The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee held its first regular meeting of 2022 on Jan. 4. 

An application that would change the alignment of the entrance to the Pioneers Greenway, and open and close some portions of Gateway Road and Elmwood Road, was also discussed during a public hearing. The changes would allow the path to continue south of Nairn Avenue.

The proposal, the public service noted, would allow for increased active transportation rates and reduce traffic congestion in the area while being in line with Our Winnipeg and the city’s climate action plan.

Coun. Jason Schreyer (Elmwood-East Kildonan), while supportive of the project, noted he did not believe it would in any substantive way affect the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.

"I just have to say it," Schreyer said. "I’m doing this for the sake of the active transportation plan."

"Promoting active transportation is in line with our climate goals, is it not?" Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) added. "If someone leaves their car in their garage and takes their bike, that won’t reduce our carbon footprint?"

"Each small step adds up," Catherine Gagnon, author of the report, told the committee. "This gives the residents of Winnipeg an opportunities to reduce their carbon impact by choosing put their cars away and use these paths as a different, alternate means."