Wellington Crescent speed limit reduction rejected
Wellington Crescent won’t be subject to a year-round speed-limit reduction.
On Thursday, city council cast a final vote against slashing the speed limit to 30 km/h from 50 km/h on Wellington, from River Avenue to the western end of Academy Road.
While dozens of delegates spoke out in support of the reduced speed to improve safety, some councillors expressed concerns about having elected officials impose the change without seeking feedback from traffic experts.
Council also ordered a staff report on steps that could make Wellington safer for cyclists next year.
Zoning changes tied to housing fund postponed
A hearing will be delayed on major zoning changes linked to Winnipeg’s multimillion-dollar share of the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.
On Thursday, city council approved a motion from Coun. Brian Mayes to delay the next public hearing from March to June on one round of sweeping zoning changes.
The changes, which are meant to help the city secure federal housing dollars, would allow the construction of up to four housing units on a single lot without a public hearing or potentially time-consuming building application.
Mayes (St. Vital) said the hearing on those permanent changes shouldn’t be considered until after the city has more time to gather public input and ensure the federal housing dollars will continue to flow as planned. He noted the program’s future is unclear, since a federal election could result in a new government before the last payment is scheduled to arrive at the end of 2026.
Council also voted to spend $29 million on grants designed to entice new housing projects and $4.7 million on staff and consultants to deliver the program next year.
Arlington Bridge replacement a go
A $166-million proposal to replace the Arlington Bridge at its current location is moving forward, though funding has not yet been approved to actually build the structure.
On Thursday, city council approved the initial design plan for the bridge, which suddenly closed on Nov. 21, 2023, due to structural concerns.
Since the city’s preliminary 2025 budget doesn’t include money to build the bridge, funding for the project will be debated during a January public works meeting, said Coun. Janice Lukes.
The deteriorating bridge initially opened to traffic in 1912.
pedestrian bridge replacement GREENLIT
A revamped Omand Park pedestrian bridge is one step closer.
City council has approved a plan to design a replacement for the bridge with construction “no later than 2029.”
A city report deems the path over Omand’s Creek to be in poor condition and at risk of closure. A new bridge would be about 2.8 metres higher than the existing one to avoid flooding.
The new bridge could cost between $3 million and $5 million.
flagship Princess Auto store clears council hurdle
A new 105,000-square-foot flagship Princess Auto store has received a green light at city hall.
On Thursday, city council approved plans to build the store on a mostly vacant property at 474 and 494 Panet Rd., a former junkyard just north of the CN Redditt subdivision rail line.
The new store is slated to offer more room and maker spaces, where people can try out different tools and equipment.
Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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