By Janice Lukes, Winnipeg Trails Association

City of Winnipeg

Capital Budget 2012

The preliminary 2012 capital budget is currently in the approval process. You may recall in the 2011 budget, the 'recreational walkways and pathways' item was cut in half from $1M to $500K per year for the next 5 years. This year the budget remains the same: $500K per year for the next 5 years for 'recreational walkways and pathways'. (FYI: 1km of asphalt = $400,000) AT Corridors (on road cycling infrastructure) also stays the same at $500K.

Last year when questioned on the cuts to the 'recreational walkways and pathways' budget, Mayor Sam responded by saying while it appeared the budget was reduced - it really wasn't - it was merely the way finance was accounting for AT, and he promised to better reflect AT expenditures in the 2012 budget.

This year there is a page (page 3-2) showing projected AT projects for the next 3 years related to roadway projects. This is great for a lot of reasons: transparency, planning, consultation, budgeting, etc.

Also, in 2007, the Province provided the City of Winnipeg with $6M over 5 years to put towards trail projects. That money has now been spent. Personally, I am still challenged on the amount being spent on AT, but that is another discussion.

AT projects

The Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) recommended projects in February / March 2010 to occur in the 2011 construction season. The list is reviewed by the Director of Public Works, and it then goes to the Standing Policy Committee of Public Works for approval. We are still waiting to hear from the Standing Policy Committee of Public Works for approval for the 2011 AT list of projects. (Yes, this is no typo - 2011.)

In theory, once the 2012 budget passes this month, ATAC recommends 2012 construction projects to the Director of Public Works, which then goes to the Standing Policy Committee of Public Works for approval, and work starts for the 2012 construction season. With only one AT Coordinator working in the City in the Active Transportation arena, combined with great demand,huge challenges exist in moving AT forward.

On a good note: A brand new ped / cycle bridge is under construction -- located on the Northeast Pioneers Greenway and over the Chief Peguis expansion!

AT Advisory Committees

I am volunteering my time to sit as an AT advisor on the following committees(and working with trail groups directly impacted). If anyone would like information / updates, please contact me.

• U of Manitoba Event Day Stadium Advisory Committee
• Pembina Hwy AT Advisory Group
• Red River Crossing from U of Manitoba to St Vital Public Advisory Committee
• CentrePort and Active Transportation

Province of Manitoba

Many others along with myself clearly identified and ensured provincial election candidates were made aware of active transportation challenges and opportunities throughout Manitoba.

Prior to the election, the Provincial Government requested recommendations on how to move AT forward. A report was put forward and Premier Selinger, once elected, yet again personally committed to me to continue moving forward on an Active Transportation Strategy. To date, I have heard nothing more on that commitment. Maybe others have.

In Summary

AT can tremendously improve our quality of life and health in Manitoba. We've all seen great strides forward. I am concerned we have heard nothing from our Provincial leaders on active transportation in since being re-elected, but, ever the optimist, I hold great hope for 2012!