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:
WTA updates will
be limited to significant announcements going
forward.
2. CITY OF
WINNIPEG
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!!
Happy
Holidays!
Janice
Janice Lukes
Manager,
Special Projects
Rivers West - Red River Corridor
Inc
Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory
Committee
Chair,
Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory
Group