- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

FW: Science Matters | Burn calories, not gas: Ride a bike
by Kevin Miller 27 May '11

27 May '11

There's probably nothing here that most of us don't know, but it's nice to see cycling as the topic of David Suzuki's weekly column (which appears in many newspapers). Kevin Miller <k.a.miller(a)mts.net> _____ From: David Suzuki Foundation [mailto:subscribers@davidsuzuki.org] Sent: Friday, May 27, 2011 11:39 AM http://tinyurl.com/43ytvhy Having trouble reading this email? View it online <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd12cc612feadcd1b7a63f488a0612cc98 d649e7c36b86a320> . David Suzuki Foundation header <http://image.exct.net/lib/fe5c1570746c0d7a741c/m/1/20thhead-04.jpg> Burn calories, not gas: Ride a bike dtsbike <http://image.exct.net/lib/fe5c1570746c0d7a741c/m/1/dtsbike.jpg> By David Suzuki A U.K. man recently built a bicycle entirely out of wood, with no plastic or metal parts. Everything, including the wheels, gears, and seat, are wood. Inventor Michael Thompson, who made the "SplinterBike <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cdce389bca770edb6752f7f6a1bdc41d9f 35e16c218553dfda> " on a bet with a friend, says it can travel up to 50 kilometres an hour. What's amazing is that, almost 200 years after the first two-wheeler was made, people are still able to come up with innovative ideas for one of the simplest and most practical and efficient transportation devices ever invented. Even though I'm impressed by Thompson's wooden bike, and by those with bamboo or wood frames, I'll stick with my old metal-frame bike. I'm just happy that cycling is becoming more popular all the time, and that the city where I live, Vancouver, is making life easier for cyclists. After all, riding a bike is good for your health and the environment. As the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition points out in its promotion of Bike to Work Week (May 30 - June 5 in several Canadian cities), cycling to work is enjoyable, helps you get and stay in shape, and burns off stress. And when you consider gridlock and traffic, it's often as fast as or faster than driving. It's also way more efficient than car travel. According to the WorldWatch <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd7a725db2b7c0035cc5e8568a547e9fb3 e87e53732ceb4e0e> Institute, a bicycle needs 35 calories per passenger mile, while a car uses 1,860. Reducing your need to stop at the gas pump is both good for the environment and for your pocketbook, especially as gas prices continue to rise. Private automobiles create about 12 per cent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, and road transportation in general creates as much as one quarter. Riding a bike doesn't create any emissions. And it's not just gas that costs money. Buying, insuring, and maintaining a car, not to mention paying for parking, costs thousands of dollars a year. Of course, cycling isn't practical for everyone, and it's not always possible to ride - although I've seen my share of die-hard cyclists even on rare Vancouver snow days. But with proper clothing and gear, many people can ride for most of the year in urban centres. And the money saved from not driving is often enough to pay for public transit or taxis on days when cycling isn't possible. Our cities will become more livable and our environment cleaner when more people get out of their cars and onto their bikes. But we still have a long way to go in Canada. Only about one per cent of trips are made by bike here (although Vancouver <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd26820283112d7780b1893af92005aeb0 0d3b140b853dd3af> is higher, at about four per cent), whereas in many parts of Europe, the number is more than 30 per cent. In Amsterdam, 38 per cent of trips are made by bike, thanks to pro-cycling policies adopted since the 1970s. Resistance to change is inevitable, and in Vancouver we've seen some backlash against the expanding network of bike lanes. Many people still believe we should be shelling out loads of money for pavement and parking lots so that individual people can propel themselves to work and shopping in a two-tonne emissions-spewing machine. Others have complained that, because the bike lanes were not immediately crammed with cyclists, they're a waste of money and get in the way of cars and business. But as Amsterdam shows, investing in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure eventually pays off in many ways. As more people take up cycling, it also becomes safer. Although, those who worry about the safety of cycling might be interested in a British Medical Association study that found the health risks of inactivity are 20 times greater than the risks from cycling. For employers <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd18962cc79cbfb44edd6629d4f4e47aac b0ab2a9f240d68dd> , the benefits of encouraging cycling are numerous. A Dutch study found that people who cycle to work take fewer sick days, and research has shown they are generally happier and less stressed. Cyclists can also avoid traffic jams and are not as likely to be late for work. And bike lock-ups cost far less than car-parking facilities. Whether your bike has a state-of-the-art bamboo frame or is a clunky old off-roader, why not try riding it to work, and not just during Bike to Work week? You'll be happy you did. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation editorial and communications specialist Ian Hanington share on: <http://image.exct.net/lib/fe5c1570746c0d7a741c/m/1/share.gif> <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cdfeeebf715c7180e2c4d72a8b17c14837 c1d3bf92d9cde3f9> facebook logo <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd0596e0525fb80fdba85550434272265b 565a620db72b6f15> twitter logo This email was sent to k.a.miller(a)mts.net Take <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd0753c23ff3e558a4b65865dbc3001936 669cfce2bc7fe7d9> Action | Donate <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd2f5e93a01523dcb6ee5e50f9f064ea68 507e3f7c6d0978ed> | Unsubscribe <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cdb929c68e2ac708f820387bfee6deea15 1d862d4825a00e40> | Privacy <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cd596b49828cbc680e758e630ea3e1747b f5cedf19ce9e178a> Policy David <http://cl.exct.net/?qs=5cea98a99a0e97cdc6237878403c8494ad6a4a2c265b10c5 d45d12a057533c3e> Suzuki Foundation 219-2211 West 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V6K 4S2 604-732-4228 | contact(a)davidsuzuki.org <http://image.exct.net/lib/fe5c1570746c0d7a741c/m/1/tagline.gif>

1 0

WFP: Teen cyclist killed
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '11

27 May '11

Teen cyclist killed AN 18-year-old cyclist has died after being hit by a semi-trailer in Steinbach Thursday afternoon. The crash happened at 2.45 p.m. at the junction of highways 12 and 52. The semi was hauling hogs and was travelling west on Highway 52 when the male driver hit the cyclist. The cyclist, a woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. RCMP continue to investigate. Alcohol was not a factor. *Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 27, 2011 A11*

1 0

In some cities, not walking is as dangerous as walking
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '11

27 May '11

In Some Cities, Not Walking is as Dangerous as Walking<http://alttransport.com/2011/05/in-some-cities-not-walking-is-as-dangerous-…> by Joseph Cutrufo <http://alttransport.com/author/jcutrufo/> on Thursday, May 26, 2011 http://alttransport.com/2011/05/in-some-cities-not-walking-is-as-dangerous-… What’s more dangerous in your community? Walking or not walking? If walking isn’t a safe way to travel in your city, *not walking* may be just as dangerous. The American Colleges of Sports Medicine’s American Fitness Index<http://www.americanfitnessindex.org/quickview.htm>(AFI) and Transportaton for America’s Pedestrian Danger Index<http://t4america.org/resources/dangerousbydesign2011/states/worst-metros/>(PDI) may not at first blush appear to have much in common with one another, except for the fact that they were both released this week. The American Fitness Index is a “scientific snapshot of the state of health and fitness at the metropolitan level,” while the Pedestrian Danger Index is a “measure of the relative risk of walking, adjusted for exposure.” So where’s the connection? The metropolitan areas that the AFI ranks among the healthiest and fittest, are by and large among the safest places for walking, while many of the unhealthiest, least fit metro areas are also some of the most dangerous for pedestrians. In other words, if you manage not to be killed trying to cross the street, you’re still at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, asthma and obesity. Minneapolis, which got the top spot<http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/fitness/articles/2011/05/…>on the AFI’s list of 50 metro areas, was ranked the 48th most dangerous metro area out of 52 in the Pedestrian Danger Index. Boston<http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-25/news/29582658_1_pedestrian-danger-ind…>was named the least dangerous metro for pedestrians in the PDI, and was ranked third fittest in the AFI. The Pacific Northwest also had strong correlations between fitness and safety: Portland<http://www.oregon.statenews.net/story.php?rid=45627572>, San Francisco<http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2011/5/25/san-francisco-sacram…>and Seattle<http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2011/05/23/seattle-falls-in-healthy…>were all, not surprisingly, ranked in the top quintile for fitness and in the bottom quintile for danger. On the flipside, Tampa was ranked the second most dangerous metro for pedestrians, and was 40th in terms of fitness. While the PDI’s four most dangerous metros are in Florida<http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/25/us-florida-pedestrians-idUSTRE74O…>, many of the strongest correlations between fitness and pedestrian safety were more spread out geographically: The Inland Empire<http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/05/25/study-finds-inland-empire-region-among-…>region of Riverside and San Bernardino, California (5th most dangerous, 44th fittest), Las Vegas<http://www.8newsnow.com/story/14715691/las-vegas-6th-most-dangerous-for-ped…>(6th most dangerous, 43rd fittest), Memphis<http://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2011/05/24/memphis-bad-for-pe…>(7th most dangerous, 48th fittest) and Houston<http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/05/24/houston-in-top-10-on-ped…>(9th most dangerous, 42nd fittest). We’re quick to point the finger at the American diet and the US health care system for obesity and other chronic diseases, but these reports suggest the physical layout of our metro areas and how we move about within them are also to blame. Because of infrastructure that favors automobile travel over active transportation, the odds are stacked doubly high against people living in the least fit, least walkable places. Even those who want to start walking for health or transportation purposes struggle to do so because there’s nowhere safe to walk. The full American Fitness Index report and the Pedestrian Danger Index — part of T4America’s *Dangerous by Design 2011* — are available here<http://www.americanfitnessindex.org/docs/reports/2011_afi_report_final.pdf>and here <http://t4america.org/docs/dangerousbydesign/dangerous_by_design.pdf>.

1 0

Walking on sunshine - 10 am today kick-off Commuter Challenge
by Beth McKechnie 26 May '11

26 May '11

*Looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy some sunshine this morning? Walk, pedal, bus over to the official kick-off of the 2011 Commuter Challenge! * *When?* 10 a.m., TODAY *Where?* Manitoba Hydro Place outdoor plaza (corner of Edmonton and Graham) *What?* The Commuter Challenge, which takes place from June 5-11, is an annual friendly competition that encourages Manitobans to choose active and green commuting options. Individuals who bus, walk, cycle, carpool, telecommute or use any form of green commuting during that week are eligible to win great prizes! Manitobans can visit www.GreenActionCentre.ca<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/>to register as an employee with their workplace or as an individual, and log their green km during the week of the Commuter Challenge.

1 0

City of Winnipeg Job Posting: Community Climate Change Coordinator (2 year term)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '11

25 May '11

http://www.winnipeg.ca/resumeol/peoplesoft/job_req.asp?req=107422 Community Climate Change Coordinator (Planner 3) - Temporary 2 year Term *Posting NO.107422 *COMMUNITY CLIMATE CHANGE COORDINATOR (PLANNER 3) TEMPORARY 2 YEAR TERM PLANNING, PROPERTY AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT POSTING NO. 107422 The City of Winnipeg is currently accepting resumes to fill a temporary 2 year term Community Climate Change Coordinator (Planner 3) position for the Planning Property and Development Department. Under the direction of the Environmental Coordinator, the Climate Change Planner leads and facilitates the development of climate change action plans and coordinates corporate climate change actions across the organization. Engages and fosters relationships and partnerships with the community, various government departments, local agencies, community-based organizations and the private sector to achieve action on climate change priorities. Qualifications: 1. Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Studies/Science, Geography, Natural Resource Management OR Master¿s Degree in City Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies/Science, Geography, Public Administration is desirable. 2. A minimum of three (3) years experience in planning/implementing environmental initiatives. 3. Demonstrated organizational, analytical and decision-making abilities. 4. Proven ability to build consensus, to inspire confidence and to lead. 5. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues and develop practical solutions. 6. Strong interpersonal skills, including communication (both oral and written), facilitation and collaboration skills. 7. Public presentation and formal report preparation skills. 8. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective professional and working relationships with a wide variety of people (including elected and senior appointed officials). 9. Demonstrated political astuteness and sound judgment. 10. Positive, team oriented, confident attitude. 11. Ability to operate a personal computer and associated software (word processing, spreadsheet applications). 12. Demonstrated knowledge of local government issues and working knowledge of organizational change, theory and practice. 13. Knowledge of economic development issues as related to sustainable development at the community and neighbourhood level. 14. Knowledge of climate change. A Criminal Record Check will be required for the successful candidate, at their expense. A comprehensive salary and benefits package is offered. Interested applicants should submit a resume indicating Posting Number 107422 to: Competition Coordinator, Planning, Property and Development Department, Mezzanine, Unit 78 - 30 Fort Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4X7 or apply online at www.winnipeg.ca/hr on or before 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2011. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. City of Winnipeg on-line: http://www.winnipeg.ca Online Application Form<http://www.winnipeg.ca/resumeol/peoplesoft/apply.asp> *THE CITY OF WINNIPEG IS AN EMPLOYMENT EQUITY EMPLOYER ABORIGINAL PERSONS, WOMEN, VISIBLE MINORITIES AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SELF-DECLARE IN THEIR COVERING LETTER *

1 0

Nova Scotia success: Province will lower speeds in school zones
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '11

25 May '11

Yesterday the Province of Nova Scotia announced that it will reduce speeds in school zones from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. The Ecology Action Centre’s Active & Safe Routes to School program has been asking for this change since last fall. Find the news release here: http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20110524004. Ecology Action Centre congratulates the Nova Scotia government for making this change. It will contribute to making streets in our school communities safer, especially for children and youth who walk or wheel to school. Here are two short media clips on the announcement: http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/869412--school-zone-speeds-to… http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1245137.html (scroll down to the third item). Janet Barlow, Coordinator Active & Safe Routes to School Ecology Action Centre 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax, NS B3K 4L3 asrts(a)ecologyaction.ca (902) 442-5055 www.saferoutesns.ca Follow ASRTS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/asrts Help us celebrate our birthday with 40 days of action! www.ecologyaction.ca/40days

1 0

E-Bulletin - Recreation Connections Manitoba
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '11

25 May '11

FYI... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Cory Jackson <recconnections(a)sportmanitoba.ca> Date: Tue, May 24, 2011 at 12:50 PM Subject: [Physical-activity-coalition-mb] E-Bulletin - Recreation Connections Manitoba *After The School Bell Rings: A Manitoba After School Recreation Project * *Call for Applications Reminder* Applications for pilot program funding for After The School Bell Rings: A Manitoba After School Recreation Project are being accepted until Friday, *May 27, 2011*. The pilot programs will focus on increasing physical activity, healthy eating and active transportation in existing after school programs. If you are interested in having your after school program involved please visit our website at www.afterschoolmanitoba.ca for more information and an application form. I would also like to point out an error in the Information Package – Appendix B – Blended Program Framework. On the chart there are two boxes with the heading “Recreation 30%”. The heading for the lower box (left hand side) should read “Learning 20%”. There are also two boxes with the heading “Health 20%”. The heading for the lower box (right hand side) should read “Local Content 30%” For more information, please contact Roy Mulligan, Project Coordinator at (204) 925-5751 or via email at recconnections.pro(a)sportmanitoba.ca . ** *RCM Provincial Conference 2012* *Call for Presenters* *February 29 - March 2, 2012* *Winnipeg, Manitoba* Recreation Connections Manitoba (RCM) is seeking qualified workshop and keynote presenters for the 2012 Recreation Connections Manitoba Annual Provincial Conference. The conference will be held at the Victoria Inn, Winnipeg, Manitoba February 29 - March 2, 2012. Those interested in presenting at the event are asked to fill out the Call for Presenters 2012 online form. Deadline to receive proposals is June 15, 2011. *Please click on the Call for Presenters button on the RCM home page.* For more information, please contact Jackie Onagi, Training and Event Coordinator at (204) 925-5747 or via email at recconnections.events(a)sportmanitoba.ca *Sogo Active*** The Sogo Active Program is a for youth by youth program executed by ParticipACTION Canada along with provincial and territorial partners to motivate young Canadian/Manitobans to get active. Sogo Active puts power in the hands of youth to take charge of their own lives, and to inspire their peers to get moving. It’s a national network that connects youth with their peers and with community organizations. Is your organization looking for funding to run, enhance, or initiate a physical activity initiative that would include or target youth between the age of 13 and 19? Register as a community host at www.sogoactive.com to get started and access funding grants for up to $500. For more information, please contact Jackie Onagi, Provincial Coordinator – Sogo Active at (204) 925-5747 or via email at recconnections.events(a)sportmanitoba.ca *Aquatic Facility Operators Course*** Recreation Connections Manitoba, together with Manitoba Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors is hosting a 3 day course for Aquatic Facility Operators, June 21st - 23rd in Dauphin. Only a few seats left. Register today. To register, visit the RCM website at www.recconnections.com and click on the Online Event Manager button on the home page. For more information, please contact Jackie Onagi, Training and Event Coordinator at (204) 925-5747 or visit the website at www.recconnections.com…then click on Training and Development….then Aquatics.

1 0

Trails Day Celebrations - Saturday June 4th - 6 GREAT PARTIES !
by Janice Lukes 25 May '11

25 May '11

Good morning on a sunny day in Winnipeg! Here is your invitation to party! Pass this on to your friends / family and co workers! This is our 5th year of celebrating International Trails Day and wow we have lots to celebrate this year ! There are six great & unique parties occurring on six different trail systems in Winnipeg - full details can be found here: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/05/09/june-4th-trails-day-celebration/ Trails Day Poster is attached. Detailed trail maps can be found here (and more are being posted daily!): http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/trails-maps/ There will be all kinds of FREEBIES at the parties! - bike bells to alert pedestrian - brand new Winnipeg cycling maps, - local food samplings and refreshments, - in motion water bottles, - CBC Live Right now goodies, - massages for feet, bodies and more! The celebrations will occur on some of Winnipeg's classic trails - the Harte Trail, Bishop Grandin Greenway Trail, the Seine River Trail system AND on two of our newest stellar trail systems, the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail (be sure to stand under the incoming planes as this trail is right alongside a busy flight path) and the Bishop Grandin Trail West (part of Winnipeg's longest and BEST connected trail system)! See this great article in today's community newspaper (also posted below): http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/Trails-Day-set-to -connect-communities--122526619.html Check out Crampton's Market (http://cramptonsmarket.blogspot.com/). Crampton's is located on the Bishop Grandin West Trail and is proving to be an ideal Winnipeg case study on the economic benefits of trails - Crampton's was only accessible by motorized vehicle before the Bishop Grandin Trail West was built. People walking / cycling from even the closest communities of Waverly Heights and Waverly West had to take a vehicle. Today, Crampton's is fully embracing the trail and promoting it - and reaping the economic benefits of being located beside Bishop Grandin West Trail, the east - west connecting AT spine in south Winnipeg! happy trails! Janice Lukes * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CANSTAR Community News article: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/Trails-Day-set-to -connect-communities--122526619.html Trails Day set to connect communities by simon.fuller(a)canstarnews.com ( CANSTAR Community News, May 25, 2011) Winnipeggers will soon get the chance to become even more connected. June 4 is Trails Day, when there will be six multi-use trail events for individuals to explore across the city throughout the day. One brand new trail will be Bishop Grandin Trail West - a five-kilometre route that runs west from the Red River at Bishop Grandin Boulevard to McGillivray Boulevard.It was funded by all three levels of government under the banner of the Manitoba Rural Infrastructure Fund. A key event organizer says the new trail - which is also part of the Trans Canada Trail system - will help bring communities in southwest Winnipeg together. "This new trail is a stellar example of community connectivity," said Janice Lukes, manager of special projects for Winnipeg Trails. "It also enables access to the University of Manitoba on the east end and the Kenaston big box shopping centers and FortWhyte Alive on the west end." Lukes, who lives in St. Norbert, said the trail links the communities of University Heights, Waverley Heights, Waverley West, Linden Ridge and Whyte Ridge. On Trails Day, the new route will be showcased by the four-kilometre Cycle Tour - FortWhyte Alive to Crampton's Market, during which participants will get a guided tour of FWA before continuing on the trail for a trip to the market. Erin Crampton, who co-owns and operates Crampton's Market with her partner, Marc DeGagne, is excited about the new trail - not least because she hopes it will improve safety for local cyclists and pedestrians. "I've seen our customers, including mothers with young kids, dodging traffic when they cross the intersection at Bishop and Waverley," said Crampton, who lives in Waverley Heights. "I'm too scared to cycle on these routes. So, for me, the new pathway is absolutely necessary. There are the road warriors, who will nudge their way through traffic on their bikes. But for the rest of us, the new trail will make it safe and easy, which is lovely." When event participants arrive at Crampton's Market, they can expect to find a selection of locally grown produce, dry goods and baked goods, as well as the chance to score goody bags and receive bicycle and sports therapy advice from various organizations. "There will be a whole bunch of local food producers and we'll also be giving out swag bags. People will get a rewards card and receive a sticker at every station they visit. When they get five, they can collect a bag," Crampton said. Other Trail Day events will include Harte Trail's Paw Trek and Dog Show, which starts at Oakdale Street and Ridgewood Avenue in Charleswood and Discover Transcona's Many New Trails, which begins at the Transcona Historical Museum on Regent Avenue West. Crampton's Market is located at 1765 Waverley St. For more information, and downloadable maps, visit www.winnipegtrails.com. Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects - Winnipeg Trails Rivers West Red River Corridor Inc. 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 237-4618 <mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca> jlukes(a)riverswest.ca <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/> www.WinnipegTrails.ca Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group

1 0

Kick off the Commuter Challenge with us - May 26th, 10am
by Jessie Klassen 24 May '11

24 May '11

*Come and kick-off the 2011 Commuter Challenge!* *When?* 10 a.m., Thursday, May 26 *Where?* Manitoba Hydro Place outdoor plaza Corner of Edmonton and Graham (Rain location: Manitoba Hydro Place foyer) *What?* The Commuter Challenge, which takes place from June 5-11, is an annual friendly competition that encourages Manitobans to choose active and green commuting options. Individuals who bus, walk, cycle, carpool, telecommute or use any form of green commuting during that week are eligible to win great prizes! Manitobans can visit www.GreenActionCentre.ca to register as an employee with their workplace or as an individual, and log their green km during the week of the Commuter Challenge. Last year, over 8,100 employees at 197 workplaces participated, helping Winnipeg snag first place over other cities in our population category, including Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. Join the Honourable Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Deputy Mayor Justin Swandel, Mr. Lloyd Kuczek, Vice President, Manitoba Hydro, and Green Action Centre to kick-off the 12th annual Commuter Challenge! The Commuter Challenge in Manitoba is organized by Green Action Centre, a non-profit, non-governmental hub for greener living based in Winnipeg. Sponsors of the 2011 Commuter Challenge include: the Government of Manitoba, The City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Transit, MTS, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Hydro, Investor’s Group, Great West Life, Manitoba Public Insurance, and Assiniboine Credit Union. For more information, please contact: Francine Carrier, Commuter Challenge Coordinator Green Action Centre Tel: (204) 925-3779 E: challenge(a)greenactioncentre.ca W: www.GreenActionCentre.ca **

1 0

WFP: Floodway rec plan unveiled - Province reveals pedestrian-centred overpass, trail (May21'11)
by Beth McKechnie 21 May '11

21 May '11

Floodway rec plan unveiled Province reveals pedestrian-centred overpass, trail By: Bill Redekop BIRDS HILL PROVINCIAL PARK -- Former premier Duff Roblin dreamed not just of building a floodway but of developing the floodway corridor for recreational use for all Manitobans. The first one he got built in short order. The latter took 50 years. On Friday, the province gave a glimpse of the first phase of that floodway development that includes construction of a $3-million pedestrian overpass bridge spanning Highway 59, across from the Birds Hill Provincial Park entrance. The bridge is a key component in a 48-kilometre recreational trail for non-motorized travel being built along the west side of the floodway here. The bridge will also connect cyclists and others with Birds Hill Park, which has over 100 kilometres of additional trails, starting at the Cedar Bog Trail. The pedestrian bridge and a portion of the trail -- from about Garven Road to Lockport -- is expected to be completed possibly as early as August. Finishing touches are likely to continue until fall when a grand opening is scheduled. The entire trail, extending as far south as Duff Roblin Provincial Park, at a cost of $6 million in addition to the bridge's cost, will be completed by next summer. It will be open for four-season use including walking, jogging, cycling, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, even dogsledding. There will be a dedicated toboggan hill close to Kirkness Road, north of the Birds Hill Park entrance. There will be up to six staging areas where people can park and load their bikes. Janice Lukes, a director with the Winnipeg Trails Association, expects some people will be skeptical. "It's pretty hard for the average Joe to get the picture," she said. But Lukes has no doubt the trail system, once built, will attract hordes of users. "Just look at the usage that old rail line (the former CPR rail line between Gateway Road and Raleigh Street the city converted into a biking/hiking trail) gets. People are really getting into this," she said. The floodway project is just the north extension of the trail system being built through Winnipeg. You could soon be able to travel on a dedicated recreational trail from the University of Manitoba (following the Rapid Transit Corridor), through The Forks, along the old CPR line that divides Gateway and Raleigh, all the way to Birds Hill Park and beyond to Lockport. "Cycle tourism is a massive industry in Quebec, in Minnesota. We're flat here. We're perfect," Lukes said. The project -- which will also include landscaping and beautification, with the planting of thousands of trees and natural flowers and prairie -- is being undertaken by the Manitoba Floodway Authority. The steel bridge is necessary to hook up with the extensive trail system in Birds Hill Park, and because people are already crossing the highway there. "This is a major safety concern," said Ronuk Modha, floodway authority communications director. The bridge is 4.2 metres wide, from curb to curb. It will have an enclosure similar to wire fencing so people can't fall out or throw things down on traffic. There will also be a viewing area in the centre. About a six-kilometre stretch of trail between Dunning Road and Garven Road is asphalt and already completed. The rest of the trail will be crushed limestone. The floodway authority is also building a three-kilometre trail into Birds Hill Park to hook up to the Cedar Bog Trail. People can't cross the floodway from Birds Hill Park to the floodway's west side when it's full with flood water but that is only one to two months of the year, said Modha. Otherwise, people can cross at Dunning Road, west of the 59er Restaurant. This is just the floodway authority's first phase of development. The second phase will take place on the southern portion of the floodway near St. Mary's Road, Modha said. bill.redekop(a)freepress.mb.ca -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

1 0