Reimagining rail, reclaiming St. Boniface

St. Boniface

Bonjour St. Boniface! I’m proud to share what we heard – and where we’re headed –after our recent community consultation with Dr. Lloyd Axworthy and the Winnipeg rail relocation study team. You filled the room with lived experience and practical ideas – safer crossings, quieter nights, and space for homes, parks, and small businesses. At every table, the message was clear – the future of rail in our neighbourhood must put families first.

This consultation is part of a two‑year, city-wide review led by Dr. Axworthy to assess how rail operations intersect with safety, health, and sustainable growth. Our provincial announcement in October 2024 set that mandate and timeline, with interim reporting to guide recommendations toward a final report in 2026. Our interim report confirms that public engagement is a cornerstone of the study – listening to those most affected and building consensus through open, inclusive dialogue is a must.

Why does this matter for St. Boniface? Our ward is criss‑crossed by rail corridors that sit close to homes, schools, seniors’ residences, and care centres – creating daily nuisances and real safety concerns. About 40 per cent of St. Boniface residents live within risk buffers where a derailment involving dangerous goods could trigger evacuations or isolation. That’s why relocation or redesign of our railway is crucial for day‑to‑day quality of life – safer walks to school, fewer late‑night horns, faster emergency response, and better land use. La sécurité d’abord.

Coming out of our conversation – and a site tour with the mayor – we’re working with Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) on practical, phased steps that unlock smart infill while protecting safety and access. Think new housing and green space along underused corridors, paired with crossing improvements that reduce stress for families and businesses. It’s progress you can see, guided directly by what we heard from you.

We’re also making sure decisions are evidence‑based. The interim report outlines cost‑benefit modeling and a governance structure that brings together community voices, academic partners, and the rail industry. Importantly, it notes funding partners at the table – including the Canada Infrastructure Bank – to help turn feasible plans into real investments over time. Ça, c’est excitant!

Imagine the difference – a safer, quieter neighbourhood; new homes and parks where tracks once divided us; and a St. Boniface that grows thoughtfully while Winnipeg strengthens its role as a national transportation hub. That is exactly what this study is designed to explore – incremental steps that add up to lasting change. Nous bâtissons, ensemble.

Merci à tous who came out and made their voices heard. If you have ideas or questions ahead of the next round of meetings, my door is always open/ma porte est toujours ouverte: 118 Rue Marion (by appointment), 204‑505‑2800, or robert.loiselle@yourmanitoba.ca