Marion/Archibald project a priority

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/03/2015 (3844 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Since my last column in The Lance, it has been an exciting a month.

Mayor Brian Bowman’s 2015 operating and capital budget was passed with a nearly unanimous vote on March 23, and I’d like to take the opportunity to let you know some of what is in it for our community.

 
Marion and Archibald Upgrades

 
Many reading this may recall a great deal of discussion around the Marion Archibald Rail Underpass and Street Upgrades. Last week, I fought hard to ensure that funding for this critical infrastructure project would be protected.

For those who don’t know, the Marion/Archibald project was proposed as early as 2001, and is listed as a short-term priority in the Winnipeg Master Transportation Plan. Anyone who has ever been stuck in traffic at this intersection will see why.

The project has several main components;
 • Fixing the sharp, dangerous turn onto the Marion and Goulet one-ways;
• Construction an overpass semi-cloverleaf at the Archibald/Marion intersection;
• Constructing an underpass for Marion beneath the CP rail line;
• Widening Marion along much of it’s length;
• Improvements to the Marion/Lagimodiere intersection.

In the next 10 years, significant population growth will be seen in our community. Sage Creek continues to expand. ‘Precinct K’ (to be named as the ‘Bonavista’ neighbourhood) south of Island Lakes, and ‘Precinct J’ beside Southland Park, will bring thousands of new residents into the area. This project is critical to supporting our growing neighbourhoods, as well as alleviating pressure on existing neighbourhoods like Windsor Park and Southdale.

In addition to addressing the major traffic and train issues in the area, the project is also important to supporting the planned infill development of the currently vacant “Canada Packers” land to the southeast. This project will provide much-needed housing, commercial and employment lands for our growing community, as well as new revenues for our city.

I am pleased to report that thanks for the collaborative approach of Mayor Bowman and his EPC, the Marion/Archibald Project was prioritized on March 25 as the No. 2 project in the City of Winnipeg’s application for federal infrastructure funding from the Building Canada Fund. I look forward to working with our provincial and federal partners to move these important road upgrades forward. Most importantly of all, I will work closely with residents, homeowners, business owners and stakeholders to ensure this project proceeds smoothly. I will pay close attention to important considerations such as minimizing the impact on nearby Happyland Park, moderating impact on commuters and area residents during construction, and protecting taxpayers interests.

This is but one of the many exciting things in the works for St Boniface. If you have questions about this or any other matter, I encourage you as always to get in touch by email mattallard@winnipeg.ca, or by phone at 204-396-4636.

Happy Easter!