Saint Boniface cyclists and pedestrians are the biggest winners in the rush to benefit from federal stimulus funds in Manitoba

September 23, 2009

MP Glover’s riding gets $1 641 665 federal share to improve bike lanes and pathways – part of a giant infrastructure project

The biggest component was $20 million worth of dedicated bikeways, bike-and-pedestrian paths and bike lanes on streets in 37 different Winnipeg locations. The massive infusion of new funds for active transportation effectively increases Winnipeg's trail-building budget. To place the trail funding in perspective, Winnipeg has devoted just $2.5 million to active-transportation corridors, sidewalks and recreational paths this year, according to capital budget documents.

“In this age of accelerating gas prices, global climate change and so on, the trail system offers help to make walking and cycling and other alternative transportations methods more practical and extends the distance that can be covered and cuts the time needed to do so”, said MP for Saint Boniface Shelly Glover.

The City of Winnipeg is a 1/3 funding partner in this momentous Active Transportation project. "I am thrilled about the development of important active transportation facilities in the St. Boniface Ward" said Councillor for St. Boniface, Dan Vandal. "Active transportation infrastructure is important for healthy and active communities" The facilities include 2 km of Bike Boulevards and 9 km of multi-use pathways.

“The importance of pathways for cyclists and other forms of active transportation are not to be underestimated. Aside from the obvious health benefits, the more people that ride, rollerblade, run or walk the less they will be driving and contributing to congestion and expensive infrastructure deterioration. There can be nothing but positive outcomes from these types of programs”, said Gord Steeves , Councillor for St.Vital.

There are a lot of reasons for these trails: recreational use, health benefits, exposure to the local environment, bridging of communities and so on. Trail systems can bring the benefits of these activities right into neighbourhoods themselves.

In total, MP Glover’s riding obtained $4 925 000 from all three levels of government; $1 641 665 of which is Federal share and $1 641 670 Municipal share. The Saint Bonifice riding projects will be : Eugenie/Des Meurons bikeway, Dugald Pathway, Dakota/Dunkirk Pathway – Phase I and II, Lagimodiere Pathway and Archibald Pathway. The construction will start on June 15, 2010 and will be completed by March 31, 2011.