2018-2022 Councillor Term Summary – South Pointe

This is a very very brief summary of key issues I’ve been working on specific to the South Pointe 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 and School Congestion
- 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.
- Also, we are experiencing massive traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons around Ecole South Pointe School. The school has added four additional rooms / portables, and is at peak capacity. This is creating very intense driving conditions that can only be rectified when the new elementary school opens in 2023 in Bison Run. I’m working with school administration and parents to ensure safety is top of mind.
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 (Ladco) agreed to the handoff of Jinnah Park to the City of Winnipeg.
- Plans are now in place to install more benches and trees in the park in 2023.
- I am also working to secure funding for a shade structure, similar to the structure at Kirkbridge Park.
- I provided funding to Ecole South Pointe School for two play structures.
- I provided funding to Ecole South Pointe Child Care Facility.
- I installed trees and fire pits in Jinnah Park.
Commercial Development
- The City of Winnipeg is not responsible for commercial development, but please know that I am working closely with Ladco to enable road access and traffic controls for the very soon to be developed commercial zone.
- Underground servicing and roads have been constructed in the first phase, but COVID-19 did slow down potential businesses and development.
- The national headquarters for Payworks is underway and the operation will be employing up to 400 people. This is the catalyst, or the anchor for an extensive commercial development. We are on the cusp of seeing commercial arrive in South Pointe!