Councillor suggests speed limits for active transportation paths

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This article was published 29/09/2023 (739 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Speed limits sought for active pathways

The City of Winnipeg should study the merits of imposing a speed limit for bikes, electric bikes, scooters and other devices on active transportation pathways, according to one councillor.

Coun. Shawn Dobson raised a motion at Friday’s council meeting that seeks a staff report on the potential change, which states collisions and injuries are more likely when speed increases.

“Many residents are afraid to use our pathways for fear of being struck and injured by speeding bikes, e-bikes, scooters and other devices,” the motion states.

The matter was referred to council’s public works committee, which will consider it next month.

Massive cost hike approved for treatment plant upgrade

The north end sewage treatment plant upgrade is now the City of Winnipeg’s most expensive infrastructure project ever.

On Friday, council approved a $482.3-million price increase for the project’s second phase, which brings the total tab for the three-phase effort to $2.336 billion.

The hike has been blamed on project delays, inflation/market changes and an expanded scope.

Mayor Scott Gillingham has asked the federal and provincial governments to add to their previous funding commitments for the project to help cover the overrun.

Alexander Docks lease approved

Council has given the green light on a key step toward to transforming the Alexander Docks into a public attraction.

On Friday, city council voted to lease 70 Alexander Ave. to The Forks North Portage Partnership for $1 a year, for up to 99 years, which would give it leverage to fundraise, consult and complete a feasibility study on revitalizing the area.

In 2021, council approved $600,000 to revamp the docks, as part of a larger post-COVID-19 pandemic downtown recovery strategy, along with a goal to fundraise an initial $2.2 million for the project.

Councillors have mused the changes may increase access for boats, canoes and kayaks, though no specific features have been chosen. Public feedback has also called for the site to offer a place for healing and reconciliation.

In 2015, the Alexander Docks were shuttered and fenced off due to safety concerns with the structure.

New housing slated near airport

A development that will land 101 new residential suites near Winnipeg’s airport has been cleared for takeoff.

The proposal for 914 and 980 St. James St. in the Polo Park area will feature an eight-storey mixed-use residential building and a 9,300-square-foot commercial space on the main floor.

A standalone 6,000-sq.-ft. commercial building would be built to the north.

Until recently, the housing development wouldn’t have been possible. The City of Winnipeg’s airport vicinity protection area rules severely restricted the construction of new homes due to concerns residents would complain about airport noise and threaten the airport’s 24-7 operations.

The province imposed a new map for the protection area in 2021, which cleared the way for such projects.

City approves paramedic deal

Winnipeg paramedics are set to receive a series of wage hikes within a new collective agreement, after council ratified the deal Friday.

The agreement increases general wages by seven per cent over three years, or an average of 2.33 per cent per year.

The new collective agreement is expected to cost the city about $2.3 million more and is backdated to run from March 1, 2021, to Feb. 29, 2024.

Cost hike for portable fire paramedic station approved

A multi-million-dollar hike to the price tag for a modular fire hall in Waverley West has been approved.

On Friday, council voted to approve the new $6.9-million price for the structure, which was previously expected to cost about $4.2 million. City officials blame the price on soaring construction costs.

The station is expected to reduce wait times in Waverley West until a permanent station can be built in the area.