2018-2022 Councillor Term Summary – Bridgwater Trails

This is a very very brief summary of key issues I’ve been working on specific to the Bridgwater Trails  neighbourhood, and initiatives that I look forward to working on. I am very thankful to have had the support of many many residents who’ve been also working to make our neighbourhoods safer, healthier and a great place to live and play! Thank you!

Neighbourhood Safety

• Over the past four years, I’ve hosted multiple community events and produced videos on crime prevention, your role in crime prevention, what is happening in our neighbourhood and more.
• To review many updates on crime, please go to www.JaniceLukes.ca and use the search engine and enter the word CRIME
• The Waverley West ward is one of the safest areas of Winnipeg – but we still have crime. I will continue to host education events, and work with any groups of residents who want to develop a more detailed crime prevention plan for their neighbourhoods.
• A total of $18 million has been secured for a portable and permanent fire station in the Waverley West ward. Construction will start on the portable station on 2023.

Speeding

• New roads, new drivers and the need for speed is an ongoing battle. I’ve had engineers conduct many traffic studies over the past four years, and we’ve implement traffic calming on some key streets.
• To review many updates and progress on speeding, please go to www.JaniceLukes.ca and use the search engine and enter the word SPEED
• I’ve worked with Winnipeg Police Service to raise the awareness of speeding issues, and have been successful in seeing a reduction if speeders due to good enforcement by the Winnipeg Police Service.
• Regrettably, speed will always be an issue on new streets, and this battle will continue.

Recreation

• $100 million in funding has been secured for a new recreation center, to be located beside the new elementary and high school just south of Bridgwater Forest. Public consultations will start early November 2022.
• After many years, the developer (Manitoba Housing) met all City requirements and now, Bhagat Singh Park is under the ownership of the City of Winnipeg.
• Plans are in place for a new tennis/pickleball court to be installed in 2023, in Bhagat Singh Park, alongside the basketball court.

Bridgwater Trails Fountain

• Its approaching three years and the fountain, while working, requires significant repairs. Manitoba Housing (the developer) owns the fountain and is entirely responsible for the repairs. The City is putting pressure on Manitoba Housing to complete the fountain, but we are told, they are working on repairs.
• We all have to continue to apply pressure to Manitoba Housing to move on this – I understand there are challenges securing the right contractors, etc. but – the fountain needs to be repaired ASAP.

Active Construction Zone – Maintenance

• Virtually the entire development of Bridgwater Trails is an ‘active construction zone’ which means enforcement of construction mess and materials primarily falls under Manitoba Housing and the Manitoba Homebuilders Association. The City can enforce construction mess, and is, but it is very difficult to oversee 24 x 7 – when an area is an active construction zone.

• Over 75% of the greenspace is still the responsibility of the developer (Manitoba Housing) which means all maintenance is done by contractors under the direction of Manitoba Housing.
• For sure there are challenges and I’ve written and shared updates on a regular basis – see the most current Manitoba Housing Maintenance Update
• Once much of the greenspace is handed over to the City, I want to establish a ‘green team’ to supplement city staff’s abilities, and will be working to seek community support.
• On a positive note about maintenance, things will improve when Manitoba Housing completes this phase of development. We’ve seen great improvements in Bridgwater Forest and Lakes, but again, the establishment of a ‘green team’ will support the City when it takes over maintenance of the greenspaces.