Snow Removal on the Active Transportation Network: Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater

I’m pleased to provide some background info and an update on my actions related to snow removal on the active transportation network in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater.

SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL

• Sidewalk snow removal in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater   SEE MAP
• Sidewalk snow removal in South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward  SEE MAP
• This provides a good ‘at a glance’ visual of sidewalk snow removal investments.

Key observations:

• Due to excellent planning, the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater have ample sidewalks to support an active and healthy lifestyle.
• Many older communities (Richmond West, Fort Richmond, University Heights, etc.) have little to no sidewalks, as they were developed in the era when cars were supreme.
• Sidewalk snow removal is the responsibility of the City Public Works Dept., as is snow removal on streets and some select multi-use pathways located beside streets.
• The City of Winnipeg snow removal policy ensures sidewalks are cleaned in a timeframe linked to the priority of the adjacent street, i.e. a sidewalk along a ‘Priority II’ street should be cleaned within 36 hours after an average storm.  For details, See map of Priority I, II and III roads.
• The policy for sidewalk snow removal was created in 1993, and pedestrians don’t move in the same manner as vehicles!

PATHWAY  SNOW REMOVAL

• Pathway snow removal in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater SEE MAP
• Pathway snow removal in South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward  SEE MAP
• Pathways within parks are cleaned by the City Parks Dept.
• Most, but not all,  pathways adjacent to streets are cleaned by the City Public Works Dept., ie: Bishop Grandin Trail

Key observations:

• An extensive network of park pathways, developed over the past 10+ years, provide key linkages to the city-wide active transportation network for recreation and commuting.
• In my opinion, the City of Winnipeg snow removal policy for pathways needs further clarification as to timelines and locations, and requires updating.

ACTION:  SNOW REMOVAL on the ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

Currently, I have two initiatives underway to review snow removal on the Active Transportation Network, and encourage you to engage/provide comments on both!

1. MODEL FOR CLEARING PATHWAYS: ( i.e. Bridgwater Forest)

• Presently, 21.7 kms of sidewalks are cleared of snow in the Bridgwater Forest community.
• The Bridgwater Forest Neighbourhood Association (BFNA) has provided me with a ‘desired route’ for snow removal on multi-use pathways in Bridgwater Forest.
• I am in discussions with both the Public Works and Parks departments to review options for the winter clearing of Bridgwater Forest pathways.  Working within the 2015 City budget, one option is to reallocate snow removal from sidewalks to pathways (ie: clear 5 kms less of sidewalks, so that 5 kms of pathways could be cleared instead).  Nothing has been finalized yet.
• In February, 2016, I am hosting a Community Open House (details soon!), and will be looking for input on this concept.

2. IMPROVING CITY-WIDE SNOW REMOVAL on the ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

• From January to June, 2016, I am hosting a monthly ‘Lunch and Learn’ at The Forks to start the conversation on how we can improve snow removal on the city-wide network. For details, SEE HERE.
• I am working with both the Public Works and Parks departments to initiate a review of the existing policy, and expect to hold broader public information sessions in the coming months.

PATHWAYS & SIDEWALKS IN BRIDGWATER

Bridgwater Forest

• 7.8 KM of multi-use pathways weaving through forests and alongside lakes
• 21.7 KM of sidewalks

Bridgwater Lakes (not fully developed yet)

• 7.5 KM of multi-use pathways
• 11.9 KM of sidewalks

Bridgwater Trails (not fully developed yet)

• 10.7 KM of multi-use pathways
• 11.7 KM of sidewalks

Bridgwater Centre (not fully developed yet)

• 4.2 KM of multi-use pathways
• 5.5 KM of sidewalks

Twitter link:  https://janicelukes.ca/?p=4363