Mayor's inner circle approves millions to prepare for possible Portage and Main reopening

Mayor Brian Bowman's inner circle has approved a plan to fix up Portage and Main as a prelude to reopening the intersection to pedestrians as soon as 2019.

City council's executive policy committee voted unanimouslyWednesday afternoon to spend up to $1.5million to make improvements to the underground concourse at Portage and Main, up to $500,000 to improve the above-ground plaza at the Richardson Building, andup to $1.5 million on architectural and engineering plans that will make it possible to reintroduce pedestrians to the intersection.

• CAO recommends Winnipeg spend $3.5M this year to get ball rolling on Portage and Main reopening
• Winnipeg Transit to be hit hardest by reopening Portage and Main, study suggests
• Two Bowman allies say they're not quite ready to cross Portage and Main

The plan received unanimous approval after two of the mayor's allies madeamendments.

St.James-Brooklands-WestonCoun. Scott Gillingham added a proviso that any final decision on reopening the intersection to pedestrians come before city council, with a cost estimate and a report about traffic and transit implications.

St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayesadded a requirement for a study of the North Transitway, a bus corridor planned along Main Street, which could reduce the transit burden on Portage and Main.

Before the vote, representatives fromorganizations such asThe Forks, the downtown development agency CentreVenture, Economic Development Winnipeg, the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zoneand Storefront Manitoba spoke in favour of reopening the intersection.

They cited potential improvements to the pedestrian screetscapeand better connections between different areas of downtown, including the Exchange District and The Forks.

Three members of council who don't sit on EPCraised concerns about the effects of reopening the intersection on Winnipeg Transit, personal vehicle traffic, pedestrian safety and municipal finances.

A study conducted by Dillon Consulting itemizes benefits and drawbacks of reopening Portage and Main.

• Portage and Main reopening possible, albeit with traffic impacts, city study says

The report states reopening the intersection will improve nighttime safety for pedestrians, make it easier for people with mobility issues to cross the intersection and improve the pedestrian streetscape, with no significant impacts on north-south motor-vehicle traffic.

The study also said reopening the intersection wouldslow bus service and increase the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions during turns, and will cost the city $11.6 millionto remove barricades and make changes to accommodate Winnipeg Transit.

Don't write 'blank cheque': Browaty

North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty, council's most vocal opponent of reopening Portage and Main, warned EPC not to write"a blank cheque" forthe intersection by funding improvements before all the costs are known.

Bowmanasked the councillor under what circumstances he would support the reopening.

Browaty said he will only support reopening Portage and Main when no more vehicles cross the intersection, a position themayor called "extreme."

Elmwood-East Kildonan Coun. Jason Schreyer said the existing underground crossing suits Winnipeg's climate as well as its status as a modern, industrialized city.

CentreVenturechair Brent Bellamy suggested concerns about congestion following potential reopening to pedestriansare overstated. Hecompared traffic to water and said it will find a way through downtown.

City council as a whole will consider the funding next week.