“Winnipeg’s Ambitious Transportation Master Plan Aims for Sustainable Future by 2050”

The city of Winnipeg is setting its sights on the future of transportation with an ambitious goal to have residents walk, cycle, take transit, or rideshare for half of their trips by 2050. This new transportation master plan, released recently, outlines the city’s vision for the next 26 years as the population is expected to increase by 200,000 residents.

The plan includes a variety of proposed changes to the city’s infrastructure, including new sidewalks, a bike network, road and bridge improvements, expanded road capacity, multimodal corridor improvements, and changes to truck routes. The goal is to make sustainable transportation options more desirable for residents, ultimately reducing the share of trips made in personal vehicles to 50% by 2050.

While environmental concerns are a driving force behind these changes, the main motivator is the cost associated with designing and operating a city centered around personal vehicles. The city acknowledges that tax dollars from senior governments will be needed to realize this plan, especially when it comes to improving transit options.

In addition to promoting sustainable transportation, the plan also aims to reduce the number of fatal or serious injury collisions by 20% by 2026 and provide accessible and affordable transportation options for all residents. The proposed changes include housing along transit routes, shared roads for vehicles and cyclists, truck-only lanes, improved winter sidewalk maintenance, and expanded transit service to the outskirts of the city.

Overall, the plan is a visionary document that guides decision-making around land use, moving people and goods, and emergency service access. Success, according to the plan overview, would mean solving Winnipeg’s biggest transportation problems and making transportation safe and efficient for all residents.

To gather feedback and input from residents, the city has scheduled six information sessions and a telephone town hall in July. This is an opportunity for Winnipeggers to learn more about the proposed plan and provide their thoughts before a final version is presented to council in the fall.

The future of transportation in Winnipeg is exciting and full of possibilities. With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency, the city is paving the way for a more connected and vibrant community.