.us7.list-manage.com/profile?u=abd86bfa37a97091490314c26&id=b5…> [Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp]<https://login.mailchimp.com/signup/email-referral/?aid=abd86bfa37a970914903…>

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