Winnipeg, MB –Committed to expanding and improving the connected network of pedestrian and cycling pathways in Winnipeg, partners from the City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, Trails Manitoba, and Bike Winnipeg celebrated the official opening of the Northwest Hydro Corridor Multi-Use Path today.
Mayor Scott Gillingham, along with City Councillors Janice Lukes, Devi Sharma, and Vivian Santos, were joined by the Honourable Andrew Smith, Manitoba’s Minister of Municipal Relations; Colleen Galbraith, Manitoba Hydro’s Customer Energy Services Department Manager; and Tim Coffin, Executive Director of Trails Manitoba.
All partners participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to open the new multi-use path that expands the pedestrian and cycling pathway network and improves transportation options in Winnipeg for people of all ages and abilities.
The project included construction of a pedestrian and cycling pathway that better accommodates multiple user groups, including cyclists, active commuters, and residents requiring accessible pathways. The new multi-use path provides a safe and comfortable transportation experience for people of all ages and abilities traveling from Leila Avenue to Church Avenue. This project closes an important network gap as identified in the City’s Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies.
“This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to active transportation investments and eliminating gaps in Winnipeg’s sidewalk and cycling networks,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The expansion of this multi-use pathway will improve transportation options for residents in the northwest area of the city as we continue to work towards a more sustainable and connected Winnipeg.”
“This multi-use path is a great way for Winnipeggers to stay active and be outdoors in their city,” said Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith. “Our government knows how important it is for communities to stay connected, and we are happy to partner with the City of Winnipeg on this project.”
“We are so happy our right-of-way could be used to serve our community like this,” said Colleen Galbraith, Manitoba Hydro’s Customer Energy Services Department Manager. “This path is about connecting communities, embracing Manitoba’s advantages, and giving back to the people who make this province a great place to live — and that is a mission we share at Manitoba Hydro.”
“I want to extend my appreciation to all those who have supported and worked to complete this key active transportation connection in north west Winnipeg,” said Councillor Devi Sharma, Old Kildonan. “This new high-quality multi-use path will allow residents and neighbours of all ages and abilities to enjoy all the related health and wellness benefits for many years to come.”
Over the past year, during the first phase of the project, work consisted of the constructing 2.4 km of multi-use path located within the Hydro corridor west of McPhillips Street, between Leila Avenue and Church Avenue. The path is 4.5 metres wide and better accommodates the anticipated high usership, and also features enhancements such as lighting, benches, paved connections to surrounding neighbourhoods, and new controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at Leila Avenue, Inkster Boulevard, and Jefferson Avenue. The overall project cost is $2,564,346, which includes a grant in the amount of $450,000 from Trails Manitoba and the Provinc