Around city hall: Chief Peguis Trail, leaf and yard waste, zoning-change hearings

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This article was published 28/03/2025 (186 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Business case for Chief Peguis Trail Extension ordered

A major road project that could cost more than $900 million is moving forward for further study.

On Thursday night, city council voted to order an independent value for money assessment of the Chief Peguis Trail Extension and consider alternative delivery methods for the project. A report is due back in December.

Extending the trail from Main Street to Brookside Boulevard would cost $755 million, plus $147 million in interest, if the city funds it solely through debt. In 2019, it was expected to cost $449 million, plus $38 million in interest (if funded by debt).

Mayor Scott Gillingham has argued the project is worth its hefty tab, since it would better connect trade routes.

Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) joined Couns. John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry) and Matt Allard (St. Boniface) to oppose moving the project forward, arguing the city has more pressing infrastructure priorities.

“It’s not a need when we have crumbling infrastructure, like the Louise Bridge that could be closing any day now,” said Gilroy.

Councillor calls for city collection of leaf and yard waste

A city councillor hopes to have city staff provide leaf and yard waste collection in one zone of Winnipeg, instead of issuing a new private contract.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) is calling for the public service to do the collection in about one-fifth of the city, focused around the downtown and surrounding areas.

Mayes’ motion notes a June 2024 city report found doing so could cost $4.2 million, instead of $6.1 million for private collection in the suggested area.

Council’s water and waste committee will consider the motion next month.

More public sessions added on major zoning changes

Winnipeggers will have at least five more chances to provide feedback on major proposed zoning changes.

On Thursday, city council approved a call to hold in-person public consultations in five areas spread throughout the city between April 2 and May 10, where residents can learn more about a change that would allow up to four housing units to be built per single lot in most residential areas.

Four-storey buildings would also become permitted within 800 metres of frequent transit.

The changes are meant to streamline housing applications and get more homes built. They would remove a requirement for developers to complete a city application process and public hearing to get such projects approved.

The city’s chief administrative officer will be tasked with covering any security costs needed to keep the sessions safe.

One in-person public consultation on the topic and two virtual ones took place earlier this month.

Critics argued much more public consultation is needed, since the change will eliminate public hearings on many individual projects.