Letters, Sept. 2

Slow down, save lives

Re: Slower speed limits directly ahead (Aug. 31)

I read Maggie Macintosh’s story with frustration at our city’s continued lack of action on pedestrian safety. I was particularly angered by the fact the “WSD board was unsuccessful last year in making an appeal to city council to permanently reduce speeds around its elementary school buildings.”

This alone tells the story of a city administration that cares more about moving cars around schools than it does the children that use those school grounds.

Luna Zúñiga’s story is just one of many (stories of) pedestrians hit at crosswalks and it will not be the last if we do not slow down speeds in our city and in particular around our schools and playgrounds.

Luna was hit on Grant Avenue, which, of course, has no speed reduction, however it highlights the need for better traffic management and crossings that lead to schools along these corridors. As always, our city is “focusing on piloting traffic-calming measures … and reviewing whether any regional roads should be designated as 30 km/h school zones.”

It is past time to stop studying what to do and simply take bold action to improve safety for our children. There are many other places around the world that have already figured it out, let’s just follow their lead.

When it comes to the 30 km/h zones around schools, the data shows us that “when there’s no kids (visible), there’s a lot of tickets.”

Just because drivers don’t see lots of kids does not mean they are not there. Many schools have play structures and other facilities that draw kids and families outside school hours and during summer vacation. Instead of the on-again, off-again approach to speed limits, make them permanent — 24/7 and year-round. At the same time, add the many parks and playgrounds kids should also be able to visit safely.

Many will argue that speed limits are not the solution and that we need infrastructure changes like speed humps, etc., and I agree. However, in the absence of the funding to undertake city-wide school and playground street upgrades we can start by changing the 30 km/h limit requirements. It is the responsibility of drivers (the adults) to operate their vehicles safely and our city administration to ensure that the rules require that they do so.

There are many things that we need to do to make our streets safer for all Winnipeggers, but let’s start with keeping our kids safe. Let’s also remember that the municipal election this October provides us with an opportunity to select candidates that take road safety seriously.

Dave Elmore

Winnipeg

 

Create a Western Canada grid

Re: There is a better way (Think Tank. Aug.29)

Hersh Seth presents an excellent approach to Manitoba Hydro presenting to the Public Utilities Board on a winter plan and the real benefits of their proposed $3-billion gas generators in Brandon.

One option that is overlooked is a Western Canada electrical grid from Manitoba to B.C. The main reason for this is Sec. 92A of the Canadian Constitution. Therein it states that each province can legislate its generation and set its price of its own electric energy, but a province cannot adjust such prices for export or import of its electric energy to another part of Canada.

This does not apply for sale of electric energy to the U.S.A., hence the several high-voltage electric transmission interconnections Manitoba Hydro has to the U.S.

If it was possible to freely market electric energy into the western provinces by abolishing 92A, then further benefits to Manitoba Hydro would be possible. Some of these benefits would include electric energy cost savings; reduced capital and operating costs for generation and transmission; less overall carbon emissions; improved grid reliability; and many other. One significant benefit would be integrating variable renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, and reduced need for gas generators.

A Western Canada electric grid would initially be very expensive. Studies have shown that, over 20 years or so, its accumulated benefits would significantly exceed its accumulated costs and be profitable. Where possible, the transmission should go underground with high-voltage, direct-current cables for resilience. Use of transportation rights-of-way is an obvious means to achieve this.

Dennis Woodford

Winnipeg

 

A poignant reminder

Re: Hidden danger (Aug. 31)

Reading this article was for me a déjà vu. Eighteen years ago, I went through a similar experience. I was diagnosed with a sarcoma in my calf muscle.

Thanks to the amazing staff at CancerCare Manitoba, my leg was able to be saved. Although, I did have to go through the same thought process as Michelle Finley… that I would be alive.

Family and friends were a significant part of this journey. For the past 17 years I have been giving back by volunteering at CancerCare.

I wish Michelle the best in her recovery.

Corky Rosenfield

Winnipeg

 

Let’s stay together

I am writing to strongly condemn the growing separatist movement in Alberta. At a time when Canada needs unity, strength, and co-operation more than ever, calls for separation only serve to divide Canadians and weaken our country.

Canada is going through a crucial and challenging period. We are facing significant economic uncertainty and external pressures, including the aggressive trade policies and tariff threats of U.S. President Donald Trump. This is not the time for Canadians to turn against one another or for provinces to consider breaking away from our Confederation. This is the time to stand together and defend Canada’s economic interests, sovereignty, and future.

Albertans, like all Canadians, have legitimate concerns and frustrations. Differences of opinion between provincial governments and Ottawa are part of a healthy democracy. However, separation is not the solution. No province exists in isolation, and Alberta’s prosperity, security and future are closely connected to the rest of Canada.

For generations, Canadians have worked together to build a country that is respected around the world for its democracy, diversity, freedom, and commitment to peaceful co-operation. We should not allow political disagreements or temporary frustrations to destroy the bonds that generations of Canadians have built.

The idea that Alberta would somehow become stronger by leaving Canada is deeply concerning. At a time when powerful external forces are challenging Canada’s economic stability and international interests, division would only make us more vulnerable. A divided Canada would benefit those who wish to weaken us; a united Canada will always be stronger.

We must remember that our strength lies in our unity. Alberta is an important and proud part of Canada, just as every province and territory contributes to the strength and identity of our nation.

Instead of promoting separation, our political leaders and citizens should work toward greater understanding, co-operation, and respect between Alberta and the federal government. We may disagree on policies, but we should never lose sight of what binds us together as Canadians.

Yog Rahi Gupta

Winnipeg