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WFP: On our streets, there’s safety in numbers (Oct22'18)
by Beth McKechnie 22 Oct '18

22 Oct '18

*Facts show roads are less dangerous, despite residents’ belief otherwise* * On our streets, there’s safety in numbers * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/on-our-streets-theres-safety-in-num… IN the face of obvious signs of progress, why would people be so skeptical? A recent Free Press- Probe Research poll, which is part of a series of polls on civic election issues, showed that 40 per cent of Winnipeggers believe they are less safe on or around city roads than they were 10 years ago. In contrast, only 14 per cent of respondents said they feel safer. It’s a remarkable result, considering that by all reasonable measurements, we’ve never been safer. On average, five Winnipeg pedestrians die each year in traffic collisions and another 14 die behind the wheel of their cars. Losing nearly 20 lives every year is still worrisome, although both are down considerably from previous decades. It’s part of a national trend. In 1997, Transport Canada figures show that 2,660 people died in traffic collisions; by 2016, that number had fallen to 1,717. Again, a horrible loss of life, but a glimmer of hope in terms of the trend line. It all adds up to progress. Why, you might ask yourself, would people feel less safe? That’s really hard to tell. In the final analysis, it’s an age-old triumph of intuition over hard numbers. Psychologically, we somehow can’t connect the dots between advances in automobile safety technology (airbags, lane departure and collision warning systems) and improvements in infrastructure and planning (breakaway light poles, improved safety curbs, active transportation and dedicated bike lanes, school-zone speed limits) and overall traffic safety. It doesn’t mean our roads are safe, per se. But we’re moving in the right direction. That having been said, more could be done. Traffic-safety advocates have pointed out that the city needs to be more aggressive in pursuing improvements through the Vision Zero initiative. This Swedish-made, now-international advocacy campaign is aimed at convincing elected officials at all levels to adopt leading-edge road-safety innovations. Local advocates for Vision Zero (referred to as Toward Zero in Winnipeg) believe there has been progress, but would like to see the city move more quickly to implement changes. Resources for those changes, however, remain a challenge. The former NDP government did toy with the idea of using money from MPI for road-safety infrastructure. The theory was that fixing dangerous stretches of roadway or intersections would prevent collisions and reduce insurance rates. It’s a strategy that private insurers have used for decades. In the end, however, the NDP caved to political pressure and shelved the idea. They found out what city councillors already knew: voters would prefer to see their tax money spent paving roads than fixing dangerous intersections. And therein lies the problem for the elected officials who are supposed to make progress on an issue such as road safety. Citizens feel less safe on our roads, despite evidence to the contrary. But when you introduce an initiative that could save lives, those same citizens rail against it and force you to back down. Politicians rarely get any sympathy from voters. But fora moment, couldn’t we all feel sorry for them for this damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t dilemma? You can be sure that the dozens of people vying to fill a seat on Winnipeg city council have already figured out that on many issues such as road safety, you just can’t win. Road safety has not been a high profile issue in the civic election campaign, and perhaps it should have been. However, there is almost no benefit for an incumbent to raise the issue. Anyone running for re-election knows that confronting road safety would force them to spout meaningless statistics about the slow decline in fatalities or highlight unconvincing improvements to infrastructure and traffic design, exactly the kind of things that do not give voters any comfort in the face of their intuitive, but unfounded, fears. Mayor Brian Bowman said as much last weekend in a story on road safety. In his bid for re-election, Bowman admitted he hasn’t been motivated to raise road safety because he supports Toward Zero and nothing has changed his commitment. Why wouldn’t Bowman trumpet his support for Toward Zero and pledge to do more? Although he did not have the Free Press poll results in hand, it seems he had already figured out that voters feel the roads are less safe and no amount of fact is going to change that. The poll results do, however, show that challengers may have missed a glorious opportunity to attack Bowman and incumbent councillors. They certainly use that strategy on just about every other issue. Challengers in civic elections are constantly telling voters to forget the numbers and what they show us about the city’s finances (which have steadily improved) or the infrastructure deficit (down $3 billion in the last term), or the state of the city’s population and economy (both growing above national averages). Challengers want you to give in to your deepest-held preconceptions about civic government, which is that it is bad at everything. There are lots of things that need improving at city hall. But there are also a good number of things that have improved. It’s the same story for every level of government. In case you were wondering, this is not the kind of scenario that ensures we are getting the best people elected. Our own refusal to take comfort in facts leaves us open to being manipulated by negative hyperbole. It’s also what discourages so many citizens from voting. This is a situation that will never improve until voters leave their guts out of the equation, and begin to base their decisions about who to vote for, and whether to vote at all, on hard facts. dan.lett(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Madrid, Spain, cuts speed limit to 18 MPH (30 km/h) on 80% of streets
by Beth McKechnie 19 Oct '18

19 Oct '18

*Madrid City Council is set to approve a new Sustainable Mobility Ordinance that will change the way residents move around public spaces.* The new measures, which will take effect between five and 15 days after the council approves them on Friday, introduce a speed limit of 30km/h on all one-way streets and on single-lane two-way streets. Under the new rules, motorcycles will not be allowed to park on sidewalks less than three meters wide or near pedestrian crossings. Bicycles will be able to make right turns at red lights where indicated. And new traffic restrictions will go into effect in the downtown area on November 23. The ordinance may still be partially amended before passage on Friday, but here are some of its key components. New speed limits Besides the 30km/h limit on one-way streets and single-lane two-way streets, the city will slow traffic down to 20km/h on streets where the sidewalk is not elevated above road level, such as in the neighborhoods of Lavapiés and Chueca. The 30km/h rule will affect 80% of Madrid’s streets – not just in the downtown area. These measures aim to increase road safety and reduce the chance of accidents involving pedestrians. Pedestrians The spirit of the new ordinance is to favor sustainable mobility. New signs will indicate the presence of “Zonas 30,” where pedestrians may cross the street at any spot after checking that they are not running a risk or slowing down traffic. And in “Calles 20,” pedestrians will have priority over vehicles. The city is also planning to roll out more traffic lights with incorporated cameras, and to designate “pedestrian special protection spaces” where neither motorcycles nor bicycles will be allowed to park. Bicycles Bicycles will be able to turn right on a red light where so indicated. They may also move against the traffic on residential streets with speed limits of 20km/h or under, and on shared-use lanes. The 30km/h speed limit on many streets also seeks to favor shared road space between motorists and cyclists. The latter will also be allowed to lock their bikes to street furniture as long as they don’t block the way for pedestrians. Motorcycles and mopeds Until now, motorcycles could be freely parked on sidewalks. The new rules will prohibit this on sidewalks under three meters wide, and less than five meters from a pedestrian crossing. Motorcycles will also have to be more than two meters away from bus stops. On the other hand, there is now twice as much dedicated parking space for motorcycles in the Centro district Skates and scooters People on skates, kick scooters or other devices without a motor may use the sidewalks and other pedestrian areas as long as they travel at an appropriate speed. They may also use cycling lanes and other areas adapted for bicycles. On lanes used by pedestrians, the maximum allowed speed is 5km/h. Motorized scooters and other personal mobility vehicles will no longer be allowed on sidewalks and other pedestrian spaces, and will instead have to use bicycle lanes. Traffic restrictions The newest element in the new regulations is Madrid Central, a restricted traffic area that will apply to most of the city’s Centro district starting on November 23. Residents may enter the area in their vehicles but only park in their own neighborhood. Occasional visitors may be allowed in by residents. Non-residents whose vehicles hold CERO and ECO energy labels may also enter the area. And those with B or C energy labels may only enter to park in a private or public parking lot, not in the street. Exceptions will also be made for people with reduced mobility, ambulances, taxis, private-hire cars and delivery vans. Electric vehicles will also be allowed into Madrid Centro. Public transportation City officials note that there are 60 bus lines going through Madrid’s downtown area, as well as six subway lines and eight underground train lines. There are also 57 BiciMad public bicycle rental docking stations. https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/10/05/inenglish/1538733317_890210.html -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Mark your calendar! APBP 2019 Webinar Schedule
by Beth McKechnie 19 Oct '18

19 Oct '18

Looks like some good webinars planned for the new year: - Jan 16: Bus Stops with Bikeways: Designing Transit Stops with On-street Bicycle Facilities - Feb 20: Viewing Low-Stress Networks Through an Equity Lens - Mar 30: Navigating Without Curbs: Accessibility on Shared Streets - Apr 17: Designing Streets for the Speeds You Want - May 15: Maintaining Green Infrastructure: Hints for Success - Jun 19: Finding Common Ground with First Responders: Enhancing Safety and Maintaining Access in Street Design - Jul 17: Return on investment for Active Transportation - Aug 21: Getting the Green Light: Improving Actuation and Detection for Cyclists & Pedestrians - Sep 18: Can We Talk About the Street? Building Support for Controversial Projects - Oct 16: If We Build it Will They Come? Estimating Demand for Biking and Walking - Nov 20: Aging in Place: Designing Communities to Support Mobility - Dec 18: Education and Encouragement: Bringing the Right People Together -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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INVITATION: OpenFest Saturday October 20th
by Anders Swanson 17 Oct '18

17 Oct '18

Honoured to invite you all to come to an event this weekend full of positivity and hopefulness. Artists and poets and local businesses coming together to share a shared love of Winnipeg and to speak up for the right to cross the street. Incredible line-up donating their time incl. Royal Canoe, Mahogany Frog, JP Hoe, Sweet Alibi, Red Moon Road, The O.B. and more. Speeches by Di Brandt (Winnipeg's poet laureate), Michael Champagne, Brent Bellamy, Allen Mankewich, Dancing Gabe, and more. Craft beer thanks to local breweries donating staff time: Nonsuch Brewery, Little Brown Jug, Lake of the Woods Brewery; Coffee by Grey Owl DJ CO-OP spinning records and Open Mic (by The Purple Room) from 5-9 on stage #2 More coming. *Saturday. 2pm-11pm. Portage and Main. (various locations)* FREE Webpage: https://voteopenwpg.ca/openfest Facebook event <https://www.facebook.com/pg/voteopenwpg/events/> #ShowSomeLove #OpenFest Proceeds from any drink sales go to the Children's Rehab Foundation (donations welcome). All welcome. Invite your friends. Whatever way you/they plan to vote. Come party. Come dance. Yours kindly, Anders [image: OpenFestHeartbeatPromo.gif]

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WFP: Coalition for Portage & Main announces free concert (2pm Sat Oct 20th)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Oct '18

16 Oct '18

Coalition announces free concert THE Coalition for Portage and Main has announced it will host a free concert at the intersection Saturday, featuring local bands, beer and food. The volunteer-run event, called Open Fest, is being thrown the last weekend before Winnipeggers head to the polls to elect a new municipal government and cast a ballot on the intersection’s future. Local bands Royal Canoe, Mahogany Frog and JP Hoe, among others, are scheduled to headline the event. The festival starts at 2 p.m. and all proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation. https://voteopenwpg.ca/openfest/

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CBC's Ismaila Alfa tracks how long it takes to cross Portage and Main — underground — in a wheelchair
by Beth McKechnie 11 Oct '18

11 Oct '18

Advocates for people with disabilities and active transportation who favour opening Portage and Main to pedestrians invited members of the public to try their hands at getting across the intersection in a wheelchair. The event was organized by Winnipeg Trails Association. "We're asking people to time it to see how long it takes," said Trails executive director Anders Swanson. Winnipeggers will vote on whether to open the intersection, which has been closed to pedestrians since 1979, in a plebiscite in this year's civic election. CBC's Ismaila Alfa took the challenge to see how fast he could make it across the intersection both above ground and through the underground concourse. See video on how long it took to get through Portage and Main: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/portage-main-wheelchair-time-1.4858…

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The psychology of speed and the science behind changing road design
by Beth McKechnie 09 Oct '18

09 Oct '18

As Calgary debates whether to reduce residential speed limits from 50 km/h to either 40 or 30 km/h, CBC provides some science on the psychology why road design also needs to change. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/road-design-calgary-psychology-of-sp… cheers, Beth -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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WFP: Bait bike program leading to arrests: cops (Sep25'18)
by Beth McKechnie 01 Oct '18

01 Oct '18

Bait bike program leading to arrests: cops https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/winnipeg-police-say-bait-bike-progr… BICYCLE thieves beware, bait bikes are everywhere. At least that’s the message the Winnipeg Police Service wants running through the heads of anyone thinking about helping themselves to a bicycle that isn’t theirs. In July, the WPS rolled out its bait bike program, in response to a noticeable uptick in bicycle theft in the city. Since the program has been up and running, officers have been chaining up bikes — all of which are equipped with GPS tracking devices — in public spaces, and then sitting back and waiting for someone to come steal them. So far, the wait hasn’t been long, and the program has led to arrests, police said Monday. “We want to get people talking, because it really is a deterrent. We want people thinking, ‘Before I rip off this bike, is this a bait bike?’” Const. Tammy Skrabek said. The technology has been available for a few years, but it was only this summer the program was rolled out. According to police, it’s impossible to say for certain how common bicycle theft is in Winnipeg, but anecdotal evidence suggests it’s a problem on the rise. So far in 2018, the WPS has received roughly 1,800 reports of bicycle-theft incidents. However, Skrabek said that figure only represents a portion of the theft taking place in the city. “We can’t really provide stats on stolen bikes in Winnipeg. There’s noway for us to narrow it down. Not all bikes are reported stolen. We have many incidents where there’s more than one bike stolen. Those things change the numbers,” she said. “We also have bikes that are found and picked up by our officers during the course of their duties that aren’t reported stolen. So, that goes down as a recovered bike, but we can’t confirm it’s been stolen.” Bike Winnipeg executive director Mark Cohoe is happy police recognize this issue as a growing concern. He said anything that could help crack down on theft could lead to more Winnipeggers making their daily commutes on two wheels rather than four. “I really do think bike theft is something that deters people from cycling. So, we’re happy to see some action on this front. People have bikes stolen and they’re frustrated by it. Sometimes, they’re also not in the financial position to replace that bike,” Cohoe said. Cohoe said the city also needs to take steps toward making theft more difficult by installing facilities such as bike lockers and bike cages around Winnipeg. While he welcomes the bike bait program, he also said he’s not naive enough to think it is a problem the city can arrest its way out of. “Unless we really address some of the bigger social issues that are driving the rise of this, then we’re likely going to be left with the problem of bike theft. We have to look at the underlying problems that are driving this,” Cohoe said. ryan.thorpe(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe

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Come join our team! Sustainable Transportation Coordinator
by Beth McKechnie 25 Sep '18

25 Sep '18

Green Action Centre seeks a Sustainable Transportation Project Coordinator *Programs*: Commuter Challenge and Workplace Commuter Options Program *Location*: Winnipeg, Manitoba *Term*: 9.5 month term at 35 hours per week, with a likely extension beyond July 2019. The position is shared between two sustainable transportation program areas: 3-4 days/wk as the Commuter Challenge Coordinator, and 1-2 days/wk with Workplace Commuters Options. *Position Description*: Green Action Centre seeks an independent, energetic and well-organized individual to fill a dual role within our sustainable transportation team. The coordinator will organize and promote our annual Commuter Challenge event in June and our Bougeons en hiver: The Jack Frost Challenge in February. The Coordinator will also assist with the delivery of our Workplace Commuter Options program (WCO), which includes our provincial wide ride-matching tool, GoManitoba. The position will focus on engaging businesses, employees and community organizations to make active and green transportation options both appealing and within reach for workplaces and employees, ultimately reducing Manitoba’s GHG emissions from drive alone travel by increasing walking, cycling, public transit and car pooling as preferred modes of travel for Manitobans. *Background*: Green Action Centre is an environmental, non-profit organization, based in Winnipeg and serving Manitoba. We are a registered charity, governed by an elected board of directors, with a core group of passionate, dedicated staff. We promote greener living through environmental education and encourage practical green solutions for households <http://greenactioncentre.ca/live/at-home/>, workplaces <http://greenactioncentre.ca/live/at-work/>, schools <http://greenactioncentre.ca/live/at-school/> and communities <http://greenactioncentre.ca/live/in-your-community/>. Our primary areas of work are green commuting <http://greenactioncentre.ca/live/getting-around/>, composting <http://greenactioncentre.ca/live/composting/> and waste <http://greenactioncentre.ca/live/recycling/> reduction, sustainable living <http://greenactioncentre.ca/blog/>, and resource conservation. We also run a social enterprise, Compost Winnipeg, which collects commercial and residential organic waste in Winnipeg. We are located on Portage Avenue in the heart of downtown, and are part of the EcoCentre on the 3rd floor of the Mountain Equipment Coop building. *Responsibilities*: In cooperation with other sustainable transportation team members and Green Action Centre staff, the Coordinator will have the following duties and responsibilities: *Commuter Challenge & Jack Frost Challenge:* - Develop a work plan based on the timeline and activities of prior years - Confirm and recruit Commuter Challenge Planning Partners and chair the planning meetings - Coordinate and build participation in the Jack Frost Challenge! in February; and recruit and build workplace participation in the Commuter Challenge, including connecting with 300+ participating workplaces - Build and/or maintain relationships with workplace wellness and/or environmental committees and champions - Train Commuter Challenge workplace coordinators - Sponsorship management, both maintaining existing sponsorship relationships, and developing new marketing and partnership opportunities - Reach out to communities outside of Winnipeg in an effort to increase participation in Commuter Challenge and Jack Frost Challenge in other parts of Manitoba - Promote Challenge events, including overseeing print and electronic advertising and securing media coverage - Secure and manage distribution of prizes for participants, including soliciting donations for prizes from local businesses - Work with event firm to help coordinate logistics for Commuter Challenge key event activities, such as the event media launch and the awards luncheon - Update related web pages on Green Action Centre’s website - Work with IT technical support to facilitate smooth functioning of web-based tracking tool for the events, and work to resolve issues arising with workplace registrations and/or individual logging of participation; includes liaise with organizers of the National Commuter Challenge - Maintain participation and event records and prepare reports for funders and sponsors - Manage the project budgets and monitor expenses to ensure budget is on track - Other duties, as assigned *Workplace Commuter Options Program:* - Work with the team to coordinate and deliver workshops, presentations, half-day training sessions and keynote speaker events tailored to workplace ambassadors from a variety of organizations, specifically sustainability, wellness and HR managers; program content focused on Transportation Demand Management (TDM) initiatives, transit tools, bike route planning, site assessment, and behavioral change theory. - Support the promotion of and increased participation in Green Action Centre’s GoManitoba ridematching app, including contests to increase new users and subscribers, and outreach to workplaces to increase workplaces with sub-sites - Assist with the delivery and reporting of employee commuting surveys, working closely with workplace representatives and IT consultant - Staff displays and deliver presentations, including participation in events put on by Bike Week, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown BIZ, etc. - Liaise with related workplace committees such as the Downtown BIZ transportation Committee, Workplace Wellness Alliance, City of Winnipeg’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC), and Manitoba Network for Healthy Built & Social Environments - Prepare and distribute a follow up survey for Commuter Challenge workplace coordinators, and respond to information requests *Qualifications*: Must be self-motivated, reliable, professional and able to work collaboratively without close supervision. Key qualifications include: - Knowledge of sustainable transportation (green commuting and active transportation) - Experience working collaboratively, specifically with community relations and/or with nonprofits, and in delivering on the ground programs - Experienced in organizing events and creativity in developing ad/media campaigns - Previous experience and skills in media and promotion - Demonstrated ability in public speaking and with presentations and displays - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Experience with project management & budgeting - Tech-savvy with knowledge of WordPress and social media - Above average attentiveness to detail - Strong interpersonal skills, team player - Organized, deadline driven and excellent time management skills - Knowledgeable about Winnipeg and rural/northern Manitoban communities - Experience working with non profits - Able to work independently without close supervision *Term Position*: Starts November 2018 and ends July 15, 2019 with likely extension subject to mutual agreement between the parties and the status of project funding. This position reports directly to the Executive Director. *Remuneration*: $19.75 per hour (35 hrs/wk). A monthly Winnipeg Transit EcoPass is also provided as part of Green Action Centre’s “Active Transportation Benefit” policy. *Deadline*: Resume and cover letter must be received by 4:00 p.m. CDT, October 10, 2018. *To Apply*: Applications will be accepted until the deadline *by e-mail only*. If this opportunity interests you please email your cover letter and resume to info(a)greenactioncentre.ca with “Sustainable Transportation Coordinator” in the subject heading. Please note in your cover letter if you: - Are a graduate from a post-secondary institution within the last three years; and - Are between the ages of 15-30 For more information on Green Action Centre and our programs, please explore our website at www.greenactioncentre.ca. *No phone calls please.* -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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WFP Opinion: Reopening Portage and Main would be good for downtown and suburbs (Sep18'18)
by Beth McKechnie 20 Sep '18

20 Sep '18

*Reopening Portage and Main would be good for downtown and suburbs* *by Glen Murray* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/civicelection2018/ reopening-intersection-good-for-downtown-and-suburbs-493636911.html What does Portage and Main have to be to serve Winnipeg well? Portage and Main is the intersection of Winnipeg’s two most important high streets. It is the very definition of the centre of the city; the crossroads of Winnipeg. What makes a great city is a combination of several factors. The most visible is a vibrant, healthy downtown brimming with businesses and exciting cultural experiences and extraordinarily beautiful historic streetscapes. City streets, especially a city’s high streets, are there for more than moving traffic; in fact, most predate the automobile. Great streets that are essential to a city’s economic success are first platforms for commerce and culture. Transportation systems are there to support these functions that make a street a destination. Streets and streetscapes are major determinants of the strength of a city’s economy, the value of its buildings and ability to attract and retain people and tourism. Downtowns are disproportionately important because most of us form our impression of a city based on the downtown. This core commercial area is very important to the city’s finances, as these properties are a disproportionately large part of the city’s tax base and pay the city a high return, given that they require little infrastructure and occupy a relatively small amount of land. It takes many hectares of suburban residential neighbourhoods to generate the revenues equivalent to a good-sized office building. So these characteristics of design, density and heritage determine the economic health and value of those buildings, which in turn affect the level of revenue they generate for both the building owners and the local municipality. A good urban renewal program grows the tax base and consequently reduces the tax burden on individual taxpayers and businesses. Generally successful urban renewal starts at the shoulder areas of the downtown and works to the centre. In Winnipeg’s case, The Forks, Waterfront Drive, Red River College's downtown campus and the Convention Centre are examples of starting at the periphery before moving toward the centre, Portage and Main. The second critical factor to restoring the economic health of a street or commercial cluster is a highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly environment. In Winnipeg, this was realized in the development and renewal of high-value, well-designed transit and pedestrian friendly corridors. Those projects included the Graham transit mall, the Provencher to Broadway pedestrian corridor, Waterfront Drive, Exchange District streetscaping, the beginning of interior corridors like the enclosed laneway at Red River College, the restoration of historic streetlights and sidewalks on Portage Avenue, and so on. The most critical, and the nexus of the system, was the renewal of the once-famous, now-infamous Portage and Main. There have been several hubs, or nodes, developed in the downtown. The baseball park, Waterfront Drive and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights cluster on the east side; the Centennial Concert Hall and theatre cluster, Red River College and Union Bank Tower on the north side; the Manitoba Hydro tower, Bell-MTS Centre, The Bay, the Winnipeg Art Gallery and its upcoming Inuit Art Centre, the Burton Cummings Theatre, True North Centre, Portage Place, University of Winnipeg’s campus, the Alt Hotel and Mountain Equipment Co-op on the west side; and the Fort Garry historic site, Fort Garry Hotel, the Forks Market and Children’s Museum on the south side. The power of these hubs, or nodes, created by private and public sector collaboration is the impact they have on all the buildings and storefronts between them. The strong street-level connections created by pedestrian traffic between these nodes is essential for retail businesses. This, in turn, builds the tax base to pay for the essential infrastructure to facilitate these connections or nodes and networks. Portage and Main is a critical node and a network in one, the most important synaptic nerve connection in the system. Restoring this intersection’s commercial, cultural and complete transportation functionality is the essential ingredient in the economic renewal of downtown. The debate over opening Portage and Main is tied up in the mistaken idea that one intersection should be or could be responsible for so much of the traffic flow. Before Portage Place cut off north-south traffic, there was a better distribution of traffic along streets such as Edmonton and Kennedy. In fact, improving transit infrastructure and restoring the functionality of the downtown street grid system would solve any marginal traffic issues created in opening up Portage and Main. Most importantly, restoring Portage and Main as the downtown pedestrian connector unlocks and restores the value and increases the income of properties up and down the two high streets. Currently, Portage and Main acts as an artificial border to the downtown and psychological barrier to the east. Opening the intersection to pedestrians will allow the spilling over of culture and commerce to Portage East and will unlock the further potential of our downtown. Finally, if you live in the suburbs and never drive through this intersection, why should it matter? In the 2000/2001 city budget, the growth in commercial assessment in the city turned a two per cent property tax cut for residential ratepayers into a four per cent cut. Turning up the downtown economic engine is building the urban commercial tax base, which in turn reduces the suburban residential tax burden. CentreVenture, the city’s downtown development corporation, has already spun out $600 million in new revenue to the city government from its strategic and restorative investments. While the referendum on Portage and Main is important, it is even more important to do a rigorous study of the economic impacts of a beautiful newly designed intersection versus the dog’s breakfast we now endure. It is time to develop a real strategy to unlock the value of Portage and Main’s potential. So, when you vote on opening Portage and Main, vote yes. You'll be voting to build the tax base and reduce the tax burden. *Glen R. Murray served as mayor of Winnipeg from 1998 to 2004, and before that was the city councillor for Fort Rouge ward for almost a decade. He was elected as a Liberal MPP in the Ontario provincial government in 2010, and served in several senior cabinet roles until his retirement in 2017.*

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