Hi all - please pass this to anyone interested in AT in Winnipeg / Manitoba. While much can be said about AT and activities (and a lot was said a lot pre - election!) - I will aim summarize into three areas:
1. WINNIPEG TRAILS ASSOCIATION COORDINATOR UPDATE As mentioned in a previous update - the Winnipeg Trails Association currently has no funding to hire a coordinator. All funding WTA has received in the past is project based funding - related to specific projects. Partners and I are working to file an application to the Province of Manitoba in hopes of securing funding to 'Collect Baseline AT Data' related to trails, cycling and usage. Any updates / AT engagements I am involved in are in a volunteer capacity. Rivers West - Red River Corridor Inc. has contracted me to work on some of their special environmental projects. I am very appreciated of the support they have provided to the Winnipeg Trails Association over the years in the areas of finance, advice and administration.
If any of you are interested in volunteering on some darn interesting trails projects - please feel free to contact me. If you would like to receive AT information, please consider signing up to: Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba List serve: http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/at-network Bike to the Future: http://biketothefuture.org/get-involved/join-bike-to-the-future WTA updates will be limited to significant announcements going forward.
2. CITY OF WINNIPEG CAPITAL BUDGET 2012 http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/ The preliminary 2012 capital budget is currently in the approval process. You may recall in the 2011 budget - the 'recreational walkways and pathways' was cut in half from $1M to $500 / year - for the next 5 years. This year the budget remains the same, $500K / year for the next 5 years for 'recreational walkways and pathways' (fyi: 1km of asphalt = $400,000) AT Corridors (on road cycling infrastructure) also stays the same at $500K. Last year when questioned on the cuts to the 'recreational walkways and pathways' budget - Mayor Sam responded by saying while it APPEARED the budget was reduced - it really wasn't - it was merely the way finance was accounting for AT and he promised to better reflect AT expenditures in the 2012 budget. This year there is a page (page 3-2) showing projected AT projects for the next 3 years RELATED to roadway projects. This is great for a lot of reasons; transparency, planning, consultation, budgeting, etc. ALSO, in 2007, the Province provided the City of Winnipeg with $6 M over 5 years to put towards trail projects. That money has now been spent. Personally, I am still challenged on amount being spent on AT - but - that is another discussion.
AT PROJECTS: The Active Transportation Advisory Committee recommended projects Feb / March 2010 to occur in the 2011 construction season. The list is reviewed by the Director of Public Works - and then goes to Standing Policy Committee / Public Works for approval. We are still waiting to hear from the Standing Policy Committee / Public Works for approval for the 2011 AT list of projects (yes, this is no typo- 2011) In theory, once the 2012 budget passes this month, ATAC recommends 2012 construction projects to Director of Public Works, which then goes to Standing Policy Committee / Public Works for approval - and work starts for the 2012 construction season. One AT coordinator working in the City in Active Transportation arena - combined with great demand - is presenting huge challenges in moving AT forward. On a good note - check out the attached photos of the brand new ped / cycle bridge under construction - located on the Northeast Pioneers Greenway and OVER the Chief Peguis expansion!
AT ADVISORY COMMITTEES: Am volunteering my time to sit as an AT advisor on the following committees - and working with trail groups directly impacted. If anyone would like information / update - please contact me. - U of M Event Day Stadium Advisory Committee - Pembina Hwy AT Advisory Group - Red River Crossing from U of M to St. Vital Public Advisory Committee - CentrePort and Active Transportation
3. PROVINCE OF MANITOBA Many others along with myself clearly identified and ensured Provincial candidates were made aware of active transportation challenges & opportunities throughout Manitoba. Prior to the election, the Provincial Government requested recommendations on how to move AT forward. A report was put forward http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf and Premier Selinger, once elected, yet again personally committed to me to continue moving forward on an Active Transportation Strategy. To date, I have heard nothing more on that commitment. Maybe others have.
IN SUMMARY AT can tremendously improve our quality of life and health in Manitoba. We've all seen great strides forward. I am concerned we have heard nothing from our Provincial leaders on active transportation in since being re-elected - but, ever the optimist, I hold great hope for 2012 !
Check out this brilliant little video - of Sean Quigley, an Oak Park student playing his drums on the stunningly beautiful Harte Trail - way to go Sean!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM&feature=email &feature=email
Happy Holidays!
Janice
Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects Rivers West - Red River Corridor Inc 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 237-4618 mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca jlukes@riverswest.ca http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/ www.WinnipegTrails.ca
Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group
