City finally ridding St. James of growing, landmark crater

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This article was published 31/10/2024 (429 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A massive hole that plagued a city pathway for more than a year is now under repair.

The gaping depression that appeared to stretch at least seven metres long, three metres wide and up to one metre deep in August had long triggered complaints. It reached roughly six metres long in June 2023, just before bright orange fencing was installed to surround it as a safety measure.

Coun. Shawn Dobson said work is well underway on a permanent fix for the large gap, which is concentrated mostly on the path that connects an Amarynth Crescent playground to the busy Sturgeon Creek active transportation route.

“It’s very important that it gets fixed, that there’s no hazard to the people…. It’s great for everyone who walks, cycles, etc.,” said Dobson.

The St. James councillor said a multi-step repair began last week. Construction crews started work to reshape and grade the creek bank to improve stream flow during periods of high water, install a concrete erosion control blanket to improve bank stability and re-establish the asphalt pathway.

The final step may need to wait until spring, if Winnipeg experiences prolonged cold daytime temperatures soon, Dobson said.

“I believe now it will be fixed once and for all,” he said.

The city’s naturalist services branch plans to restore vegetation surrounding the path next year.

The long-standing gap was deemed an eyesore by residents, who complained it took on water easily, attracting mosquitoes. Some residents also feared it posed a risk to kids, who could fall into it, since it is located close to a playground.

Dobson said it took time to determine how best to fix the hole, since the city had previously filled it with limestone, followed by wood chips, both of which washed away.

“We would always like (things) fixed instantly but what we want to do is… fix it once versus fix it multiple times,” said Dobson.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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