Open Streets have been a breath of fresh air in a rough time. Unfortunately, this wonderful program barely been in place for the spring and now they are at political risk, again.

As you may know, this Thursday, City Council will be considering a motion that would end the Open Streets pilot project earlier than scheduled. This will happen on two streets (Wellington and King's Drive), just before school returns, despite the consultation process that proved them extremely popular with the majority and the obvious ongoing health needs we all share.

You can help. Local residents have started a petition of their own to help you speak up and save them. Please sign their petition. Add your support.

Background:

After our own petition reached 10K+ people last summer, the city changed its mind. At the time, we were responding to a plan by the city to scuttle the entire 2020 Open Streets program just after Canada Day. Thanks to your voices, the Open Streets were successfully extended, then sent for more study. A public consultation process and report was then commissioned and undertaken in the fall of 2020 to determine what to do. It revealed huge levels of support for the open streets concept and a clear mandate to continue. Recently, some local residents who were unhappy with the decision, raised their concerns with council members. Despite not revisiting the data, or insisting on hearing from those who support it, a plan was hatched to end the program early, much to the surprise of those living nearby who have been enjoying them.

We, like the many residents along Wellington who have reached out for our help, are dismayed that the City of Winnipeg is seemingly ignoring the results of its own report showing that the vast majority of residents and general public alike deeply appreciate this program.

We respect the right of those who have shared their concerns, and some concerns contained what we felt were constructive ideas that align with our own organizational views about how an Open Street could be improved for the betterment of all. (Winnipeg Trails has developed some beautiful designs that would make these more permanent and effective with better placemaking, flowers, greenery and pathways, for example). However, in the absence of a clear path forward, these Open Streets are a blessing to our city and must continue.

Have your say and have a wonderful, healthy and active summer!

Don't forget to sign their petition.  :)

Winnipeg Trails