News in brief: Osborne Village pedestrian and cycle bridge concepts revealed

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/05/2018 (3052 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Osborne Village pedestrian and cycle bridge concepts revealed

The City of Winnipeg is moving into the next phase of its community consultation process on a proposed bridge between Osborne Village and McFadyen Park over the Assiniboine River and has revealed concepts for the new connection.

Three potential bridge designs are on the City’s website for review by the public. The designs were created following a public consultation period that wrapped up in early 2018, officials say. A girder bridge, suspension bridge, and cable-stayed bridge are all on the table for review.

According to the City, the project team is collecting public feedback and working to select a preferred bridge option while the overall bridge architecture and engineering designs are being investigated to ensure the bridge can physically be constructed.

The City is encouraging the public to provide feedback through an online survey until June 12 at winnipeg.ca/walkbikeprojects

There will also be a public workshop on June 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Augustine United Church (444 River Ave.). The workshop will include a presentation followed by small group discussions.

For more information go to winnipeg.ca/walkbikeprojects

Jeannette Montufar to chair Efficiency Manitoba

The former Progressive Conservative candidate in Riverview-Fort Garry will chair the province’s newest Crown corporation.

Jeannette Montufar, who ran for provincial office under the PC banner in 2016, was appointed chair of Efficiency Manitoba on May 17.

Efficiency Manitoba was created by the government in an effort to reduce power costs and deliver energy savings programs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption. The new organization will replace the Power Smart program which was administered by Manitoba Hydro.

“This follows through on a commitment that Manitobans voted for the last provincial election and I am pleased to announce these appointments in these key roles with Efficiency Manitoba,” Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen said in a statement. “Manitobans know that having the same Crown corporation selling power and encouraging power conservation doesn’t make sense, and we are proud to take this next step in bringing Efficiency Manitoba online.

“This new entity will be smaller, less expensive and more effective.”

Montufar comes into the position after serving as chair of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council.

According to the province, a comprehensive program inventory and performance analysis has been completed and is being reviewed by Philippe Dunsky, an expert external consultant to transition Power Smart to Efficiency Manitoba. The province is developing administrative services arrangements with Manitoba Hydro to facilitate the movement of staff and programs, and regulations are being developed to guide the work of Efficiency Manitoba. 

Barbara Bowes to chair Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council

A well known human resources professional will be chairing the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council.

Barbara Bowes was appointed chair by Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women on May 17.

“I look forward to the insight and guidance Barbara Bowes will bring in her new role and we will benefit greatly from the wisdom and experience she brings,” Squires said.   

Bowes, who is president of Legacy Bowes Group, is a certified management consultant with a master’s degree specialized in administration in education. She is also a regular columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press.

“Women’s issues have played a big role in my career,” Bowes said. “I am excited about being part of helping to move the goals of the Manitoba Status of Women Secretariat forward through the Women’s Advisory Council.”

The council was established in 1980 to serve as an advisory board to government on issues of concern to women, according to the province.