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Free Press Community Review: Sharma discusses goals, priorities for 2022 (Jan5'22)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Jan '22

05 Jan '22

Sharma discusses goals, priorities for 2022 https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/Sharma-discusses-goals-pr… Moving into the new year, Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) laid out some of her goals for 2022. “We have a lot of things to deal with,” Sharma said. “Northwest Winnipeg continues to grow. It’s one of the fastest growing areas of the city. Obviously, with growth comes new amenities that are needed and the regular issues we deal with across the city.” First off, Sharma acknowledged the pandemic has made a “massive change” in the lives of all Winnipeggers, and it has also affected the operation of the city itself. In light of that, Sharma said working closely with community organizations will continue to be important in 2022, as people have relied on community supports to keep themselves afloat during the pandemic. Sharma said she’ll be supporting improvements to the city’s active transportation, including the Northwest Hydro Corridor Greenway, which will run parallel to McPhillips Street. Phase 1 will be approximately 2.4 kilometres from Leila Avenue to Church Avenue. Construction on that project is set to get underway this year, Sharma said. One issue Sharma said she feels strongly about is regulating the growing of medical cannabis in residential areas. “The growing of cannabis in neighbourhoods, there’s a lot of negative impacts that come along with that,” Sharma said. Since cannabis was legalized, Sharma said there’s been a significant uptick in reports of home growers, some that Sharma said are growing “hundreds of plants.” Neighbours have complained of strong odours coming from these residences, she said. Besides that, the operations can cause long-term damage to the houses and attract criminal activity, Sharma said. She’s calling for growers to be licensed in the future. Sharma said the city needs to take the steps to deal with these side-effect issues of cannabis’ relatively fresh legalization. “Winnipeg would be the first major Canadian municipality to actively take steps toward addressing these issues,” she said. Additionally, Sharma mentioned road renewals as a perennial priority in Winnipeg. She said for major projects, she expects to see part of Leila Avenue renewed, as well as the finishing of Keewatin Street north of Inkster Boulevard. However, Sharma acknowledged the upcoming budget makes new projects “challenging.” That budget was put forward by Mayor Brian Bowman, who said he will not be running 2022’s municipal election. Sharma said she’s ready to work with whoever assumes the mayoral title. “I’m excited about new leadership. I think it brings new ideas, a new individual around the table,” she said. “I’m someone that’s a relationship builder. I pride myself on good relations with each member of council, including the mayor, and that’s how I intend on working in the future. I think that’s what gives good results, is co-operation.” Sharma said public safety is also a high priority for the year. She expressed her support for the Northwest Watchers community watch group and said a new group will be forming at North Point. “It’s additional eyes and ears in neighbourhoods,” she said. “It’s getting to know one another, and it’s that culture of safety, in my view, that’s always been important since I was a child.” Sharma has been the councillor for Old Kildonan since 2010.

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re transportation modeling data Winnipeg PERSENTECH-BigDataforTransportation-092015.pdf
by Terry Zdan 29 Dec '21

29 Dec '21

Yours truly has always been a fan for more transportation data..CST produced this vehicle sooed map using on oard gps Ottomate instruments. , see report below investigating excessive idling in Wpg during summer months. The vehicle speed images are real time and document/confirm driving habits in the city. CST student researchers combed the literature for explanations of this phenomenon and came up empty. I have an unpublished non peered story attempting to do that. Cudos to PERSENTECH and their Ottomate...which CST later used in amazing study to document and map bicycle routes in the city. The project was jointly funded by the CoW and FCM (who in my opinion did not understand bicycles as a viable transportation vehicle at that time.) The project was called Ottocycle. Provided a benchmark of active cycling info that was lightyears ahead of it time...at that time. In my opinion.

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Interesting article about modelling of bike network flows using Winnipeg as a Case Study
by Mark Cohoe 29 Dec '21

29 Dec '21

Hi, I stumbled across this paper while researching prioritization of bicycle network segments, and thought I'd pass it along. It's not like there are a lot of papers based on Winnipeg's bike network, so this piqued my interest. I'm really not sure what the connection to Winnipeg is, as there doesn't seem to even be a Canadian University attached to the paper, let alone a Winnipeg institution. Considering Space Syntax in Bicycle Traffic Assignment with One or More User Classes <file:///C:/Users/MCohoe/AppData/Local/Temp/sustainability-13-11078-v3.pdf> The paper discusses a model that was created to estimate bike flows in Winnipeg and compare different ways of estimating the route choice of people on bike. They use shortest path, what they term "route cognition", and Bicycle Level of Service as criteria to assign trips from an origin destination model. I'm not sure how the origin-destination trip tables were attained; maybe through the WATS study, but maybe generated through Space Syntax methodology. The latter seems lilley as I gather that Space Syntax involves dividing the city into smaller zones that are understandable at a personal level. It seems similar to cycle zone analysis. The "route cognition" criteria is new to me, but essentially seems to be related to how easy it is to understand a route. The more turns, the harder to understand, and the less attractive. It seems to come out of "Space Syntax", which is also new to me. I find it to be an interesting criteria. For Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS), they seem to have calculated BLOS for every road segment and intersection based on methods from the Highway Traffic Manual (HTM). Cheers, Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg t: 204-894-6540 e: mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca

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Evaluating Transportation Equity: Guidance for Incorporating Distributional Impacts in Transport Planning (VTPI)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Dec '21

23 Dec '21

*Equity* refers to the fairness with which impacts (benefits and costs) are distributed. Transportation planning decisions can have large and diverse equity impacts. Evaluating these can be challenging because there are several types of equity and impacts to consider, and various ways to measure them. Horizontal equity assumes that people with similar needs and abilities should be treated equally; vertical equity assumes that disadvantaged groups should receive a greater share of resources. Social justice addresses structural inequities such as racism and sexism. This report provides guidance for transportation equity analysis. It describes various perspectives and impacts, and practical ways to incorporate transportation equity goals into planning. *Transportation Equity Analysis Summary *(www.vtpi.org/equity.pdf) *Type* *Description* *Metrics* *Optimization Strategies* Horizontal – Fair Share Each person receives a fair share of public resources Per capita share of public resources (money, road space, etc.). Multimodal transport planning. Least-cost funding. Efficient pricing. Horizontal – External costs Travellers minimize and compensate for external costs. Infrastructure costs, congestion, crash risk and pollution that travellers impose on other people. Minimize and compensate for external costs. Favor resource-efficient modes. Vertical – Inclusivity Transportation systems provide basic mobility to disadvantaged groups. Quality of travel for people with disabilities and other special needs. Disparities between groups. Favor inclusive modes and accessible community development. Vertical – Affordability Lower-income households can afford basic mobility. Transportation costs relative to incomes. Quality of affordable modes. Favor affordable modes and housing in high-access areas. Social Justice Policies address structural inequities. Whether organizations address inequities such as racism and classism. Identify and correct structural inequities. Affirmative action. *This table summarizes transportation equity types, ways to measure them, and optimization strategies.*

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Ski Train Rolls into The Forks, Bicycle Garden Grows
by Beth McKechnie 20 Dec '21

20 Dec '21

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: The Plain Bicycle Team <Sales(a)plainbicycle.org> Date: Sat, Dec 18, 2021 at 3:32 PM Subject: Ski Train Rolls into The Forks, Bicycle Garden Grows Come see the exciting second Plain Bicycle location at The Forks. Ski library opens. Kicksleds, cargo bikes and more at both locations. View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/18922d70975e/ski-train-rolls-into-the-forks-bicycle-gard…> [image: Logo] *By Donation Ski Library Opens At The Forks* Reserve Skis Now <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> Around this time last year, as winter and another pandemic wave approached, we put out a call to the community to help us build a ski equipment library to make winter fun more accessible. Suddenly, hundreds of generous Winnipeggers began pouring in ready to donate and rent used skis, boots, and poles, snowshoes, snowboards, moccasins and more! *Skis are back. Come get yours* *at the antique train cars at The Forks. *Reserve them <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> and take them to the cabin or your favourite ski trail. Once the River Trail opens, you can even ski from the door! Your donations help support the non profit work of Winnipeg Trails, including the free mobile ski library that will soon be heading out to parks all over Winnipeg as part of Winter;Peg. *We believe in mobility, year round. *Bicycles, kicksleds, baby seats, cargo bikes, lights, gifts… the new Plain Bicycle train cars have everything any family needs to get outside and get active. Our Bicycle Garden Grows Our location at 267 Sherbrook Street, just south of Portage and located in the heart of Winnipeg’s bike-o-philic West End remains open! Although we ran out of room for all the skis (all skis must be picked up at the Forks now), you can still buy dutch bikes, cargo, get repairs done and pickup and return snowshoes! Visit the Plain Bicycle Online Store <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> Need a surefire gift idea? We have gift certificates. Gift certificates come in the form of a snazzy card, and are redeemable at either location. Hours and addresses for both locations <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> Note on Holiday hours: Christmas Eve: noon-5 both locations. Christmas Day: Closed at both locations. Boxing Day: Forks noon-6; Bicycle Garden closed. News Year Day: Closed at both locations. [image: Facebook icon] <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> [image: Instagram icon] <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> [image: Twitter icon] <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> [image: Email icon] <http://Sales@PlainBicycle.org> [image: Logo] <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f5…> *Copyright (C) 2021 Plain Bicycle. All rights reserved.* You are receiving this email because you are on the waiting list or you purchased a plain bicycle and because we promised to send updates on bicycle repair and parts. Our mailing address is: Plain Bicycle 267 Sherbrook Ave Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B8 Canada Add us to your address book <https://PlainBicycle.us16.list-manage.com/vcard?u=7bf38a87667ed8e78f57eb067…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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WFP: A warm winter embrace (Dec18'21)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Dec '21

18 Dec '21

A WARM WINTER EMBRACE The pandemic has made clear just how important fresh air and social connections are to our well-being; rather than surrender to the cold, cities that spend a significant portion of the year under snow and ice can, and should, rise to the challenges and… enjoy? https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/a-warm-winter-embrace-575940602.html WHETHER it was a picnic at a plaza, or a gathering on a patio, or a literal walk in the park — the importance for social connections and a high-quality public space has been punctuated during the pandemic. We took our computers and meetings outside, took up jogging or cycling on sidewalks that extended into city streets, and sought places to interact with our friends and loved ones. Cities were compelled to support individuals and businesses during the pandemic, with quick responses and changes to public policy and programs. In Winnipeg, streets were turned over to pedestrians, allowing for safe distancing from one another while outdoors — a temporary pilot project that many advocated to remain permanent in several areas across the city. In Edmonton, restaurants were provided free, expedited permits for outdoor patios, and businesses along major commercial corridors were invited to apply for micro-grants to support their transition to pandemic resilient models such as contactless payment systems or infrastructure for pickup of goods. Cities converted vacant or underutilized spaces into temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness, as mandated physical-distancing measures could not be accommodated in existing overcrowded facilities. To allow for these transitions, city governments had to relax bylaws and policies. In many ways, they tossed out their usual playbooks, so to speak, shifting the way they govern and respond. Many of the interventions continued throughout the coldest months; in Edmonton, 40 per cent of survey respondents indicated that they spent more time outside than in previous winters and 71 per cent said they would spend either the same amount or more time outside this year. As the snow begins to fall, we should reflect on which interventions worked well, and howwe might adapt them this winter. What do we need to do to stay active, to staymentally well and to keep our cities’ hearts beating? ●●● LAST winter, Bloomberg CityLab cited Edmonton’s WinterCity Strategy as an important precedent from which other cities can learn, noting, “It has become clear that the safest place to be with other people is outdoors, and we can learn from winter cities how to keep the good times (literally) rolling.” Launched in 2012, the WinterCity Strategy outlines ways to: increase opportunities for outdoor play; improve winter transportation; design for safety, comfort, and beauty; develop a four-season patio culture; and increase festivals and celebrations. Through these endeavours, Edmonton hopes to nurture a vibrant winter life, prioritize quality winter design, bolster a bustling winter economy and celebrate the city’s wintry identity. Cities can take inspiration from Edmonton’s strategy. For example, they might pilot creative projects that use snow and ice as a resource. Imagine if cities used snow to build snow forts, slides, sculptures and climbing mounds. What if businesses used snow to develop wind barriers for patrons to remain outside comfortably? Edmonton’s strategy also calls for accessible opportunities to play outside, from free skating at outdoor rinks to reconfiguring existing city trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Specifically, the plan calls for “whiteof- ways” where snow cover is kept on parts of sidewalks and other routes for snow-assisted mobility. “While we are connecting and sharing with others that are generating ideas and solutions, one thing is clear, Edmonton is arguably the international leader in winter city approaches,” says Lisa Cavicchia, program director of the Canadian Urban Institute. “It’s the only city that I have come across that has a comprehensive strategy focused on embracing winter. And the only strategy that is holistic in that it includes changing mindsets, building community and building the local economy.” ●●● FOR Sheena Jardine-Olade, one of the founders of Night Lab, a research and policy consultancy focused on the night-time economy, illumination should be a key consideration when preparing our cities for the upcoming cold. “With negative perceptions of winter being dark and dreary, lighting has an impact,” says Jardine-Olade. “Our travel in winter tends to be destination- driven, and the proper lighting can get us to stop and take a moment to interact and engage with our surroundings. Lighting improves legibility, wayfinding, perception of comfort and safety, and creates better access and use of public space during the winter months for everyone — night workers, those with mobility issues, vulnerable populations, those participating in recreation or social gatherings. So, how can we play with light to create positive winter narratives?” With changing climate and weather patterns, the one thing that all festivals and events can rely on is darkness. This means they can play with light. But to do that, they need to manage darkness. “Light can shape feelings in spaces. Light can guide us, inspire us,” says lighting designer Sabine De Schutter. In winter cities, often less light is needed because it reflects off the snow. We can add permanent or temporary lighting to spaces to draw people in. One of Edmonton’s new skating trails has colourful lights that project a mosaic effect on the ice. This creates a whimsical experience while gently lighting the trail, allowing skaters’ night vision to remain so they can still see stars overhead. In winter cities, access to sunshine is important for physical and mental health during the darker months. As cities add taller buildings to meet higher- density goals, rooftop spaces will become more important for public life and well-being. In Calgary, a temporary park designed byWinnipeg-firm Public City Architecture, High Park, was erected on an underused downtown parkade. Colourful picnic tables, fake grass, and lights adorned this new public space throughout 2021. Local music venues and fitness centres that have had to close because of COVID-19 are also exploring whether they could use the space for concerts and fitness classes. Public washroom access has long been an issue for everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability, or wealth. Put in simple terms, when you gotta go, you gotta go! Public toilets have largely been absent in most cityscapes, or are available at limited capacities or in states of disrepair. When patronizing businesses this past summer, many found it difficult to stay in place for longer periods of time with limited access to public toilets. Rae and Wins Bridgman of Winnipeg-based firm BridgmanCollaborative Architecture, have long advocated for four-season public toilets that are colourful, highly visible, open and well-ventilated, spacious and comfortable with places to sit, non-gendered and for everyone. “Washing hands is key to stopping the pandemic in its tracks. It’s so obvious we need more safe, clean, monitored, year-round public toilets in our cities. Clean public toilets (with places to wash our hands), they make all the difference between thriving healthy cities and declining unhealthy cities,” Wins says. The City of Toronto, as part of its COVID-19 response, expanded its supply of washroom facilities in parks from 64 to 143 near the end of 2020. ●●● EDMONTON’S Winter City Strategy led to the creation of three tool kits designed to encourage citizens to get outside in winter: Be Active, Be Social and Be Creative. They provide tips and ideas on things such as dressing for being outside, activities, recipes to cook on the fire, decorating front yards and houses and hosting winter picnics and backyard parties. Neighbourhood play streets, where a street is closed off for activities, have become popular inmany cities in the summer, and can be adapted to provide safe spaces for physically distanced winter gatherings. Every winter inWinnipeg, Hazel Borys’s neighbours collaborate and share their front lawns to develop slides and play space. Borys, CEO of PlaceMakers Inc., is a winter city aficionado who guides governments around the world through policy, physical planning and land-use law reforms. “When the development bylaw prioritizes a human-scaled public realm, it makes wintertime activation much easier,” says Borys. “That is, when rear lanes take care of parking cars and storing trash, it frees up front yards to get convivial. That’s when Winnipeggers are prone to put two front yards together for a skating rink or a toboggan run…. When people have space that is easily compiled and when the city allows temporary uses to spring up, we are more prone to inhabit our outdoors year round.” While the above activities present an opportunity to support the local economy and neighbourhood participation in the winter, it is important to note that winter also presents significant challenges to those underhoused. While cities are in a hurry to transform public spaces for the local economy to flourish in the winter, it is incumbent on us, as planners, designers, and as neighbours, to consider the harsh realities of the cold and its impacts on those sleeping rough. How do we reconcile a desire for interventions that carve out public space for private uses? How do we reframe our thinking to ensure spaces are for everyone, not just for the few? During the height of COVID-19, underutilized spaces and buildings were used as temporary shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness to adequately physically distance themselves. Would that be the appropriate response for the upcoming winter season? What might need to be reconsidered? What other spaces should be adapted to accommodate? Most cities have ample space to provide socially-distanced services and shelter to residents struggling with homelessness. So what can we do? Tool kits and guidelines to respond to COVID-19 have been prepared across the nation, with many now focusing on city building through a winter lens. Below are several implementation scenarios that may unfold in the short term. ● Celebrate winter: attend your local winter fest. City administrations and citizens should look at what is already happening in winter in their cities. What kinds of festivals and events are already being produced? How can they be supported to continue in a COVID-19 context? Find out how to host a neighbourhood play street. Meet neighbours in the park, take a chair, a blanket and your own hot chocolate. ● Create an experience: creating a captivating winter experience is key to thriving in the coldest of months. The Flying Canoe Volant Festival in Edmonton has been doing this for years — taking more than a kilometre of forested ravine in the heart of the city and turning it into a magical display of light, art and culture. Temporary light installations and public art displays created by local artists fill the space with colour and wonder, while cultural displays and performances entrance with displays of heritage, history and resilience (including the most Canadian of treats: hot maple syrup folded with fresh snow). In 2018, temperatures reached the -38 C in Edmonton, yet more than 20,000 people showed up. The next year, with -20 Cweather, which is much more common for the time of year, 50,000 attended. The proof is in the pudding— or the syrup, for that matter. To truly thrive in the winter months, we need to create a winter experience. ● Enjoy refreshments al fresco: support local venues by going to a winter patio. Venues can make their patios winter-friendly by blocking the wind and adding heating elements and lights. Adding a touch of colour and (even fake) greenery will make a space more inviting. It is important to keep in mind that a winter patio experience does not have to be, and will not be, the same as one in summer. Appetizers, desserts, soups and hot drinks are much more suited to sitting outside than a full meal. ● Create an authentic winter experience; do not try to recreate a summer one. And keep in mind, your backyard patio does not need to be retired for the winter, either— blankets, a fire pit and hot chocolate will make for a cosy family evening. ● Clear the snow: help your neighbours by keeping your sidewalk clear of snow. Getting outside and walking will be so much more important this winter. City administrations might need to increase snow clearing in parks, too. A single uncleared path or windrow on a corner creates a barrier for some folks that will end their journey. Residents with limited mobility, such as wheelchair users or parents with strollers, should always be considered in snow-clearing procedures. This winter in particular, when social isolation could be more serious than usual, good snow clearing becomes a matter of social justice. ● Keep on pedalling: try winter cycling. Cycling became so popular around the world during the pandemic that it was difficult to buy a bike. That trend continued in Edmonton, as 24 per cent of winter cyclists said they had picked up cycling in the last 12 months. Many cities closed streets to vehicular traffic so people could walk and cycle with more room. Many cities such as Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg continue to add bike lanes. Put studded tires on your bike and give it a go. If cities want to encourage year-round cycling, maintenance of bike lanes is key. People of all ages will cycle when the lanes are clear and they feel safe. As an added bonus, in many cities, businesses on bike lanes seem to have an increase in sales because pedestrians and cyclists will stop more frequently than vehicle drivers. So cycling will support the local economy, too. ● Use winter as a resource: we have two options when it comes to planning and designing for a cold, winter city — plan for winter, or plan with winter. Winter, and the usual suspects that follow — snow, wind, ice, and darkness— can be understood as resources we can use to create an experience, as opposed to vicious elements we need to mitigate against. Cities need to harness the power that these elements provide — free, natural resources, often occurring in abundance, and use them to create experiences. By planning and designing with our natural environment, instead of against it, we can build a flourishing winter experience in which we embrace the beauty of the coldest months. These ideas are not new — in Edmonton, the Silver Skate Festival has been inviting internationally renowned snow carvers to craft and create unique and engaging displays out of our most abundant winter resource. When used correctly, snow and ice can be important building resources. Once we understand winter as a resource instead of a nuisance, we can plan and design a winter city that actively thrives in its environment — instead of constantly cursing that fluffy white stuff. ● Be flexible, creative and supportive: ask what is getting in the way of supporting vibrant, fun outdoor winter life, and what can be done to help. Cities can look at which policies and regulations were designed with summer in mind, and reimagine them with a winter lens. Toronto, for example, has already changed its rules to allow portable heaters on all patios. Edmonton’s strategy calls to “further develop a culture of shared responsibility for safety that supports active, engaged winter lifestyles and appropriate risk taking.” Shifting to a shared culture of risk around winter activities also requires flexibility, creativity and support from all sides. Partnerships and community-driven ideas can be supported by city administrations in many ways, such as grants, stewardship and permit relief. Focused, collective, centralized marketing will also support activities and businesses. Led by city administration or a tourism office, a targeted campaign will promote festivals, events and local businesses and will help citizens find out what is going on and what they need to know during this COVID-19 winter. ● Rising to the challenge: Winnipeg and Edmonton are both known for their winter identities — cities where temperatures can dip lower than -30 C during a cold snap. Whether we take to ice rinks for a game of shinny or skate along frozen rivers, we also enjoy times of indoor coziness à la Danish hygge. Both realities are necessary, as not everyone will embrace winter. But like it or not, winter is here and we need to plan for it. We can do it in a way that creates an invitation for people to get out and enjoy it. The snowy season has been a source of strength for both cities’ creativity, ingenuity and resilience. We want to leverage it, to bolster our economy, to encourage neighbourly participation and to support connectedness and livability. The question is, what resources are we willing to put into the advancement of our winter plans, and has this pandemic created a compelling enough reason for us to get started? Time will tell, and our investment or divestment will be quite evident as our cities thaw. Jason Syvixay is an urban planner and PhD candidate who convenes dialogue around pressing urban issues. He has helped to build safe, resilient, and equitable places and policies through his work at the DowntownWinnipeg BIZ, HTFC Planning& Design and the City of Edmonton. Isla Tanaka is theWinter City Planner for the City of Edmonton. She has presented on winter life and design around the world and helped plan two international winter cities conferences. Amos Kajner-Nonnekes is an urban designer, public artist and creative. He is a founding partner of Thirdspace Design Group Inc., an Edmonton urban design and placemaking studio, as well as a partner with Vignettes Showcase Inc., an Edmonton-based design studio and public art firm.

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CBC: City of Winnipeg budget tweaked to include public washroom funds, active transportation reporting
by Beth McKechnie 16 Dec '21

16 Dec '21

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/city-of-winnipeg-budget-small-chang… Full city council will vote on entire budget at Wednesday meeting Mayor Brian Bowman's inner circle sent the City of Winnipeg's preliminary budget to council largely unchanged, but with some small tweaks to address priorities of councillors and community delegates. Changes to the $1.195 billion budget include shuffling around $50,000 to fund the maintenance and operations of new public washrooms, funding for new spray pads in Whyte Ridge and The Maples, and an order for the public service to report on efforts to access federal funding for trees. "Part of what these amendments reflect is the effort to work with all councillors," said Coun. Scott Gillingham, chair of the city's finance committee, after the executive policy committee meeting. "These amendments reflect the fact that we're trying to work with our council colleagues, both those on the executive policy committee and those not on executive policy committee." City council will vote on the entire budget and any amendments at a meeting on Wednesday. The executive policy committee added a requirement that the public service report back to council any time an active transportation project can't be completed along with a road renewal or rehabilitation. City policy requires that active transportation facilities be included whenever a street that is part of the city's active transportation strategy is rebuilt, but those facilities are sometimes scrapped due to issues that arise once construction starts. If that happens, the public service must now come back to council with an alternative plan or a request for more funding, Gillingham said. Bowman, speaking at a news conference after the meeting, said challenges arise with projects due to existing infrastructure. "There's just increasing scrutiny and increasing demands of council to do more for active transportation, and we want to make sure that the reporting throughout the year is just more proactive," Bowman said. One change was made as a result of presentations from delegates at EPC's open meeting on Friday. Advocates for preserving Winnipeg's urban canopy questioned whether the city was spending enough to save mature trees and plant new ones. The committee added a requirement for the public service to report quarterly on efforts to access federal funding, such as the 2 Billion Trees Program, which will begin taking applications soon. "This budget amendment really places the onus on us to demonstrate that we're leveraging contributions for Winnipeg's urban canopy," Coun. Sherri Rollins told the committee. The draft police budget, including a requirement that the Winnipeg Police Service find more than $9 million in annual savings, was referred to full council. Earlier this month, the Winnipeg Police Board passed the $320-million police budget, with a warning that there are risks associated with trying to meet the $9-million savings target. The police budget will rise $7 million next year, but police sought a larger increase. "We have, under this mayor, increased funding," Coun. Brian Mayes, who sits on the police board, told the committee. "We have, however, reduced the acceleration rate quite dramatically. So the bigger increases we used to see, the arc has been flattened over time." A $58,000 pilot project to provide free menstrual products in select city facilities will be funded using existing resources. "I do see the benefit and I think the pilot is something that should be supported," Bowman said during a news conference after the meeting. "The hope and expectation is that, as a result of the pilot, that those products would be made available throughout city facilities." The budget maintains the 2.33 per cent property tax increase — the same amount it has increased each year during Bowman's term. This year's increase will cost the average homeowner about $43.

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CBC: WRENCH's archive project asks public to share documents to tell story of cycling in Winnipeg
by Beth McKechnie 16 Dec '21

16 Dec '21

Relevant documents to be shared, presented on social media https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/wrench-launch-winnipeg-cycling-arch… -- 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 located on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anishininiwag, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of* *the Métis Nation. We acknowledge that our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and that our hydro is sourced from numerous First Nations here in Manitoba**. * 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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Boston Pilot Project Finds Free Transit Increases Ridership | Less Free Parking, More Shopping
by Beth McKechnie 15 Dec '21

15 Dec '21

Two topics of potential interest in this article from Next City: https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/boston-pilot-project-finds-free-transit-… 1) Boston Pilot Project Finds Free Transit Increases Ridership 2) A Gift to City Retailers for the Holidays: Less Free Parking, More Shoppers 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 located on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anishininiwag, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of* *the Métis Nation. We acknowledge that our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and that our hydro is sourced from numerous First Nations here in Manitoba**. * 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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Fwd: Winnipeg Trails is Hiring Active Aging Facilitators
by Anders Swanson 03 Dec '21

03 Dec '21

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Winnipeg Trails Association <leighanne(a)winnipegtrails.ca> Date: Fri, Dec 3, 2021 at 6:16 PM Subject: Winnipeg Trails is Hiring Active Aging Facilitators To: Anders Swanson <andersswanson(a)gmail.com> View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/b276c7f05fe2/winnipeg-trails-is-hiring-active-aging-faci…> *Winnipeg Trails is Hiring Active Aging Facilitators!* *We are looking for multiple active aging facilitators focused on outreach for programming and retail service for our Dutch bike shop. * SEE FULL JOB POSTING ON OUR WEBSITE HERE <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=128342d81c494f9ed…> *IMPORTANT: We value diversity and inclusion and will prioritize applicants who are BIPOC, older adults (55+), and women/non-binary. We also warmly welcome ESL speakers. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please contact us. We will review applications as they are received and we look forward to hearing from you. Note that these two positions are funded thanks in part to funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons program. That program is geared at helping community organizations offer exciting new job opportunities to older adults. As a result, ideal candidates will identify as BIPOC women and/or non-binary folk aged 55 or older. We strongly encourage others to be in touch, but understand that as part of a push towards more inclusion in a field that presents itself as a bastion of the young and male, identity matters. This is not our only job posting, so we strongly encourage all interested parties to send us their resume and a letter of interest in working here. For more info about all available positions, view our website, social media or send an email to leighanne(a)winnipegtrails.ca <leighanne(a)winnipegtrails.ca>.* *Brief Job Description* (see more on our website <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=128342d81c494f9ed…> ) The job begins as soon as possible, up to 32 hrs/week starting at $17/hour. Lasting 3 months. Longer if funding allows. Depending on the skills you already have and what you want to learn, picture yourself making people happy by fitting bikes, sharing ski equipment, reaching out to community and seniors organizations to make connections and develop new and/or current programs like Winnipeg Trails’ Goal 5 project. You may also find yourself waxing skis, fixing bikes, and brainstorming ways of building new trails or running a shop! There are multiple positions so don’t hesitate to send this along to a friend, or even apply as a duo! And don’t sell yourself short know matter what your current skill set. You will be joining a team of action-oriented people whose multidisciplinary expertise ranges from mechanics, to city planning, to gardening and land steward knowledge, all with a commitment to learning, listening, and understanding. *Background on the opportunities* Winnipeg Trails runs a social enterprise called the *Plain Bicycle Project.* Since 2017, it has been successful in bringing lessons learned from Dutch cycling culture to Winnipeg. In the Netherlands, it is common to see groups of elderly people traveling daily to the grocery in complete comfort on bicycles designed to serve generations with comfortable rides, all blithely unaware that sights like this are much less common throughout North America. Winnipeg Trails and the Plain Bicycle project want to change that. Winnipeg Trails also runs *Winter;Peg*, a project whose goal is to bring winter fun to everyone. We have a by-donation equipment library where we stock snowshoes, skis and kicksleds! A large part of our audience includes older adults looking for recreation opportunities near their home. Another project of note is our *Goal 5* bike project where we get plain bikes into the hands of BIPOC women in exchange for volunteer hours. We also offer a variety of workshops and how to ride a bike lessons. In general, Winnipeg Trails is responding to sweeping international issues through local action, and we believe strongly that active aging is critical not just for the health and wellbeing of the people we serve, but our city and planet too. *Please spread the word about this opportunity to older adults that may appreciate an opportunity to connect with people in a fun retail environment. Have a fabulous weekend! Thank you for your continued support. Winnipeg Trails Team* [image: Twitter] <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=128342d81c494f9ed…> [image: Facebook] <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=128342d81c494f9ed…> [image: Website] <http://Winnipegtrails.ca> [image: Instagram] <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=128342d81c494f9ed…> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/profile?u=128342d81c494f9ed0578…> or unsubscribe from this list <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=128342d81c494f9ed…> . This email was sent to andersswanson(a)gmail.com *why did I get this?* <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/about?u=128342d81c494f9ed0578c1…> unsubscribe from this list <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=128342d81c494f9ed…> update subscription preferences <https://winnipegtrails.us10.list-manage.com/profile?u=128342d81c494f9ed0578…> Winnipeg Trails Association · 306 Edwin St · Winnipeg, MB R3B 0Y6 · Canada [image: Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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Fwd: Trails MB Virtual Presentation - Trail Design for ALL abilities
by Anders Swanson 01 Dec '21

01 Dec '21

Should be a good one. See below. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Tim Coffin <executive_director(a)trailsmanitoba.ca> Good day, We are excited to announce that we’ll be hosting a virtual presentation by the amazing Janis Neufeld on December 10th. Janis, the CEO of *Inclusion by Design*, will be discussing what it means to design trails for all abilities, while highlighting some of the many examples that she has been involved with in B.C. Presentation will be approx. 50 min, followed by a short Q&A. Join us for this FREE, VIRTUAL, WATCH & LEARN EVENT. No registration required. Please share with your networks. Date: Friday, December 10th Time: 12:00-1:00pm (CST) Joining Instructions: *https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89032712434?pwd=V002UEF1ZXMyeUxMOW41TEdWa09Gdz09 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89032712434?pwd=V002UEF1ZXMyeUxMOW41TEdWa09Gdz09>* Zoom Meeting ID: 890 3271 2434 Passcode: 385575 Dial by your location: 855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free *Primer:* https://www.westcoasttraveller.com/kootenay-mountain-bike-trails-poised-to-… Hope to see you online. Best, Tim Tim Coffin *Executive Director* *Trails Manitoba/Sentiers Manitoba* *3-303 Portage Ave.* *Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4* *204-786-2688*

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Bike Winnipeg 100 x 100 challenge
by Charles Feaver 30 Nov '21

30 Nov '21

<https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0eef3792ad826742c2565b5d5/images/bb5526a0-e05 6-4228-8b3c-f931c6193105.png> The challenge: Show that 100+ cyclists in Winnipeg care enough about safer cycling to contribute $100 on Giving Tuesday for a strong campaign to speed up cycling infrastructure implementation in City transportation plans. <https://bikewinnipeg.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0eef3792ad826742c256 5b5d5&id=cd92080f90&e=74a3f90507> I'm in; safe biking is worth $100 Giving Tuesday is about donating to things that matter, after the spending sprees of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Safer cycling in Winnipeg matters a lot. * The City has underspent its 2015 pedestrian/cycling implementation plan by more than $60 million. * Now, the City is developing a Transportation Master Plan to guide road infrastructure investments to 2050. * Winnipeg must achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 * Emissions from transportation account for over half of Winnipegs GHG emissions * To meet its climate targets, Winnipeg must change course NOW to make travel by bicycle a safe, convenient and enjoyable choice. Bike Winnipeg will use resources from this campaign to collaborate with CAA on a city-wide survey on climate and transportation, place strategic advertising, and other projects to inform City leaders on the benefits of redirecting resources to encourage travel by bicycle. <https://bikewinnipeg.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0eef3792ad826742c256 5b5d5&id=eb5b413da6&e=74a3f90507> I'm in; safe biking is worth $100 The first 18 $100 donations will be matched by our amazing sponsors for this campaign; HTFC Planning and Design and Bikes and Beyond <https://mcusercontent.com/0eef3792ad826742c2565b5d5/images/00357f97-4e61-0a 56-b6e0-2633cd84c6bc.jpg> <https://mcusercontent.com/0eef3792ad826742c2565b5d5/images/1aefffa5-f538-4d ab-23d1-9974c0bee1b1.png> Alternatively, $100 will buy ¾ of a tank of gas for a Ford F150 and produce 170 kg CO2! Please share this message with your friends today. Watch our <https://bikewinnipeg.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0eef3792ad826742c256 5b5d5&id=d838c10c39&e=74a3f90507> Facebook page for progress updates on this 100x100 Challenge. Charles Feaver <mailto:charles@bikewinnipeg.ca> charles(a)bikewinnipeg.ca 204.293.6332

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What If Riding the Bus Were Free? (or similar to the U-Pass)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Nov '21

30 Nov '21

Interesting article circulated by Functional Transit on fare free transit. In terms of paying for it, a possible funding approach (similar to the U-Pass) would entail every person over 18 years old paying for a monthly bus pass equivalent (with specific exceptions) whether they ride transit or not. This could provide even more funding to enhance and expand transit services than the status quo. https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/11/29/Free-Bus-Fare-Public-Transit/

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It's Time for Public Participation to Evolve With Transportation Planning
by Beth McKechnie 30 Nov '21

30 Nov '21

Helpful article on recommended do's and don'ts of public engagement today: https://www.planetizen.com/features/115279-its-time-public-participation-ev… 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 located on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anishininiwag, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of* *the Métis Nation. We acknowledge that our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and that our hydro is sourced from numerous First Nations here in Manitoba**. * 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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WFP Analysis: A chance to redefine transportation (Nov29'21)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Nov '21

29 Nov '21

A chance to redefine transportation https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/a-chance-to-redefine-tra… OVER the next two weeks, the City of Winnipeg is looking for public feedback on Transportation Master Plan: 2050, a 30-year blueprint to guide development of Winnipeg’s transportation network. In the past, transportation planning has focused primarily on strategies to move cars, but today it’s seen as a central tool for building healthy, sustainable and prosperous communities. Urban mobility is fundamental to economic viability, environmental sustainability and social equity, making Transportation Master Plan: 2050 a key document for the city. The first step in developing a new transportation strategy will be to learn from the past and accept that current economic challenges, including Winnipeg’s $3 billion infrastructure deficit for roads and bridges, are largely the result of previous planning decisions. We have spent decades building a city almost singularly focused on automobile transportation, resulting in a sprawling, low-density urban form that has become economically unsustainable. Despite record-breaking road maintenance spending, our current pace of renewal means new roads built today won’t be replaced for more than 100 years. Nearly 10,000 more cars are added to Winnipeg’s streets every year, and in response we build more roads to accommodate them. This begins the endless cycle of induced demand. The convenience of expanded road capacity encourages more people to drive, increasing the number of cars on the road until the new capacity is met. This results in traffic congestion and pressure to build yet more roads. After decades of designing North American cities around cars, it has become clear you get what you build for. If you build for more cars, you get more cars. Thankfully, induced demand works for all modes of transportation. If you build a more efficient public transit system, you get more people riding the bus. If you build a safe and connected network of sidewalks and bike lanes, you get more people walking and biking. A car-centric city is not only economically unsustainable, but also environmentally unsustainable. Vehicles account for almost half of Winnipeg’s greenhouse-gas emissions, by far the largest contributor. Transitioning to electric vehicles is important, but the climate crisis is far too immediate to rely on that approach exclusively. Strategies that allow people to drive less are much more effective at reducing environmental impact. Winnipeg’s Climate Action Plan has set a target of doubling the number of trips taken by walking or biking by 2030. To achieve this aggressive goal, Transportation Master Plan: 2050 will likely have to reconsider the Winnipeg Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy. Winnipeg’s cycling network has increased by 75 per cent since 2015, but the vast majority of this is suburban, off-street shared-use pathways, directed mainly at biking for recreation. If we want people to use bikes for transportation, we must build protected lanes on higher traffic, main streets. Winnipeg’s plan calls for few larger streets to have cycling infrastructure, focusing instead on easier, low traffic, out-of-the-way residential streets. This summer, Salter Street was rebuilt without bike lanes because the plan is to have a “greenway” on nearby Powers Street. If you have never heard of Powers Street, it’s because unless you live there, or know someone who does, you would never find yourself driving on that small residential street. Salter Street has the destinations that people want to go to — shops, restaurants, schools, libraries — so the cycling infrastructure should be located there. This scenario is playing out across the city on such streets as Sargent Avenue, Corydon Avenue and Provencher Boulevard. If we want to encourage people to use bikes as transportation, we must plan for it in the same way we plan for driving, with direct routes on major streets connected to the places people need to go, particularly in lower-income neighbourhoods where only nine per cent of the city’s cycling current infrastructure exists. A renewed strategy for cycling infrastructure on main streets, dovetailed with Winnipeg Transit’s plan to implement a high-frequency transit model that will transform main streets into transit conduits, presents an important opportunity to redefine many of Winnipeg’s major arteries into complete streets. A complete street is designed to safely support a broad range of mobility options, including walking, biking, transit and driving. A successful complete street supports transportation equity by providing a range of accessible mobility options that improve access to education, employment, and recreation for people of all ages, abilities, and income levels. As mobility hubs, complete streets attract a diversity of people, that can stimulate investment, new development and improve neighbourhood economies. They can create more livable communities, provide local employment opportunities and be catalysts for small business entrepreneurship. Mobility has become a fundamental component of good city-building, and Transportation Master Plan: 2050 is an important opportunity to move Winnipeg in a new direction that makes our city more economically and environmentally sustainable, builds great communities and improves quality of life for everyone. *Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.*

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WFP: Speed limit changes for safety recommendations (Nov28'21)
by Beth McKechnie 28 Nov '21

28 Nov '21

Speed limit changes for safety recommendations https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/curb-protected-bike-lanes-proposed-… A new city report recommends modifying speeds on seven roads, including Bison Drive and Bishop Grandin Boulevard, to improve safety. Winnipeg’s infrastructure committee will review the proposed changes at its Wednesday meeting: ● Changing Bison Drive, between a point 100 m west of Barnes Street and a point 300 m west of Pembina Highway, from 80 km/h to 60 km/h; ● Reducing Marion Street from 60 km/h to 50 km/h between Youville Street and a point 100 m east of Archibald Street; ● Adjusting Youville Street between Marion and Goulet streets to 50 km/h from 60 km/h; ● Lowering Plessis Road’s 80 km/h limit to 70 km/h from 100 m south of Camiel Sys Street and the city’s boundary; ● Setting Ethan Boyer Way’s limit to 70 km/h from Brady Road to Waverley Street; ● Changing the Winnipeg stretch of Hallama Drive to 60 km/h; ● Adjusting Bishop Grandin Boulevard between Lagimodiere Boulevard and Boulevard des Hivemants to 80 km/h.

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WFP: Curb-protected bike lanes proposed (Nov28'21)
by Beth McKechnie 28 Nov '21

28 Nov '21

Parked vehicles a problem for cyclists Curb-protected bike lanes proposed https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/curb-protected-bike-lanes-proposed-… ICY ruts, potholes and poor visibility aren’t cyclists’ only problems in bike lanes — parked vehicles are an ever present nuisance. Curb-protected bike lanes, which separate active transportation from rows of parked cars and vehicle traffic, will be safer than the current standard of painted lines and parking signs, a new City of Winnipeg report says. City bureaucrats recommend the city erect curb barriers on six parking protected bike lanes. However, only one lane route has money set aside for the enhancements. “We need to be spending more to make our city walkable, bikeable and transit friendly,” said Mark Cohoe, Bike Winnipeg’s executive director. “If we don’t radically change what we’re doing, we’re going to see that our climate goals are impossible to meet.” Cohoe said he often encounters parked cars in Arthur Street’s bike lane. It may be hard for motorists to recognize they’re not in a parking spot, he said. “Often times (as a biker), it’s not like you can just shift left and go past that vehicle,” Cohoe said. Instead, cyclists must merge into traffic, hop onto the sidewalk or try and squeeze past in their lane. “It’s an unpredictable manoeuvre,” Cohoe said. “Someone coming up behind you might not expect it, so it’s dangerous.” A big reason why people don’t bike across Winnipeg is a fear of traffic, Cohoe said. “Getting these (barriers) in place really provides people that space where they’re going to feel safe, comfortable and secure,” he said. The city report, to be reviewed by Winnipeg’s infrastructure committee Wednesday, proposes upgrading Sherbrook Street, Arthur Street, Princess Street, Bannatyne Avenue, Notre Dame Avenue and Eastway bike lanes “over time”. The barriers cost about $10,000 per 100 metre of bike lane, based on previous pricing and excluding other concrete work, the report says. Winnipeg has budgeted $177,000 to upgrade the 595-metre strip of Sherbrook Street between Wolseley Avenue and Broadway. Bannatyne Avenue has been left unprotected to accommodate truck loading and turning manoeuvres. The other four roads have “no current plan or funding to upgrade” and must be prioritized against other projects in the city’s pedestrian and cycling program, the report reads. Coun. Matt Allard, who chairs the infrastructure committee, said he’s in favour of constructing more barricades. “(They’re an) effective way of substantially improving the quality, safety, and desirability of existing painted bike lanes and other locations where the (physical) space exists on the current road width,” he wrote in an email. The city considered poly-posts to separate bike lanes from parked vehicles, but the plastic bollards must be removed in the winter. Allard said he’ll ask questions about snow clearing for active transportation at the upcoming meeting. City cycling paths can be treacherous this time of year, depending on the route, according to Currie Gillespie, who’s on the Manitoba Cycling Association’s board of directors. He’d love additional barriers between lanes and parking spots — but in the meantime, he’d appreciate more maintenance. “The sanding on the bike paths has not been appropriate,” Gillespie said, adding it’s gotten better over the years. “We get more butts on bikes by making a safe, efficient, well-maintained route for those people to get where they want to go,” he said. “There’s not enough attention to that principle yet.” The city would need to increase its equipment designed for treating snow and ice in bike lanes, should more become barrier protected, Gillespie said. Vehicles parked in bike lanes could be ticketed. — With files from Kevin Rollason gabrielle.piche(a)winnipegfreepress.com

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WFP: ‘No cheap answer’ to fixing icy sidewalks (Nov23'21)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Nov '21

23 Nov '21

*‘No cheap answer’ to fixing icy sidewalks * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/no-cheap-answer-to-fixing-icy-sidew… AT least once per winter, Allen Mankewich’s wheelchair loses traction and spills over onto an icy Winnipeg sidewalk. Less than two weeks after winter conditions set in for the season, it’s happened again. “There’s ice buildup on a lot of the sidewalks, it gets really rutted. I actually flipped my chair (Sunday) trying to get through a spot on the sidewalk at Portage Avenue, which is a major route. If they can’t even clear those major routes properly, the side street (sidewalks) are going to be terrible,” said Mankewich. While speeding up to avoid getting stuck, the front wheels of his chair caught on ice ruts, forcing him to be flung out, he said. “It’s a safety risk for people who use any sort of mobility device. It’s even challenging for people who can walk. You see people walking very carefully over sections of the sidewalk that appear really slippery,” said Mankewich. He’s among several residents now urging the city to find ways to better clear the walking paths of ice and snow. “We are a winter city, so we need to properly allocate our resources to making sure that people can actually get out during the winter,” said Mankewich. The city considers its latest snow clearing operation complete but is still monitoring conditions, said Michael Cantor, Winnipeg’s manager of streets maintenance. Fluctuating temperatures have unfortunately led to some ice accumulation, noted Cantor. “When you have temperatures around zero... you have some thawing and frosting again and icy sidewalks. Mother Nature (gave) us some challenges,” he said. While city policy does not include a set timeline to sand sidewalks to add traction, Cantor said crews begin inspecting how slippery sidewalks are right after plowing ends. The length of the sanding process depends on how much equipment is available to get the work done. “We make sure that we use every piece of equipment, we man the equipment we have and we hire every piece of equipment that the industry can provide us. We really do it on an as-soon-as-possible basis… We monitor streets and sidewalks in the same manner,” said Cantor. He said work on streets begins promptly, in part to clear paths for emergency vehicles. Street snow clearing vehicles also tend to move faster than those used on sidewalks, making the former process quicker, Cantor added. City staff are now studying ways to make sidewalks and active transportation routes less slippery and more passable during winter weather, with a report expected to offer suggestions by next spring or summer. Cantor said there are no obvious solutions at this point. While adding more staff and equipment could be considered, it would come with a cost, he cautioned. “There’s no cheap answer,” he said. Cantor urged Winnipeggers to report specific sidewalk concerns to 311. Omar Kinnarath said sidewalks in the West End now resemble skating rinks with icy peaks, conditions that have triggered many complaints among his fellow bus riders in recent days. Kinnarath, who has already fallen twice since the snow set in for the season, said the city should explore several options to improve winter sidewalk maintenance, including the purchase of more equipment, hiring more staff and possibly even reimbursing citizens for clearing snow. He believes the city has consistently cleared snow off roads to a higher standard than sidewalks, which won’t help convince citizens to walk and bike, something the city hopes they will do to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. “We’re pushing active transportation and we’re pushing cycling… (so) the mechanism and the infrastructure needs to be put in place for this to happen. If it doesn’t happen, then we’re back to driving cars,” said Kinnarath. Marilyn Bird argues an “icy, slippery, hazardous mess” of pedestrian paths in the North End would have been greatly improved by quicker snow removal. “The first snowfall of the year is also the most important. They’ve got to get on that way quicker,” said Bird. For sidewalks along major routes, bus routes and collector streets, city policy aims to maintain a compacted snow surface, with clearing to follow five centimetres of snow accumulation or drifting. Plowing should be completed within 36 hours after the end of an average storm. The city also aims to clear residential sidewalks near elementary schools and active living centres within 36 hours of a storm. The target timeline to clear all other residential sidewalks is within five working days after the operation starts, which occurs after eight centimetres of snow accumulates. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga

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WFP Editorial: ‘Winter city’ should be pedestrian-friendly (Nov22'21)
by Beth McKechnie 22 Nov '21

22 Nov '21

‘Winter city’ should be pedestrian-friendly https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/winter-city-should-be-… WHEN the weather outside is frightful, Winnipeg’s sidewalks are often the scariest part. The city received its first real blast of winter in mid-November, a two-day system that dropped 26 centimetres of snow and rendered most of Winnipeg’s sidewalks and active transportation paths anywhere from tricky to functionally unusable. Crews were not expected to begin clearing sidewalks in residential neighbourhoods until nearly a week after the first snowflakes fell, which left pedestrians contending with sloppy, Slurpee-like conditions during mild daytime highs, and then treacherous sheets of rutted ice after temperatures descended at night. For a wide swath of the population — including pedestrians, wheelchair users, disabled people, elderly people, parents with strollers — this is a significant, frustrating and baffling problem that Winnipeggers seem to encounter every winter, despite the fact ours is a winter city that can see snow accumulation as early as October and as late as May. Poorly cleared or uncleared sidewalks and active transportation routes are a legitimate concern. Ice-covered surfaces can lead to injury- causing slips and falls, which eat up healthcare resources — a particularly pressing concern during a pandemic. Impassable routes can also confine wheelchair users and those with mobility issues inside their homes, which is isolating, or it can send frustrated sidewalk users onto the roadways, which is dangerous. Meanwhile, it’s well known that being able to get outside for fresh air, exercise, and a shot of that all-important vitamin D is important for people’s mental and physical health. And if we want the city’s population to become less reliant on cars — as Winnipeg’s climate action plan identifies it does, calling for a 50 per cent reduction in single-occupancy vehicle use by 2030 — then people need to be able to get around safely during the six months of the year snow is on the ground. Still, despite the dozens of reasons cited every year about the need to prioritize improving winter conditions on the more than 3,000 kilometres of sidewalks and 400 kilometres of active transportation paths in this city — not to mention the thousands of complaints the city receives every year from fed-up residents — roads tailored to motor vehicles continue to be the focus of snow-clearing efforts. Last January, St. Boniface Coun. Matt Allard, frustrated by the number of spills he has personally taken, called for a study on the health costs linked to slips and falls on sidewalks and how changes to snow clearing and ice treatments could make the surfaces safer. The resulting report, which was released in July, called for the city to track how long it takes to sand sidewalks, as well as better tracking of complaints. In other words: more studies. Other winter cities have figured this out. Oslo, Norway, and Helsinki, Finland, have heated sidewalks in high-traffic areas, for example, that keep them clear of snow and ice. But Winnipeg isn’t just a winter city. It’s also a notoriously pedestrian-unfriendly one, and it shows in its policies and planning. Many streets don’t even have sidewalks to clear. Perhaps it’s time for this so-called winter city to start living up to the description. Until then, however, it seems it will remain up to Winnipeggers — for the sake of their own safety, and the safety of others — to pick up their shovels and take the timely clearing of sidewalk snow into their own hands.

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Transit passes in exchange for old cars (TransLink)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Nov '21

17 Nov '21

Transit Passes in Exchange for Old Cars <https://pedbikeinfo.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ae385fc8506278c2e45…> (Cities Today) Reports that the Vancouver, Canada transit authority TransLink is partnering with nonprofit SCRAP-IT to offer customers public transit passes worth CAD$802 (US$638) when they scrap their old vehicles.

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WFP: Delay in snow clearing leaves active residents frosted (Nov16'21)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Nov '21

16 Nov '21

Delay in snow clearing leaves active residents frosted https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/snowed-under-575751142.html MOVING as quickly as possible with his blue walker, Joseph Owen stayed close to the curb on Notre Dame Avenue while noon-hour traffic sped by on wet pavement outside the Health Sciences Centre. After struggling with his walker in the rutted, wet snow on the sidewalk, the 61-year-old dialysis patient chose to walk in the street to get to his bus stop. “I hope that all the drivers will notice me when I’m using the street and I hope they understand why I’m doing that,” the senior from Pauingassi First Nation said after making it safely to his stop following an appointment at the hospital. “I can’t make it that far because in these conditions it’s very hard to push my walker,” Owen said. “I had to use the street where it’s a little better.” As of Monday afternoon, the City of Winnipeg said all Priority 1 streets and just under half of Priority 2 streets had been cleared of snow after about 26 centimetres fell between Thursday and Saturday. However, cyclists and pedestrians had to contend with variable conditions on the more than 3,000 kilometres of sidewalks and 400 km of active transportation paths as less than 40 per cent were plowed. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, decided to commute by bus this week knowing his route would be inaccessible either because plows had not yet cleared the path, or had dumped snow from the street into the dedicated bike lane. “If you’re someone that doesn’t have a car, if you are someone that’s relying on walking, biking or taking transit, what we’ve seen in the last few days is where the city prioritizes you, and it’s last,” Cohoe said. “We do a good job at plowing streets for cars, but if we’re looking to get more people walking, more people biking, more people taking transit, we’re nowhere near anywhere we need to be.” Cohoe said the City of Winnipeg’s policy to clean sidewalks and active transportation paths at the same time as prioritized streets, or very shortly after, within 36 hours of a storm concluding isn’t always carried out in practice. Meanwhile, crews are expected to begin clearing sidewalks in residential neighbourhoods today, which can take up to five days to complete with the 30 available plows. Cohoe said at that rate getting people to give up their cars in the winter for public transit, biking and other transportation modes will be a tough sell, adding the City of Winnipeg’s climate action plan calls for a 50 per cent reduction in single-occupancy vehicle use by 2030. “To get to that it’s a substantial switch in how we travel, but where’s the motivation, where’s the encouragement?” Cohoe said. For Allen Mankewich, a downtown resident and wheelchair user, every winter brings the same challenge as sidewalks become nearly impossible to traverse, especially when mild conditions mean wet, mushy snow is left covering the pavement. “Nothing seems to change in terms of city hall policy or process or funding into sidewalk clearing. So it’s just really frustrating,” Mankewich said. Mankewich said he is thinking about submitting a complaint to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission over the city’s current snow clearing policy and the funding allocated to ensure sidewalks are accessible through the winter. “It’s one of the ways that things can change. Just encouraging them to make changes and asking them to make changes doesn’t always work,” Mankewich said. “People who don’t drive, they have rights too. They have the right to mobility, they have the right to get around, and if we have to spend more to make the sidewalks clear, we should look at doing that.” Infrastructure renewal and public works chairman Coun. Matt Allard said he hasn’t received many complaints regarding the latest snow clearing effort, but acknowledged there is room for improvement. “Public works keeps saying that we do a very good job relative to other cities,” Allard said. “But regardless of how good a job we’re doing, we want to get people out and about walking and biking in the winter, so we need to keep looking at options to make it easier and better for people.” Allard said the public works committee has asked city administration to provide recommendations on improving winter sidewalk conditions and a report is expected in the coming months, but not before the end of this snow season. In the meantime, Owen hopes he won’t be forced into traffic when he goes to his next dialysis appointment Wednesday. “It’s really poor,” Owen said. “It’s not being cleared the way that they should be doing it.” danielle.dasilva(a)freepress.mb.ca

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CBC: Bikes took a back seat at COP26. Advocates urge Canada to make them a priority in its climate plan
by Beth McKechnie 11 Nov '21

11 Nov '21

Cycling groups say focus on electric cars short-sighted in fighting climate change https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/cop26-climate-change-emissions-bikes-1.6235…

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FW: [EXTERNAL] Free webinar on the Global Plan for the new Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-30
by Wendy Chapman 10 Nov '21

10 Nov '21

________________________________ From: Parachute Vision Zero Network [info(a)parachute.ca] Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 9:00 AM To: Wendy Chapman Subject: [EXTERNAL] Free webinar on the Global Plan for the new Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-30 [https://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=e1d19fc5-951a-4a7f-9442-283e91121cae&a=110361…] [https://files.constantcontact.com/81471b4f001/9a8d2976-3aa8-45a2-a823-d9aad…] [https://files.constantcontact.com/81471b4f001/a061da47-cd90-413c-86bb-5623f…] Parachute Vision Zero and Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP) present: The Global Plan for the New Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030: What You Need to Know [https://files.constantcontact.com/81471b4f001/22ab9e86-8475-4a2c-a8bf-84ca9…] Moderator Brenda Suggett Executive Director, CARSP Panel Raheem Dilgir President, CARSP Valerie Smith Director, Programs, Parachute Wednesday November 24, 2021 Noon to 1:00 p.m. ET The Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 has been proclaimed by a UN General Assembly Resolution with a target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030, recognizing the gravity of this global issue. The Decade of Action is underpinned by the Global Plan, launched Oct. 28, 2021, which aims to inspire and guide national and local government, as well other stakeholders who can influence road safety. Those include civil society, academia, the private sector, donors, community and youth leaders, and other stakeholders as they develop supporting national and local action plans and targets. Through advocating for the Safe Systems Approach and providing recommendations based on best practices and research, the plan is an important resource both within Canada and abroad. The webinar will provide an overview of the Global Plan, including three parts of road safety action: what to do, how to do it and who does it. Panelists will also discuss how road safety needs to be integrated into other policy agendas such as climate action and equity, to increase its reach and influence. The webinar will also refer to Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025. Register<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dYX8MOuhRl_dcUbT-A_qPKLZfcKYlspBSfaPriX_6m8…> More info at parachute.ca/webinar<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dYX8MOuhRl_dcUbT-A_qPKLZfcKYlspBSfaPriX_6m8…> Supported by Desjardins [null] <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dYX8MOuhRl_dcUbT-A_qPKLZfcKYlspBSfaPriX_6m8…> Parachute | 150 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E8 Canada Unsubscribe wchapman(a)wrha.mb.ca<https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001ZH8cm0mwpXVSIl5hbMkk5w%3D&…> Update Profile<https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001ZH8cm0mwpXVSIl5hbMkk5w%3D&…> | Constant Contact Data Notice<https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice> Sent by info(a)parachute.ca<mailto:info@parachute.ca> powered by [Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.] <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&nav=e1d19fc5-9…> Try email marketing for free today!<http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&nav=e1d19fc5-9…> Disclaimer : This email (including any attachments or enclosed documents) is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain privileged, proprietary or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please notify the sender immediately, return the original (if applicable) and delete the email. Avis : Le présent courriel (y compris toute pièce jointe) est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé, et peut contenir des renseignements confidentiels, privés ou protégés par un privilège juridique. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous avez reçu le présent courriel par erreur, veuillez en informer immédiatement l’expéditeur, retourner l’original (le cas échéant) et supprimer ce courriel.

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WFP: MPI, police target intersection collisions (Nov9'21)
by Beth McKechnie 09 Nov '21

09 Nov '21

MPI, police target intersection collisions THE Winnipeg Police Service is cracking down on speeders at high-collision intersections as part of a new Manitoba Public Insurance initiative. The intersection enforcement program will focus on speed, adherence to traffic signals and ensuring cars clear intersections before a traffic light changes. MPI said the program recently launched and will continue until late fall, with a goal to reduce road injuries and fatalities. “Many of these intersection collisions could have been prevented if the drivers adjusted their speed and adhered to the on-site traffic signals,” Satvir Jatana, MPI chief customer officer, said in a news release Monday. “While entering an intersection, the combination of speed and not adhering to a traffic signal, like a traffic light, is potentially fatal.” The release notes the 10 intersections that recorded the most collisions in Winnipeg between 2016 and 2020. These include Kenaston and McGillivray boulevards (1,217 collisions), Leila Avenue and McPhillips Street (1,179) and Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue West (978). MPI is providing funding for the enforcement, which will also be carried out by Brandon police and the RCMP, in an attempt to reduce the roughly 30,000 intersection collisions that take place in the province every year.

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WFP: Designing pedestrian promenade on Graham Ave (Nov8'21)
by Beth McKechnie 08 Nov '21

08 Nov '21

*Designing pedestrian promenade* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/designing-pedestrian-pro… AS we emerge from a global pandemic and move into the headwinds of a global climate crisis, change has become the only certainty for the world’s cities. Civic leadership that embraces bold ideas to overcome these evolving challenges, specifically in highly impacted downtown areas, will find the most success in the future. Unveiled last year, but somewhat lost in the headlines of the pandemic, the new Winnipeg Transit Master Plan presents the city with an opportunity to lead this urban evolution. By marrying transit planning with creative urban design, we can leverage transit investment to create generational change in downtown Winnipeg. There are three important downtown placemaking opportunities identified in the new plan. Major rapid transit stations will be built at Portage and Main and in old Union Station, establishing two significant nodes of activity. These can be leveraged through creative planning to create a gravity that attracts retail, housing and cultural amenities to support new and existing downtown residential neighbourhoods. A third impactful move, the closing of the Graham Avenue Transit Mall, will create a kilometre-long opportunity to dream. With buses gone, and cars having been removed 30 years ago, Graham Avenue will become a blank slate upon which we can draw our vision for the future. Graham Avenue has the scale and diversity to become a special public space in downtown. Some blocks have green space and little old buildings that support sidewalk retail like bookstores, coffee shops and convenience stores. Others have large developments like the Millennium Library, Manitoba Hydro Place, Canada Life Centre, True North Square and the city’s tallest building at 300 Main. The Hudson’s Bay Co. building and the large parking lots at the eastern end represent key opportunities for impactful new development. When current construction is complete there will be almost 1,000 new homes adjacent to Graham Avenue, with 280 new hotel rooms, two new office towers, a food hall, restaurants and commercial space. With bold investment and a strong vision, we can build on this momentum and create a unified, pedestrian-focused public space that redefines the image of downtown. There are inspiring examples of streets that have been transformed into linear parks, shared streets, and pedestrian promenades in cities across the world. If we look closer to home, Stephen Avenue Mall in Calgary is a pedestrian street that might be an informative precedent. Once the city’s main street, Stephen Avenue was closed to vehicles in 1973, and after many difficult years it is now downtown’s most active public space, lined with shops and restaurants in a concentration that creates an important critical mass of activity, even in today’s struggling downtown. The City of Calgary recently hired Gehl, a world-renowned urban design firm from Denmark, to create a vision for the future of Stephen Avenue. Gehl approaches urban design through the lens of public life, creating public spaces that support social interaction between people. The plan recommends the following six strategic moves to guide Stephen Avenue to a successful future, principles that could provide an important insight for any transformation of Winnipeg’s Graham Avenue. *Branding the Avenue*: Invest in a permanent redesign of the physical street with a cohesive palette and unified visual identity, including pavers, trees, colourful and flexible seating, wayfinding and lighting. *Connecting the Avenue*: Build pedestrian priority intersections with raised crosswalks. Make strong connections to public transit and bike lanes that expand access throughout downtown. Connect skywalks (like the one that runs the length of Graham) directly to the sidewalk at several convenient and highly visible locations, pulling skywalk activity to street level. Calm vehicle traffic in other areas of downtown, including returning one-way streets back to two-way. Investigate other mobility options like bike-sharing, scooters or even a streetcar. *Activating the Avenue*: Use public art, festivals and concert programming to attract people to the space in all seasons and at all times of the day. Design for comfortable microclimates including winter heaters for patios, windbreaks and canopies for rain protection. *Opening on to the Avenue*: Open the ground floor of buildings with long blank walls facing the sidewalk (like Cityplace and Canada Life Centre) and construct new active storefronts. Create incentives to attract artists and entrepreneurs to vacant spaces and use pop-up retail such as food trucks, farmer’s markets and shipping container shops to temporarily activate surface parking lots. *Repositioning the Avenue*: Create incentives for affordable housing, infill development and the repurposing of vacant office space (like the old Post Office tower) into new uses. Focus on attracting local shops that support an urban neighbourhood and provide amenities for downtown living. *Governing the Avenue*: Empower a central entity like the Downtown BIZ to be stewards of the place, including the use of street ambassadors to improve safety. Redefining Graham Avenue inspired by these principles is an opportunity to dream, a chance to boldly create a new sense of place in downtown. A linear park, a pedestrian promenade, a shared street — it is easy to imagine Graham Avenue as an attractive place for people. We can learn from other cities, including our neighbours in Calgary who are proactively planning to ensure they are prepared for the new urban reality. The measure of a city’s success in the future will not be in the number of office towers found in its skyline, it will instead be in the number of vibrant public spaces found between its buildings. *Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.*

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