St.Boniface to Downtown Walk Bike Project

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Introduction

The City of Winnipeg (the City) strives to build pedestrian and cycling infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities. This study will identify options to improve travel choices, accessibility and connectivity between the Esplanade Riel Footbridge / Provencher Bridge and the multi-use path on Archibald Street south of Nairn Avenue.

Background

The Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies (PCS) were approved by City Council in 2015 and provide the long-term vision for providing accessible, convenient and safe walking and cycling infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities. The PCS also assist in the prioritization of active transportation infrastructure projects

Introduction

The City of Winnipeg (the City) strives to build pedestrian and cycling infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities. This study will identify options to improve travel choices, accessibility and connectivity between the Esplanade Riel Footbridge / Provencher Bridge and the multi-use path on Archibald Street south of Nairn Avenue.

Background

The Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies (PCS) were approved by City Council in 2015 and provide the long-term vision for providing accessible, convenient and safe walking and cycling infrastructure for people of all ages and abilities. The PCS also assist in the prioritization of active transportation infrastructure projects throughout the city. The Transportation Master Plan is currently in the process of reviewing and updating which includes an update to the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies. Both of these studies will recognize the St. Boniface to Downtown.

A key direction of the PCS is to develop local bike networks that connect each neighbourhood to the existing network and also to Downtown.

This preliminary design study will develop options for east-west connections from the Esplanade Riel Footbridge and Provencher Bridge to the Archibald Street underpass multi-use path (located approximately 300m south of Nairn Avenue). The preliminary design study will also include connections to the Southeast Corridor. Tache Promenade and Notre Dame Street pedestrian bridge over the Seine River. This route will consider the needs of all road users, create a comfortable and attractive route, and accommodate users of all ages and abilities.

One obvious option for alignment is Provencher Boulevard; however, the street’s limited right-of-way, current traffic volumes, and high on-street parking utilization would require major reconstruction work to add the bike lane. While funding is identified for building pedestrian and cycling infrastructure through the area, the project would not be able to immediately proceed to construction if the study explored and subsequently selected Provencher Boulevard as the preferred alignment. Adjustments required to accommodate a new bike lane along Provencher Boulevard are out of scope and budget of this project; if Provencher is recommended as the preferred alignment the project would be added to and prioritized against a list of other unfunded active transportation projects. Based on this, the City is exploring feasibility of other alignments such as Notre Dame Street, Dumoulin Street, Avenue de la Cathedrale, which would better align with available funding and could be constructed upon completion of this study. Our exploration isn’t limited to these areas though – we are looking to the community and those who travel through the area to help us identify the best route.

Starting in the summer of 2020, the project team will seek input from residents and stakeholders within the project area to help determine where the bike route should go and other important considerations in the design process. All options will be evaluated through technical criteria and input received through the public engagement program to determine a preferred design.

Currently there is no construction estimate. The current budget for this project (including the study) is $940,000 with the intent to enter construction in the second half of 2021/early 2022.


  • September 24, 2020

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    24 September, 2020

    Thank you to everyone who has taken time to provide feedback. In Phase 1 (August 27 - September 23, 2020) we asked you to to tell us where you like to cycle and why and where you would like to see pedestrians and cycling improvements. We heard from a wide range of citizens; receiving over 390 online surveys, 88 pins on the online map and walked and talked with more than 20 participants who joined us on a Tour it Tuesday walking tour.

    This fall, the project team will develop preliminary design options which we will share with you later this year for further feedback along with how feedback so far has informed the design. Please subscribe to the project to receive project updates.

  • August 28, 2020 – Update

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    27 August, 2020

    The St. Boniface to Downtown Walk Bike project is starting and we want your feedback!

    Our public engagement goals for this project are to:

    • Work with residents and stakeholders (businesses, schools, and organizations in the area) to ensure concerns with and aspirations for pedestrian and cycling improvements are reflected in the design.
    • Allow for a variety of engagement opportunities to ensure the process is open and transparent and captures the broadest range of feedback.
    • Provide all public engagement and communications materials in French and English.
    • Provide clear links between public and stakeholder feedback and decisions made.

    In Phase 1, we want to know how you travel through the project area and what we could do to improve travel choices, safety, accessibility, and connectivity. This input will be used along with technical information to develop options that will be presented for further public feedback during Phase 2.

    You can get involved by:

    • Taking a short survey
    • Providing location-specific feedback through the mapping tool
    • Attending a “Tour-it Tuesday” event

    The survey and mapping tool are open until September 23, 2020.

    Tour-it Tuesday information

    Join the project team on a walk and talk through the neighbourhood, to identify key barriers and opportunities. The tours are drop-in events and will depart St. Boniface City Hall at the following times:

    Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2020
    North tour: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    South tour: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Leaving from: St. Boniface City Hall, 219 Provencher Blvd.

    To register email stbtodowntown@winnipeg.ca by September 11, 2020
    *Please let us know if you would like to join a French-speaking tour

    Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2020
    North tour: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    South tour: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Leaving from: St. Boniface City Hall, 219 Provencher Blvd.

    To register email stbtodowntown@winnipeg.ca by September 18, 2020
    *Please let us know if you would like to join a French-speaking tour

    Project team members will remain at St. Boniface City Hall through the duration of the events to talk to anyone who wants to weigh in but doesn’t want to or can’t participate in the walking tour. In the case of inclement weather, tours will be cancelled and all project staff will remain inside the meeting place to answer questions and discuss the project.

    PLEASE NOTE: Public Health measures will be adhered to at all pop-up events. Gathering size will be limited to 50 people at a time, and appropriate social distance will be maintained. The use of face masks at in-person events is highly recommended. If, in case of poor weather, an event is moved indoors a limited supply of single-use masks will be made available to those without one. Please self-screen prior to attending, stay home if you are ill, and wash or sanitize your hands.

    COVID-19 information:

    • You must self-screen prior to attending; stay home if you are ill.
    • Use the provided hand sanitizer.
    • The use of a face mask is highly recommended.
    • Maintain a 2-metre distance from others.
    • Avoid handshakes and other tactile greetings.
    • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm and turn away from those around you. Sanitize or wash your hands afterwards.