FAQs - Phase 2

The Marion area experiences local, commuter, and truck traffic, as well as a regularly used railway. Delays are common at the Archibald- Lagimodière intersection, including the nearby railway crossing. Traffic travelling from new and growing communities, both in and around eastern Winnipeg (e.g., West Transcona, Sage Creek), will continue to increase traffic congestion in the area. New and expanding development, including the Public Market Lands, Warman Road Lands, and St. Boniface Industrial Park, will add to local truck traffic and potentially increased railway use. Other considerations in this growing area include the increasing need for safe and accessible active transportation routes (walking and cycling) and improved transit service. 

Increased residential and industrial development places significant strain on area roads and infrastructure that were not designed to accommodate the high traffic volumes and varying types of traffic experienced in recent years. 

The City has studied this general area before, but not through this lens. We heard that the previous study's focus was too narrow to discuss some of the broader transportation issues in the neighbourhood. Council directed the Public Service to find cost-effective ways to address transportation deficiencies along Marion including improvements to the accommodation of pedestrian and cyclists as well as improvements to safety and traffic operation at key intersections; while minimizing land requirements – focuses that were not part of the original study.

To achieve these objectives, the project scope has been expanded to encompass interrelated areas within the neighbourhood, each with unique uses and needs. 

The project will encompass the area around and adjacent to Archibald-Lagimodière Boulevard, which is primarily an industrial area; the area west from Archibald to the onset of the Marion-Goulet couplet, which is mixed-use; and west from the couplet to St. Mary's Road, which is primarily residential. 

Implementing any change within one area requires changes to another to ensure safety, appropriate use, and traffic flow in the neighbourhood.

While a grade separation and realignment are not feasible solutions at this time, we have built upon intersection improvements suggested in the previous study to help address safety concerns and local traffic flow concerns along the corridor.

No. Due to a large footprint, affordability and project risk, the Public Service did not recommend moving forward with grade separation or widening.

The study has commenced in Spring 2020, with Phase 2 of Public Engagement commencing Spring 2022 with online public engagement.

Phase 2 of the study is presenting recommendations and options for a number of points throughout the study area for information and/or feedback. Based on lessons learned from previous studies as well as input from Phase 1 (pre-engagement), this phase of engagement is designed to get input on active transportation solutions and ideas to make the Marion-Goulet couplet more comfortable and pleasant for residents and visitors.   

As per Council direction, the City has developed low-cost, minimally invasive solutions to reduce congestion and improve safety throughout the remainder of the project area; these engineering solutions are being presented for information, but not input. 

While we know Winnipeggers may want to participate in decision-making throughout the study area, it is important that technical knowledge and data inform the majority of changes that will impact safety, traffic flow, and access. We are looking to Winnipeggers to tell us what they want out couplet area, which is where the majority of improvements will be made to community livability.

We have come up with a number of lower-cost, less invasive solutions including a range of roadway treatments from lane additions, turning lane improvements, and signal timing to improve traffic flow in the area. Issues being addressed in Phase 2 include: 

1. Investigating a “Complete Streets” approach to the Marion-Goulet couplet. 
   • Complete Street is the term used to describe a roadway (or portions of a roadway) that allows all people, regardless of their age or ability, to safely move about it regardless of whether they are a pedestrian, cyclist, transit user, or motorist. 
   • The study is looking to find solutions that could be made within the right-of-way within the couplet to create a more dynamic pedestrian and cycling experience while also maintaining usability for cars, trucks, and buses. 

2. Improving the angles, sightlines, and turning movements at the intersection where the Marion-Goulet couplet connects with Youville. 
3. Improving safety at and around the Marion /Archibald Street intersection including the CP Emerson Subdivision railway crossing.
4. Improving usability and safety at the Marion/Panet Road/Dawson Road N intersection.
5. Improving traffic flow on Lagimodière, including intersections at Marion and Dugald Road.
6. Reviewing the remaining portions of Marion for ways to ensure safety and maintenance while minimizing land requirements.
7. Incorporating pedestrian and cycling requirements within the study area.

Active transportation infrastructure is being recommended throughout the study area. We are also focusing on complete streets approach for the Marion-Goulet couplet. 

Complete streets is the term used to describe a roadway (or portions of a roadway) that allows all people, regardless of their age or ability, to safely move about it regardless of whether they are a pedestrian, cyclist, transit user, or motorist. 

The study is looking to find solutions that could be made within the right-of-way within the couplet to create a more dynamic pedestrian and cycling experience while also maintaining usability for cars, trucks, and buses. 

The City is meeting with impacted property owners ahead of the engagement program and will proactively maintain open lines of communication with any potentially affected land owners through the process from now until completion. 

It is important to highlight two key things related to property acquisition: construction designs are preliminary and have not been finalized, we do not yet know complete details of property impacts. 

After we meet with potential affected land owners and gather feedback from the broader community on some key project components, we will finalize the design. Once this is complete the design must be approved by City Council, then placed on a prioritization list with other unfunded projects. Construction only begins after a funding source is identified. 

Currently, the recommended design is considering an active transportation pathway through Happyland Park (connecting to existing park infrastructure), which would not have a major impact on the total park area.

In 2017, the City initiated the Marion Dugald Transportation Improvement Study to explore different transportation options in the study area that did not include a grade separation or widening. During engagement planning, residents told us that notifications for engagement opportunities was a top concern.

The City recognized the need to engage members of the public and stakeholders, and asked them for help reopening the conversation on Marion to plan public engagement for a future study in ways that were most relevant to the community. A report and summary of the public engagement planning activities is available online.

The input from the Marion Dugald Transportation Improvement Study’s engagement planning process informed the development of the public engagement plan for Moving on Marion Street, and as such, the City will ensure public engagement is carried out in accordance with the feedback previously provided in 2017.

• Attend an online public event (East and West) 
• Fill out the online survey