Bridgwater Trails
Welcome to the Bridgwater Trails neighbourhood updates page! This page covers issues I’m working on that are specific to the Bridgwater Trails neighbhourhood.
WEEKLY UPDATES: Please also check my Weekly Updates page which contains many local topics and issues occurring in the Waverley West ward – and some relevant City issues.
Please also know you can contact me anytime with questions or concerns.
Much gratitude to the VOLUNTEERS of the Bridgewater Trails Neighbourhood Association for all the advocacy, events and activities they do to improve the quality of life for residents!
Facebook: @Bridgwatertrails Twitter: @BWTrails_NA Website: https://www.bridgwatertrailsna.com/

Kenaston Blvd and Bishop Grandin Safety
A ‘search’ of  Kenaston Blvd on my website www.jlukes@winnipeg.ca brings up many studies and improvement made to Kenaston Blvd over the years. I will say, it is frustrating to deal with so many issues that in my opinion, should have been considered PRIOR to adding...

Important Update on Transit Service to Pembina Trails Collegiate (PTC) and Bison Run School (BRS grades7/8)
Please note: Effective Monday October 2nd the return bus will now be picking up in the bus loop between the two schools. September 22, 2023 I have heard from many concerned parents over issues with the bus service to PTC. Thank you for your feedback and patience, I...

2023 Update – Bridgwater Trails Fountain
Rose Lake Green (Bridgwater Trails) Fountain Closure – July to December 2023 The Bridgwater Trails fountain is still owned and operated by the developer - Manitoba Housing. The City of Winnipeg has not taken ownership from Manitoba Housing, and will not take ownership...

Coyote Warning
Please be aware that there has been increased coyote activity in this area between Bridgwater Lakes and Whyte Ridge. The coyotes have exhibited aggressive behavior towards people and dogs using the pathway that runs behind the Kenaston overpass. The Provincial...

Your Input– South Winnipeg Recreation Campus
The South Winnipeg Recreation Campus (SWRC) is a new regional recreation facility that will be built on Bison Drive west of Frontier Trail and east of Kenaston Boulevard. Communities in southwest Winnipeg are growing and a new recreation facility is needed to meet...

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...

Coyote Sightings
I’ve been receiving many reports on coyote sightings and some confrontations where people have been chased or growled at.  I spoke with two conservation officers from the Government of Manitoba’s Conservation Department.  - here is a summary: Please read this...

Traffic Alert! Temporary Closure Kenaston & Waverley Monday September 25th
Street closures affecting Kenaston and Waverley Monday September 25th. Both streets will be closed for approximately 15 minutes after 6:30 p.m. to allow for electrical work to be completed. Thank you for your patience and for using an alternative route. Northbound and...

Update:Â Waverley West Fire Station
I will add additional context to media articles on the Waverly West fire station (CBC: Waverley West Fire Station )  - as there are many other aspects not discussed at today’s committee meeting or included in media coverage. Media was not aware of all the factors...

Recreation Update
Young Luke, his dad and friends were having a great time dunking balls at the very busy basketball court in Bhagat Singh Park recently! That basketball court must be one of the busiest in the City! I’ve received many requests for new and upgraded recreational...

Many Factors – Maintenance & New Developments
I’m receiving many emails on maintenance in Bridgwater Trails and Bridgwater Centre. Please know this is a top concern of mine also  - and that it is a weekly conversation with maintenance staff in the City and Province. I want to present the facts so residents can...

Construction Notice – Brady Rd from South of Cedar Glen Rd to South Perimeter
2022 GRAVEL RESURFACING PROGRAM BRADY RD – FROM SOUTH OF CEDAR GLEN RD TO SOUTH PERIMETER (SERVICE ROAD) This street will receive gravel resurfacing and enhanced maintenance as part of the City of Winnipeg’s 2022 Local Street Renewal Program. In spring of 2022, the...

Mowing in Bridgwater Trails
The majority of Bridgwater Trails’ public greenspace is still under the ownership, and maintenance responsibility – of the developer (Manitoba Housing – a division of the Province of Manitoba). The bulk of the public areas – beside pathways, soccer fields, boulevards,...

Your Feedback – Protecting & Growing Winnipeg’s Urban Forest
Over the past few years, I’ve held multiple tree plantings. Residents have planted upwards of 1,200 trees on City and private property. I encourage you to read Winnipeg’s Urban Forest Strategy – not only does it provide an excellent overview of the current status of...

Pop Up Pooch Park in Waverley West Ward
I’ve received many requests to install an off leash dog park in the Waverley West ward. This is a challenge because all the land designated for public parks space is designated for humans and not specifically for an off leash dog park. Doggies are allowed but only if...

Expansion of Transit into Bridgwater TrailsÂ
Photo: Route 672 Killarney - Proposed Routing Extension I’m very pleased to share the good news that transit services will be expanded further into Bridgwater Trails. Routes 671 & 672 will be expanded in Fall 2022 (See full report). We’ve seen much construction in...

Spring Cleanup – Our City & Neighbourhoods
The snow is almost gone, rains are helping clean our city – and those 80 km hour winds this past winter have strewn garbage everywhere! City of Winnipeg Over the next five to six weeks, the City is conducting its annual spring cleanup of streets, pathways,...

Catchment Area for New Schools
My office is receiving many calls on the catchment areas for the new elementary and high schools being constructed in Bison Run. PLEASE NOTE: Determining catchment areas is ultimately voted on by your elected school trustees. I and any City of Winnipeg Councillor have...

Modular Fire Station Arriving Soon – Waverley WestÂ
Photo Credit: Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press I am very pleased to be moving forward on fire / ambulance protection sooner than planned in the Waverley West ward! This is due to good work by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and many discussions with my Council...

Expanding Transit to Bridgwater Trails
Please know I am working to have an expansion of transit into Bridgewater Trails neighbourhood. Our neighbourhoods are growing so rapidly it seem we are always playing catch up with transit. For transit to be effective, there needs to be enough people who are looking...

Update – Advance Warning Flashers on Kenaston Blvd
I’ve received many calls over the past three years from residents concerned about pedestrian and cycling safety when crossing Kenaston to access Bridgwater Town Center. Specifically crossing Kenaston at North and South Town Roads and at Bison Rd. This is a very...

Neighbourhood Maintenance – Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater
It’s the time of year where everyone wonders who is responsible for parks and open space maintenance! In our established neighbourhoods (Richmond West/Why’re Ridge/Linden Ridge & other established neighbourhoods) it is the City. In NEW neighbourhoods it is a...

The Pinnacle Apartments
The Pinnacle Apartments is a large multi-family residential  complex located in Bridgwater Trails neighbourhood. The first phase of development was approved in 2016 and includes: Four, four-storey residential multi-family buildings and one central clubhouse. This...

Enhanced Summer Bike Route Program Comes to Rose Lake Court
This year the City of Winnipeg is PILOTING an ‘Enhanced Summer Bike Route’  program on 17 streets in the City of Winnipeg.  Rose Lake Court (circular section) is one of the streets being PILOTED. WHAT is an Enhanced Summer Bike Route ? It is a street that limits motor...

Safety Improvements to North Bound Kenaston Blvd
All major collision intersections in Winnipeg are being studies as part of the Master Transportation Review. Due to the many crashes that seem to be occurring at the intersection of Kenaston and Bishop Grandin, I am requesting the traffic engineers study and apply...

Silver Creek Rd. Residents Catalyst for Change
A huge thanks to the residents of Silver Creek Road! Thanks to your persistence and patience - you were the spark – the catalyst - for positive change to a residential streets parking system! Working with residents, we switched parking from one side of the road to the...

Active Transportation Route Through the Field Connecting Whyte Ridge & Bridgwaters
UPDATE: On April 9, 2020, the public service provided a verbal update on the complexities and cost to construct a pathway linking Bridgwater Lakes to Whyte Ridge. The estimated cost to construct is approximately $1.65 million. At this time, this is not a top city...

Bison Drive Build Out
Since elected in 2014, I estimate I’ve brought forward over 40 requests to have engineers in Public Works study traffic issues ranging from: Traffic calming (speeding) Installing stop signs (due to increased traffic volumes) Installing turning signals (arrows in...

The Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater – a Provincial Development
Since being elected to office in 2014, I’ve been involved in the development of three communities: 1. The final phases of River Park South – developed by Qualico (private developer) 2. South Pointe and Prairie Pointe being developed by Ladco (private developer) 3. The...

WHO Maintains Boulevard, Median & Parks in Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater
In a new development, figuring out WHO is responsible for maintenance can be a challenge.  311, City staff and my office have access to maps that show ‘Summer Maintenance’ responsibilities. There are a few things to note: The developer – Manitoba Housing, is...

Bridgwater Fountains – Update June 2020
Please see update on all fountains - contact me if you have any questions. Â Bridgwater Forest Fountain: Has now been turned on and is still being monitored by City for leaks & ongoing upgrades-this fountain is now the responsibility of the City. For history on...

Open Letter to Parents – Bridgwater Speed & Racing
This message is for everyone, but is directed to parents with a request that you talk to your kids about the deathly dangers of speed. In my graduating year, two classmates died when a powerful car they were passengers in crashed and rolled. The following year, when...

Proposed Median Opening Serving an Existing Commercial Development Located at 350 North Town Road
I’ve had many residents and business owners call to see if there could be a safety improvement to the intersection of North Town Road and north bound Kenaston. Vehicles existing the shopping center (by Tim Hortons & Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital ) can only turn...

Traffic Study – Appleford Gate between Brace Bridge Road and Bison Drive
For the past two years I’ve received calls from residents informing me that vehicles speed down Appleford Gate. The road design, combined with the open space created an environment conducive to speeding on Appleford Gate. Speeding anywhere is not good, and not good...

Reducing Speed on Kenaston Boulevard between North Town Road and South Town Road
I’ve received many calls over the past couple of years from residents concerned about pedestrian and cycling safety when crossing Kenaston to access Bridgwater Town Center. Specifically crossing Kenaston at North and South Town Roads and at Bison Rd. This is a very...

Pilot Project – 30 KM/HR Speed Limit within the Waverley West Ward
I’ve piloted many projects over the years seeking to improve traffic safety in Winnipeg. The idea of a ‘pilot’ is to test out the theory. Many positive results can come from pilots, and while they might cause a bit of disruption for some, overall pilots are necessary...

Safer Cycling and Pedestrian Connection – Bridgwater Lakes and Bridgwater Trails
The June 9th Pedestrian Crossing Control Treatments for 2020 report identified rectangular rapid flashing beacons will be installed at this intersection. Confirmation is underway to ensure the ‘pathway connection’ is made between Bison east and west bound. I expect...

New Multi-Family Residential and Commercial Developments
This has been an incredible year for multi-family and commercial development applications in the Waverley West ward. Our community has many highly desirable neighbourhoods to live in and the development community is bringing forward products to support the market...

The Tradition
On Dec 2nd, at the Assiniboia Community Committee (where I represent the Waverley West ward’s local issues) the committee approved the site plans for a residential complex on Appleford Gate just west of the Bison roundabout. Deveraux Group is the development company...

Bridgwater Town Center – New High End Development
This complex was approved for development on Oct 8th, 2019. This development will be located on the west side of Centre Street, at the northwest corner of Centre Street and Bison Drive (160 Centre St) in the Bridgwater Centre Neighbourhood. The complex will be built...

Bridgwater Developments Contribute $117.4M to Revitalize Winnipeg ‘Neighbourhoods in Need’
As of March 31, 2019, residents and commercial entities in the neighbourhoods of Bridgwater Forest, Lakes, Trails and Bridgwater Centre have enabled $117.4 million in investments in housing projects to revitalize Winnipeg neighbourhoods in need. No other neighbourhood...

Notification To Homeowners Backing Onto ‘Visitable’ Pathways
My office was informed that Manitoba Housing is hand delivering letters (August 16th, 2019) to all homes in Bridgwater Lakes and Bridgwater Trails whose back yard - backs onto the ‘visitable’ pathway network ( identified in BLUE in the image below). Homeowners are now...

Landscaping Front Yards In Neighbourhoods Of Bridgwater
Some neighbourhoods in Winnipeg – not all – have ‘Architectural Guidelines’ set out by the developer. The developer (Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation) has set out architectural guidelines for homes, front yards and fencing in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater...

Traffic Calming On Appleford Gate Beside Shaheed Baghat Singh Park
In September 2018, I made the following motion and have been advised by the Public Works Department that a recommendation would be coming forward on June 25th, 2019. I’m hoping the study will result in the recommendation to install speed tables: WHEREAS there is a...

Traffic Study – Pedestrian Crossing On Centre Street Between North Town Road and Park West Drive
On May 7, 2018 - The Assiniboia Community Committee passed the following motion: WHEREAS many businesses have now moved into the Bridgwater Town Centre, which features parking lots on either side of Centre Street; AND WHEREAS there is an open pedestrian plaza and...

Traffic Study – Safer Cycling And Pedestrian Connection – Bridgwater Lakes and Bridgwater Trails
In November 2018, I brought forward the following motion for the Public Works department to study – they requested 180 days: WHEREAS the main pedestrian and cycling connection from the neighbourhoods of Bridgwater Lakes and Bridgwater Trails crosses Bison Drive...

Traffic Study – Reducing Speed On Kenaston Boulevard Between North Town Road And South Town Road
On January 8th – The Public Works Committee asked that the public works department study and report back within 240 days (Sept or October 2019). The Assiniboia Community Committee passed the following motion: WHEREAS Kenaston Boulevard is major trade and...

Bridgwater Trails – My Comments On New Bus Routes – Please Share Yours
RESIDENTS OF BRIDGWATER TRAILS TODAY Transit starts a series of 'public engagements' regarding the PROPOSED bus route changes to connect to the new Southwest Transitway opening in 2020. These public engagements will take place in a converted BUS - find the 'Ideas in...

Bridgwater Trails Fountain
There are three spectacular fountains in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater, and one of them is located in the heart of Bridgwater Lakes. There have been a lot of challenges with the handoff of the Bridgwater Forest and Bridgwater Lakes fountains between the developer...

Removal Of Lighting Behind Visitable Homes In Bridgwater Lakes And Trails
Manitoba Housing came forward with a formal request to have the Developer Agreement Parameters amended to ‘not’ install lighting behind homes where the wide pathway network is – specifically behind the visitable homes. The Public Service is recommending to have the...

Requesting Mayor’s Support To Resolve Impasse – Waverley West
(Original Publish Date: June 13, 2018) As area Councillor, I have reached the limits of my power to resolve an impasse between the Public Service and developers of the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater and South Pointe. I have requested the Mayor’s support to use his...

Construction Garbage in Growing Communities
Growth is great but it sure brings challenges, especially on windy spring days!  Homebuilders are required to contain any of the construction garbage created from building new  homes in a cage or large garbage container on site. Most homes under construction have...

Moving Filming in Bridgwater
Lights, camera, action, Bridgwater! See the below notice letter from Location Manager, Bernie Narvey: Channel Zero, the dream door DEAR BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS re: Bridgwater Development NBC Universal Cable of Los Angeles and Original Pictures of Winnipeg are...

Expropriation of Land Moving Forward for Recreation Campus
It is important to understand, the City is able to secure additional land to expand the site. Qualico is an excellent 'city building partner' and extensive negotiations are occurring on a regular basis to ensure this site will be built to meet the communities growing...

Lifting the Building Cap in Bridgwater
Lifting the Cap in Bridgwater In 2012, City Council placed a building cap on Bridgwater Trails and Bridgwater Center. See details. January 14th 2018 Riel Community Committee: I requested support from Riel Committee Members to lift the building cap in Bridgwater Trails...

Development Permits in Bridgwater Remain Capped
In 2012, three conditions placed a cap on the issuance of building permits in the Bridgwater Community. Three years later, in 2017, Manitoba Housing (developer of the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater) requested the cap be lifted and they NOT comply with the following...

Waverley West Communities & Updating the ‘Our Winnipeg’ Vision
In 2009, the City of Winnipeg reached out to citizens to obtain their feedback in creating a long term plan for our community.  The City invested upwards of $3M to develop OurWinnipeg, a 25-year plan to guide our growth and physical, social, environmental, and...

UPDATE – Personal Care Home in Bridgwater
As our office receives enquiries from residents regarding a wide variety of projects, I wanted to provide an update regarding the personal care home project in Bridgwater. Below is an excerpt of the September 8th, 2017 article in the Winnipeg Free Press. For more...

Building Permit Cap in Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater
Bridgwater is the fastest growing community in the City of Winnipeg. Since being elected in fall, 2014, I’ve been dealing with many challenges related to a rapidly growing community. In my opinion, the City of Winnipeg was not ready and continues to be ill prepared to...

New 120-Bed Personal Care Home in Bridgwater
There's lots happening in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater! On the horizon is a new personal care home, to be constructed at Bridge Lake Drive and South Town Road. For more information regarding this initiative, contact your elected MLA or the Province of Manitoba....

Waverley West Impact Fees – Open House
Please join myself and a panel of experts who will present an overview on Winnipeg’s new Impact Fees, their purpose and how the fees will affect residents and businesses in the communities of Waverley West (Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater and South Pointe). DATE: ...

Street Blown-In With Snow in Bridgwater and South Pointe?
YOUR assistance in REPORTING snow blockages is greatly appreciated! New communities on the outer edges of the City experience unique snow challenges, as open areas blow in more frequently than areas protected by surrounding buildings and trees. Snow fencing is...

Transit Expansion – Bridgwater & South Pointe
Transit funding for routes in Bridgwater and South Pointe WAS APPROVED in the 2017 budget process! This is welcome news for thousands of transit users in these growing communities! Since being elected, I’ve been working to secure funding in the City's budget for...

BLOWING SNOW in Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater & South Pointe
These new communities in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward have many open areas - open fields awaiting development, open areas with young small trees, and limited overall protection from wind. I am told by the City's Public Works Department that snow removal occurs...

Bridgwater Holiday Lights Contest
Enter the 2016 Holiday Lights photo contest, hosted by the Bridgwater Forest and Bridgwater Lakes neighbourhood associations! Join in the fun, and you could win a prize! For all the details, see the poster below. For more information on residents' groups and...

Transit Update in Bridgwater & South Pointe
This overview is to provide an update on efforts to secure an extension of Winnipeg Transit service in South Winnipeg. Expanding transit service is a top request from residents in the Bridgwater and South Pointe communities - it's also listed as 1 of 2 top priorities...

Drainage from Sump Pumps & Downspouts
Our office receives many questions from residents regarding drainage off properties, from both sump pumps and downspouts. To assist, we are providing below some links to the Water and Waste Department's page on the City of Winnipeg website. Residential Lot Grading It...

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...

Taking Action on Transit in Bridgwater & South Pointe
A recent article in The Sou’Wester Community newspaper (see below) provides some insight on Winnipeg Transit’s current position related to route expansion. I’d like to update you and provide you with additional information on what is occurring in the Bridgwater and...

Development and Maintenance of Bridgwater & South Pointe
The Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater and South Pointe are Winnipeg’s newest residential communities. This high level overview provides simplified background information on the development and maintenance of these communities which are located in the South Winnipeg-St....

UPDATE – Transit in Bridgwater and South Pointe
On June 23, 2015, I chaired a meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. One of the issues on the agenda was the need for increased transit service in the communities of Bridgwater and South Pointe. The Winnipeg Public...

Increased Transit Service to Bridgwater/South Pointe Communities
On January 19, I brought forward a motion (Increase Transit Motion 2015) to have the Winnipeg Public Service research and report back (in 120 days) on their findings related to improving transit service in these communities. A motion is a formal request to ‘get the...