Extending Chief Peguis Trail

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This article was published 02/12/2014 (4118 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Over 300 people participated in a kickoff event for the proposed Chief Peguis Trail west extension last week.

The city held a public information and input session at Red River Community Centre (293 Murray Ave.) on Nov. 25 regarding the extension of Chief Peguis Trail from Main Street to Brookside Boulevard.

“We want to be transparent with the public right from the very beginning,” said Scott Suderman, project manager of the proposed extension.

“Before we get into the nuts and bolts, we want to meet the public, tell them what we’re doing with the project, what the project involves, what the schedule is and how they can continue to get involved. Instead of just doing some work and presenting some designs, we want to include the public throughout the whole process.”

The event saw attendees filling out two surveys, an attendee profile form upon arrival and an exit feedback survey. Participants were also able to share information on how they would use the extended road on three map stations.

The event also featured storyboards explaining the background and scope of the study, the study objectives and the public participation timeline of the project, which includes community workshops and a public open house in early 2015, with a final report due in the late spring.

Engineers, landscape architects and city staff were on hand to explain the phases of the project and answer questions from the public.

Features under consideration at the kickoff event, as well as in the upcoming workshops, include realignment of roads, intersection design, traffic flow, environmental considerations, sound reduction and pedestrian and cycling connections, as well as possible opportunities, such as greenspace features and view corridors.

Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan), who attended the kickoff event, said she’s advocated strongly for the extension. In April, 2012, Sharma presented a motion, which was passed by council, to make the extension a short-term priority, with the goal of completing the corridor by 2016, instead of 2031, the initially proposed completion date.

One feature Sharma feels the extension needs is an interchange at its intersection with Main Street.

“We need some sort of grade separation at the Main Street crossing as opposed to having lights there because it’s (Main) already a heavily used route at all times of day,” Sharma said.

“It’s an expensive item to add but it gets more expensive when you add it later.”

Dennis Mosalowski, a Margaret Park resident, echoed Sharma’s thoughts regarding grade separation.

“You notice on Bishop Grandin, they don’t have really any interchanges there and traffic gets kind of crazy,” Mosalowski said.  

Greg McFarlane, an Amber Trails resident and Seven Oaks School Division trustee, agrees.

“Bishop was designed as a fast way to get through the city, but then they put in stop lights, stop lights, stop lights and now it’s a traffic issue,” McFarlane said.

“I’m pleased the existing Chief Peguis Trail only has one light and it moves very quickly at 80 kilometres per hour so you can zip to Lagimodiere. I want that same thing going to Brookside.”

To sign up for the Chief Peguis Trail west extension public participation process, email CPT@scatliff.ca To stay updated on the process and view the information boards from the Nov. 25 kickoff event, go to www.winnipeg.ca/ChiefPeguisTrail