Scotia Street should be part of Open Streets 2021

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/05/2021 (766 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Winnipeg implemented the Open Streets project to allow residents greater recreational use of city streets to safely get active amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Streets throughout the city were chosen last year for their proximity to parks, greenspaces and feedback from residents.

Scotia Street was one of the chosen routes, which limited vehicular traffic to one block, allowing for safer and more enjoyable use by residents of all ages and physical abilities.

This route proved extremely popular throughout last summer, with residents from across Winnipeg enjoying this beautiful, tree lined street. For residents of Garden City, Scotia Street was the closest and most accessible Open Street. Many neighbours enjoyed the links Scotia Street provided to Kildonan Park and the North Winnipeg Parkway.

A year later, and amidst the third wave of the pandemic, the City of Winnipeg is proposing to remove Scotia Street from the Open Streets project.

Residents of multiple affected and nearby neighbourhoods, including Luxton, Seven Oaks, Scotia Heights, Glenelm and Garden City, have voiced their support for getting Scotia Street being added back to the Open Streets project. Local residents recently met to discuss Scotia Street and draft letters to the area councillor, Ross Eadie, in support of getting the Scotia Street decision reversed.

Public feedback from residents along Scotia Street as well as the wider area, showed strong support for keeping Scotia Street part of the project. The city’s official survey results were strongly in favour of keeping this route part of Open Streets. Coun. Eadie has stated he chose to not support keeping Scotia Street as part of the project, which has confused residents.

North Winnipeg neighbourhoods deserve the same access to recreational amenities as other areas of the city. Cycling along Scotia Street is a well-used, accessible and free activity that is treasured amongst residents. I am hopeful that our elected officials can reconsider this decision and ensure that Scotia Street remains part of the Open Streets project.

With summer around the corner, many residents are counting on this for a safe and accessible activity.

Please share your feedback and views with our civic representatives and ensure that North Winnipeg is provided equal recreational opportunities for Open Streets 2021.

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com