Extending Winnipeg active transportation routes until fall gains support but has critics

A push to extend the temporary closure of nine Winnipeg streets to vehicle traffic got plenty of support Tuesday, while others want city council to slow down and examine what's already in place.

The nine streets wereclosed earlier this spring to provide active transportation options toresidentsduring the COVID-19 pandemic. Vehicle traffic is limited to one block from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the routes, seven days a week.

The temporary closures are set to end on July 6, but on Tuesday, the city's infrastructure and public works committee heard from several councillors and a dozen delegations about extending the closures for another two months.

St. Boniface Coun. Matt Allardhas a motion that would extend the active transportation routesuntil the September long weekend.

"The majority of people I have heard from in my ward supports keeping them open," Allard said on Tuesday.

Several councillors appeared in front of the committee in full support of the motion, but others say changes should be made before the life of the routes is extended.

Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadiesays he has "no real problem" with the routes, one of whichScotia Street is in his ward.

But he did inject a note of cautionaboutthe interaction between pedestrians, cyclists and drivers on the routes.

"There is tension on all sides," Eadie said, adding the restrictions bring out the "aggressive nature" in people while attempting to share the road.

Assiniboine may not be right fit for route

The councillorfor Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwoodsays there was little advance notice to residents when five more routes were added in early May to the four that had opened up in April.

"There was no information given to residents. Itwas justdone," Kevin Klein told the committee.

Assiniboine Avenuefrom Bedson Street to Westwood Drive, which is in Klein's ward, was among the routes added in May.

He says there aresix bus stops on thestreetand no proper signage was put in place to explain the changes to residents.

Klein says perhaps the route could remain closed to vehicleson the weekends or evenings, but whatever happens with the motion to extend theroutes until the fall, residents and the local councillors should be consulted first.

Westwood residentDarlene Van Ruiten agreed with Klein on both the concerns about the bus stops on the route, and the lack of consultation.

"There wasn't any time to speak to residents that this was coming,"Van Ruitentold the committee.

She says the barricades on the street havecreated a potential danger, as transit buses attempt to manoeuvre around them.

The Green Action Centre appeared insupport of extending the routes beyond the current nine streets, urging councillors to follow the lead of other cities around the world.

"Create a pop-up network routes accessible by foot and bikes," urged the Green Action Centre's Mel Marginet.

After hearing from some councillors and delegations, Allardallowedthere may be a need to tweak some routes.

"I want to acknowledge there have been a number of concerns raised by residents and councillors," Allard said.

Allard believes themotion going to council has the flexibility in it to allow area councillorsto adapt the routes in each ward.

Theinfrastructure and public works committee is expected to vote on Allard's motion later Tuesday. It alsohas to pass executive policy committee before a full vote of city council.