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WFP: Gas tax funds may save city street work (Apr3'19)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Apr '19

04 Apr '19

*Meanwhile, Waverley underpass nears completion, work on low-income bus pass begins* * Gas tax funds may save city street work * *https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/gas-tax-may-take-city-street-work-off-chopping-block-508015662.html <https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/gas-tax-may-take-city-street-work-o…>* * A WINNIPEG city council committee wants the $40 million-plus in bonus federal gas tax revenue announced in the 2019 budget to go toward restoring local street renewal work and active transportation projects.* * Councillors on the public works committee voted 3-1 Tuesday in support of using the money on the streets program that had previously been cancelled after the city said the province reneged on its funding.* * Jim Berezowsky, director of public works, said how much of the original program could be carried out this year depends on when the federal government approves its budget and when city hall receives the funding.* * Included in the March 19 federal budget was a commitment to double the dollars given to municipalities through the federal gas tax program, valued at more than $2 billion. Winnipeg budgeted to receive almost $44 million this year from the gas tax, and now council has to decide how to spend an additional $40 million-plus.* * The public works department had a list of 53 residential streets and back lanes it wanted to rebuild in 2019. Berezowsky said it may not be possible to do all the work, but that he would have a report ready for council on what streets could be completed this year.* * The lone dissenting voice Tuesday was Coun. Vivian Santos, who said it would be premature to allocate all of the bonus funds to local street work, explaining now would be the time to reinvest in the city’s neglected recreational and leisure facilities and the parks branch.* * The committee’s recommendation will go before council on April 25.* Waverley underpass update The Waverley Street rail underpass should be substantially completed by October, with the $97.9-million project finished by summer 2020. Officials from the public works department told councillors the project is on budget and on schedule. The project was originally budgeted for $156 million, but was revised downward in November 2017 to $121.34 million and again in January. Winnipeg chief administrative officer Doug McNeil said the $467-million southwest transit corridor project is also on budget and on schedule. The transit corridor is set for completion in late fall, and set to be fully operational by spring 2020. Bus-pass business Winnipeg Transit has initiated work on the proposed low-income bus pass. Transit officials told the committee a team has been assembled and would hold its first meeting Tuesday. Council approved the initiative in the city’s 2019 budget, passed March 20. The low-income bus pass is supposed to be operational by April 2020, first with a 30 per cent discount on the regular adult fare, rising to 50 per cent in 2022. Currently, the full-fare monthly pass costs $100.10. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: As fatalities mount, city’s road-safety strategy has stalled (Apr3'19)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Apr '19

04 Apr '19

*As fatalities mount, city’s road-safety strategy has stalled * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/nothing-done-on-road-safety-strateg… THE death toll on Winnipeg’s streets continues to mount while officials appear unable to develop a plan to make them safe for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. It’s been more than two years since the public works department was directed to produce a road safety strategy that would strive to eliminate traffic fatalities. But no work has been done since the public works committee issued the directive in January 2017, David Patman, the city’s transportation manager, told councillors Tuesday. Department staff have been working instead on a handful of safety measures, he said. In that time 14 pedestrians and one cyclist have been killed in traffic collisions, as have nine people in vehicles and two motorcycle riders. Coun. Janice Lukes, who urged the committee to get tough on the department, said the death toll on city streets is tragic. “We are making record investments in roads, in transit and in active transportation, yet we are nowhere near having a comprehensive road-safety strategy in place,” Lukes said. Patman told the committee turnover in two senior positions was behind the department’s failure to begin the work, adding he expects it will get underway and become part of an updated transportation master plan due in three years. Anders Swanson, executive director of Winnipeg Trails Association, said the number of fatalities on Winnipeg streets is proof they are being designed for the benefit of motorists, not all users. “The reality is everybody would like to do the right thing, but only you folks (councillors) have the political tools,” he said. Swanson, who is participating in a panel discussion at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals in Calgary in May, said professionals aren’t designing city streets from the perspective of people who walk or cycle, or from the perspective of a child. “You like to blame bad behaviour for causing traffic glitches. The reality is the same bad behaviour is the same behaviour inherent with children,” he said. “If we designed a public road system around children specifically, then it would be, by definition, safe. There would be basketballs flying around, bikes weaving in an out, there’d be three bikes riding side by side with children laughing, giving high-fives, passing a Slurpee to each other. And that would be OK. “But we haven’t, and the reason we haven’t is because in 1950 or so, we got addicted to building a city for cars, for dad driving alone to work in the morning, and we haven’t been able to get ourselves out of that, and that’s a conscious decision.” Committee chairman Coun. Matt Allard said the public works department has initiated traffic safety measures across the city and he’s confident a report will be completed someday. “From my experience, the public works department is really prioritizing this in ways that I haven’t seen in the past,” Allard said. “We have a number of things on the go. There’s a lot going on (for) road safety and traffic calming in the city and I’m looking forward to the reports coming down the pike.” Allard was unable to explain how he or the department could be certain ongoing safety initiatives meet any defined target without a strategy in place. “I think the public service is doing what they can to keep us safe on the roads and they’ll be confirming that in future reports,” he said, while acknowledging the department has yet to provide him with a comprehensive list of safety initiatives he requested in November. “I think you heard today we’re going above and beyond the status quo” when it comes to road safety, Allard told reporters. “The public service is doing their job. They are working on this.” aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: City safety audit to zero in on crosswalk where girl killed (Apr3'19)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Apr '19

04 Apr '19

*City safety audit to zero in on crosswalk where girl killed* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-to-zero-in-on-crosswalk-where-… THE inner-city intersection where a four-year-old girl was struck and killed by a vehicle last month is one of several areas in the city that will be studied as a prelude to the introduction of traffic safety enhancement measures. Public works officials were directed Tuesday to conduct a pedestrian-traffic study at the intersections of Isabel Street and Alexander Avenue — where the girl was struck March 18 as she crossed with her mother — and also two blocks to the south, at Isabel and Ross Avenue. “We have more pedestrians, we have more traffic in that area for sure and I definitely would like to see some improvement,” said Coun. Vivian Santos, who proposed the studies at the public works committee meeting. The moves had been promised by Santos, the ward councillor, following the child’s death. The committee also agreed to conduct a study in six months at an intersection near École Sage Creek School, at Prairie Smoke Drive and Wild Iris Walk. Parents in the neighbourhood expressed concern about the potential threat to their children at the intersection, where there are no sidewalks or a crosswalk. Councillors on the Riel community committee agreed with the parents’ concerns and asked the public works committee to direct the department to investigate traffic-calming measures, including making the intersection a three-way stop or installing a pedestrian crosswalk. Discussion on road safety dominated the committee meeting, during which councillors learned the public works department had yet to begin developing a citywide road-safety strategy, despite being directed to by the same committee in January 2017. There have been five pedestrian deaths thus far this year, the most recent Monday in a Garden City Shopping Centre parking lot. In 2018, three cyclists and a pedestrian were killed in separate collisions with vehicles. In 2017, six pedestrians were killed and in 2016, four cyclists and three pedestrians were killed in separate collisions with vehicles. The Isabel-Ross intersection has a marked pedestrian crosswalk, but residents in the area requested an upgrade in 2016. The nearby Freight House community centre, located on the west side of the intersection, is a popular destination for area children, Santos said, and vehicles were frequently ignoring the crosswalk signals. Santos said she’d like to see a pedestrian- activated signal installed at Isabel and Ross, where the light would remain green for north-south traffic until a pedestrian activates the signal to cross the busy street. Santos said the intersection to the north, Isabel and Alexander, needs a formal crosswalk — she recommended something similar to the eye-level, flashing LED installation put up in St. Vital a year ago, following the death of an eight-year-old boy. That type is becoming common in many other Canadian cities. “I’m very, very happy that my council colleagues supported me,” Santos said, adding she briefed the other committee members before the meeting and advised them of her proposals. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Invitation to Canadian Bike Summit May 12-14
by Anders Swanson 03 Apr '19

03 Apr '19

Dear fellow at-network colleagues, As you may know, I am the volunteer chair of Vélo Canada Bikes, a national non-profit organization that advocates for increased federal support for everyday cycling in Canada. Founded in 2012, Vélo Canada Bikes has a vision of a Canada where all people of all ages and abilities can safely use a bicycle for daily transportation and a federal government that plays a big role in making it happen. We are hosting our 3rd National Bike Summit <http://www.canadabikes.org/2019-national-bike-summit/> in Ottawa on May 13th and 14th, 2019 in conjunction with the 8th annual Bike Day on the Hill celebration and I hope you will join us. Why attend? Highlights will include keynotes include *Todd Litman*, *Kay Teschke* (in case you missed her at ModeShift2018 she is a must see for many reasons..), *Karl Saidla,* *Teresa Tam and more.* You'd be joining and supporting a Winnipeg contingent (see Jamie Hilland's presentation for example) and contribute to the future of cycling back home (consider how many projects in Winnipeg have benefitted from federal funding in the past or stand to in the future). You are offered a chance to join meetings with MPs and Senators and make a real difference. Full program info here. <http://www.canadabikes.org/2019-summit-program/> Quick breakdown: The summit is an opportunity for cycling stakeholders from across Canada to join in a national conversation on the importance of federal support for cycling in Canada, particularly policy support, such as a National Cycling Strategy and specific components especially funding for cycling infrastructure. New topics/focus this year includes the emerging e-bike revolution, MTB'ing trails and greenways, gender equity, and much more. Sunday May 12 - Pre-conference - Join us on Sunday for a national conversation on greenways and trails. Monday May 13 - The first day of the Bike Summit itself takes place at Ottawa City Hall and consist of presentations and interactive sessions. The purpose of this day is to mobilize and educate cycling stakeholders so that, together, we can take coordinated and concrete steps towards building a bike friendly Canada. In the evening, a reception will be hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Caucus on Parliament Hill. Tuesday May 14 - Day 2 takes place on the Hill itself and is a combination of meetings with MPs/Senators and concurrent programming related to federal cycling advocacy(You can opt to be included in cycling education meetings with Parliamentarians or not, but I strongly reommend it for anyone). It can be quite eye-opening, productive and always very interesting. At 4:30pm, Summit delegates will join National Health and Fitness Day organizers and participate in the 8th Annual Bike Day on the Hill. Delegates and other cycling supporters will gather on the steps of Parliament Hill for a few speeches followed by a 40 minute bike ride with MPs, Senators and other federal officials. The day will be capped off by an informal BBQ reception in the East Block courtyard. Summit registration is open <http://www.canadabikes.org/registration/> and early bird and student discounts are available. Those who register by April 12th can take advantage of early bird prices. Thanks for reading. Kindly, Anders 204-797-1962 P.S.. I realize Ottawa is far away. It is far cheaper/easier to stay home, especially at such a busy time in the spring. I personally hate to fly and/or travel so far to reduce GHGs. However, each every time we do this, I feel that we inch just a little closer to a bike friendly Canada. And doing that opens doors for a lot of people. It is worth it. With an election coming, this is a critical chance to help put cycling on the agenda for once and for all. And whether you are a professional or a keen advocate, hearing what's up across Canada and visiting the hill itself is both invigorating and fascinating. Hope you can make it.

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Fwd: Newcomer Mentor Job Posting - WoC please disseminate
by Anders Swanson 02 Apr '19

02 Apr '19

FYI. Know someone with a passion for cycling and experience working with newcomers to Canada? The WRENCH is seeking a Newcomer Mentor to be part of our Wheels of Courage project team. The posting for the position is attached as a pdf. It can be found on the WRENCH website here: http://thewrench.ca/wordpress/the-wrench-is-hiring-newcomer-mentor/

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FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide Webinar
by Mark Cohoe 26 Mar '19

26 Mar '19

Hi, If you missed this webinar today, you can view it through the PBIC site here <http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/training/webinars_FHWA_032619.cfm>. It was fairly informative and had some good advice, touching on policy and planning, as well as on implementation. Resources: A copy of the presentation and additional resources from this webinar are now available at http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/training/webinars_FHWA_032619.cfm On that same page we provide links to a few resources we discussed during today's webinar, including the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide, https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/docs/fhwasa18077.pdf Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg t: 204-894-6540 e: mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca

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WFP Analysis: Mature trees worth saving (Mar25'19)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

*Mature trees worth saving, not just replacing * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/mature-trees-worth-savin… THE elm bark beetle kills 15 mature elm trees in Winnipeg every day. The emerald ash borer that arrived in late 2017 could kill every ash tree in the city in the next decade. Winnipeg has the unfortunate distinction of being the only city in North America at war with both of these tree-killing insects at the same time, and the two species they destroy make up almost two-thirds of the city’s public trees. Our urban forest is on the cusp of devastation, but a sense of public urgency has yet to set in. In Ottawa, more than 100,000 ash trees have been lost in the eight years since the emerald ash borer’s arrival. Our day is coming. As we battle the invaders, management of our street trees will mean replanting more diverse species as old ones are lost, but we should not undervalue efforts to preserve our existing older trees. The economic, environmental and social benefits of street trees increase exponentially with size, and it can take generations for the value of a lost mature tree to be regained. A replanted basswood, as an example, will be less than half of its mature height and breadth after 30 years of growth. A disease-free American elm can live up to 300 years, and doesn’t reach full maturity until 150 years. With salt and other environmental pollutants in today’s city, most replanted trees will never reach the scale of our current canopy. Because of this, investment made to preserve larger trees will have significant payback over several decades. The costs will be high, but there are few public expenditures with greater return on investment than protecting our street trees. The majestic beauty of leaf-filtered light streaming through the cathedral arch canopy of towering street trees inspires a sense of place that emotionally connects people to their neighbourhoods and cities. They create a comfortable pedestrian experience by providing shade and wind protection, while establishing an intimate pedestrian zone that separates cars and people. This perception of safety is enhanced as street trees define the road edge and enclose a driver’s field of vision, which instinctively calms traffic and lowers driving speeds. *A 2008 study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that the presence of large street trees lowers the average cruising speed of vehicles in suburbs by almost 5 km/h.* This more comfortable pedestrian environment translates into economic benefit. A study from the University of Washington determined that when shade trees are added to a retail street, the positive impact on the experience makes people stay longer and shop more, increasing spending by as much as 12 per cent on average. It also found that the attraction to mature street trees can increase residential property values by as much as 15 per cent. In Portland, Ore., this was calculated to be worth US$15 million in added property tax revenue for the city. Street trees also improve physical and mental health. A large tree can remove up to 25 per cent of nearby airborne fine particulates and gaseous pollutants emitted by vehicles and buildings. Large mature trees remove 70 times more urban air pollution than the small trees planted to replace them. Recent findings published in the Urban Forestry and Urban Greening Journal indicated that across 86 Canadian cities, the combined reduced air pollution from urban trees saves the health-care system $227 million annually, avoiding 22,000 incidences of acute respiratory symptoms. A Toronto study, Neighbourhood Greenspace and Health in a Large Urban Centre, found exposure to trees can be psychologically and physiologically restorative. The study asked 31,000 residents in different communities to assess their perceived state of health. When the data were overlaid on tree maps, they revealed that having 10 or more mature street trees on a block had the equivalent self-reported health benefits of feeling seven years younger. People in poorer areas with plentiful street trees reported health that resembled affluent neighbourhoods, and those living on wealthier streets without trees reported health like that of people in poorer areas. As trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere, they can play an important role in reducing a city’s contribution to climate change. Once again, size matters. As trees age, their climate benefits increase disproportionately, with as much as 50 per cent of their carbon accumulation occurring in the last quarter of their lives, and almost three-quarters in the last half. The cooling effect of shade trees also reduces the energy requirements for the air-conditioning of buildings, which in turn reduces GHG emissions. A study by the City of Sacramento determined that large street trees can reduce summertime energy use by as much as 35 per cent, twice as much as medium-sized trees, with small trees having very little effect. With climate change increasing the frequency of high-volume stormwater events, street trees are playing a more important role managing runoff and relieving pressure on municipal infrastructure. Large street trees can absorb as much as 60 per cent of the water in a rainfall, with capacity being directly related to the size of the tree’s canopy and root system. Losing our large trees would likely have catastrophic effects on Winnipeg’s combined sewer system — pipes that collect both raw sewage and rainfall, with a replacement cost pegged at more than $4 billion. Winnipeg without its majestic street tree canopy is difficult to imagine. The economic, social and environmental impact would be devastating. The battle to preserve as many large old trees as possible, and to replace the ones that are lost, will take a significantly increased commitment from private citizens and all levels of government. Their benefits show that a city’s trees are not merely leafy decoration, but should be considered an essential piece of urban infrastructure, no less valuable than roads, sidewalks and sewer lines. *Brent Bellamy is a senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.*

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CTV: City council passes budget with 11-5 vote
by Beth McKechnie 21 Mar '19

21 Mar '19

*City council passes budget with 11-5 vote* [Note: see highlighted text below] https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/city-council-passes-budget-with-11-5-vote-1.434… With spring on the horizon, Winnipeg driver Armond Eaglestick says his street is showing signs of wear and tear. "There's a lot of potholes," said Eaglestick. He says Winnipeg streets aren't doing his truck any favours. The shocks are always going, you got to pay you know shocks and tires, sometimes they pop," said Eaglestick. Winnipeg city council passed the 2019 budget by an 11 to 5 vote, but there was no last minute money added to fix residential streets. The outcome came in spite of lobbying efforts from the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and others to find some cash. "This year you wiped out all significant work on neighbourhood streets," said Chris Lorenc, president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association. Because of a $40 million funding dispute with the province, the city says it was forced to chop the local roads budget this year. Fifty-three street and lane projects fell by the wayside, even though homeowners are paying more in taxes. "This was I believe a fiscally responsible reaction to the shortfall," said Mayor Brian Bowman. Prior to the budget vote, councillors Ross Eadie and Jason Schreyer tabled a motion to borrow $10 million this year to reconstruct some of those roads. "There is an expectation on our residents that they actually see some work this year," said Eadie. Council voted against that plan. "I for one do not believe it is appropriate to pull out the city's credit card to make Winnipeg taxpayers pay the province's bill," said Scott Gillingham, chair of city council’s finance committee. But all might not be lost for the city's residential roads. The Trudeau government's federal budget this week contained a pledge to double gas tax revenues. Winnipeg's share comes out to around $40 million. "You know local roads could be one area for consideration by council, there could other things, active transportation,” said Bowman. Mayor Brian Bowman says it's unclear when that money could flow. Armond Eaglestick says the sooner the better. "You can't really drive anywhere you have to dodge the holes and everything," said Eaglestick.

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WFP: Newcomer girl, 4, hit at crosswalk dies (Mar21'19)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Mar '19

21 Mar '19

*Family suffers ‘profound shock’; mother recovers in hospital* * Newcomer girl, 4, hit at crosswalk dies * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/girl-4-struck-by-vehicle-at-crosswa… A FOUR-YEAR-OLD girl who was struck by a vehicle at a Winnipeg crosswalk Monday has died. The girl, named Galila, recently arrived in Canada from Eritrea with her parents and six-year-old brother. She died at the Health Sciences Centre, where she and her mother, who was also hit by the vehicle as they crossed Isabel Street at Alexander Avenue, had been listed in critical condition. “It’s a profound shock,” said family spokeswoman Dorota Blumczynska, who was at the hospital late Tuesday to console the child’s father. “Everything has happened so quickly,” said the executive director of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), which runs the transitional housing complex on Isabel Street where the family lives. “The family has continued to ask for privacy.” On Monday, just before noon, Galila and her mother — identified Wednesday by Blumczynska as Genet Bruk — were walking to pick up Galila’s six-year-old brother, Lamek, at Dufferin School. The pair was hit by a northbound vehicle at the crosswalk. Police have not released more details about the incident, other than that Galila died as a result of her injuries. Blumczynska said Bruk remains in hospital in stable condition. Her husband, Rezene Bruk, was there when his daughter died Tuesday evening, she said. “Now he has to direct his energy to his wife,” said an emotional Blumczynska, after she and other IRCOM staff held a vigil at the hospital with the Bruks until the early hours Wednesday. The couple is in the early stages of learning English and an interpreter is helping them through the complex medical information at HSC. The language of grief, however, is painfully simple. “The father and I exchanged some words of profound sadness,” Blumczynska said through tears. “The mom needs to fully recover and it will be a long journey for her... She and her husband and son need our continued prayers and love and support to make it through this.” Galila’s death echoes a similar tragedy in the city, a little more than a year ago. In February 2018, eight-year-old Surafiel Musse Tesfamariam was on his way to École Varennes with his mother, when he was hit and killed by a vehicle at a crosswalk on St. Anne’s Road. After Surafiel’s death, St. Vital residents pushed for greater safety at the crosswalk, Coun. Brian Mayes said. “I got more calls and emails on this than anything,” he said. “It was upsetting for the whole community.” In May, city councillors on the public works committee unanimously approved an administration plan for the installation of eye-level, flashing warning lights at the St. Anne’s Road crosswalk. Tree branches that could obscure the existing flashing amber lights at the crossing were pruned to improve visibility. The cost was roughly $25,000. “I think it improves visibility,” the councillor for St. Vital said, adding he would like to see more crosswalks get beefed-up warning lights. “Anecdotally, people have been positive about it,” said Mayes, who is waiting for a formal report on the effect of the improvements at the St. Anne’s Road crosswalk. Manitoba Public Insurance’s more recent statistics show the number of pedestrians hit by vehicles has gone up. MPI doesn’t have specific crosswalk data, but its 2017 report shows 179 people were killed or injured that year — an involvement rate of 13.2 per 100,000 people, compared with an average of 11.4 per 100,000 from 2012 to 2016. Most pedestrians in Manitoba were hit on a weekday (82 per cent) and between noon and 6 p.m. Almost half (41 per cent) were hit at an intersection and had the right of way. Manitobans ages 55 to 64 had the highest rate of being hit and killed, MPI numbers show. Children under the age of 10 had the lowest rate of pedestrian deaths and injuries in Manitoba. Their deaths, understandably, often prompt the biggest response, Mayes said. “When a child is killed, people want action,” the councillor said. In April, the city’s Riel community committee will consider a request from Surafiel’s mother to put an honorary street name topper on the sign at the corner where he died. The blue sign would say “Surafiel,” Mayes said. He said he’ll vote to approve the sign staying up for 10 years. carol.sanders(a)freepress.mb.ca

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CBC: Pedestrian death, injuries put renewed focus on road design and safety
by Beth McKechnie 21 Mar '19

21 Mar '19

*Pedestrian death, injuries put renewed focus on road design and safety* *Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman says the city is following a plan to reduce collisions* https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/pedestrian-safety-vision-zero-1.506… The death of a four-year-old girl after she and her mother were hit by a vehicle in a crosswalk on Monday has put renewed focus on pedestrian safety in Winnipeg. Some people, including Coun. Janice Lukes, have called on the city to adopt a concept called Vision Zero. Developed in Sweden, it aims to change infrastructure and road design to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities from motor vehicle accidents, with the aim of zero injuries and fatalities from car collisions. Edmonton adopted the strategy in 2016 and has seen a reduction in the number of people hurt and killed on their streets. "We feel we've been very fortunate over the last three years," said Gerry Shimko, executive director of Edmonton's office of traffic safety. Serious injuries have gone down 17 per cent, from 385 people hospitalized in 2015 to 319 last year. Pedestrian injuries are down 21 per cent, cyclist injuries are down 29 per cent and motorcycle injuries 26 per cent over the last three years, Shimko said. "So it's all trending in the right direction," he said. Changes under the program include narrowing roadways so drivers don't feel like they can speed through, and setting speed limits at 40 km/h in some communities. The strategy also proposes raising crosswalks to encourage drivers to slow down, and putting in curb extensions to reduce the distance pedestrians have to cross, "One of the primary focuses is to really look at identifying where your high-risk locations are for fatalities and serious injuries," he said. Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman says the city's road safety improvement efforts are following a plan adopted by the federal government called Towards Zero. "That's been incorporated and has been demonstrating, notwithstanding the fact that accidents are still going to happen, is still demonstrating some good, positive successes," Bowman said. The four-year-old girl and her mother — newcomers to Canada — were hit while in a crosswalk at Isabel Street and Alexander Avenue around noon Monday. On Wednesday, a pedestrian was taken to hospital in critical condition after being hit on Osborne Street near Morley Avenue and Bartlet Avenue. Bowman said he's committed to discussing ways to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in the city. Shimko said anyone interested in learning from Edmonton's experience is welcome to visit. "At the end of the day we believe that everybody's family should leave and come home safely."

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