Corner at a crossroads More than 100 years of history at Portage and Main
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Portage and Main has been the centre of controversy in Winnipeg for decades: Should pedestrians be allowed to cross the downtown intersection again?
The debate heated up again on Friday, after Winnipeg’s mayor says he is now in favour of reopening the city’s most iconic intersection after a new report shows it would cost $73 million to repair the concourse below it.
Scott Gillingham made the announcement about Portage and Main at city hall after releasing the report, which says repairs to the intersection could also cause significant traffic delays because of construction which would take four to five years.
For nearly 50 years, only cars have passed through the intersection as politicians, experts and citizens debated whether letting people cross the street would spark traffic gridlock or create a more inclusive and dynamic downtown.
It was one of the hottest issues leading up to the October 2018 civic election, sparking a referendum in which Winnipeggers voted overwhelmingly (65 per cent “no”) against reopening the intersection in a non-binding plebiscite.
But Portage and Main has also been the centre of many celebrations and milestones for the city — just ask any local sports fan.
Here, we give you a look into the long and winding history of one of Canada’s most famous corners.
1872
1919
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Too expensive to block pedestrians at Portage & Main: Gillingham
History
Updated on Saturday, August 11, 2018 10:28 AM CDT: Various caption fixes
Updated on Friday, March 1, 2024 4:26 PM CST: Updates story to include Mayor Gillingham's press conference, adds photos from Blue Bomber celebrations.
