Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba and Winnipeg

May 4, 2015

Manitoba Government Providing Nearly $65 Million to Renew Winnipeg Roads in 2015

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More Than 160 Winnipeg Street Projects Will Create a Safer, Smoother Ride for Family, Commercial, Tourist Traffic: Premier Selinger, Mayor Bowman

This year, the Manitoba government will invest nearly $65 million to help pave the way for safer, smoother travel for families, commercial vehicles and tourists in Winnipeg, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

“Smooth roads increase the safety factor for all vehicles including cars, bikes, buses and trucks, and will help maintain Winnipeg’s neighbourhoods,” said Premier Selinger.  “Our stable, predictable funding will ensure the city can complete more road renewal work and benefit from the economic growth and good jobs that come with these projects.”

The premier, joined by Mayor Brian Bowman, said this funding agreement includes $50 million, part of the five-year, $250-million investment committed to last year and dedicated to Winnipeg’s regional and local street renewal, plus an additional $9.8 million in one-time provincial support, mostly generated from city cost savings on prior years’ roads projects.

“The city’s 2015 Budget dedicated $103 million – a record level investment – into Winnipeg’s roads this year,” said Mayor Bowman.  “I’m pleased that the provincial government continues to contribute to Winnipeg’s infrastructure, which is a top priority for citizens and visitors alike.”

The premier also noted the Manitoba government has committed $5 million to the City of Winnipeg’s new Build Winnipeg Partnership to support jointly identified new infrastructure proiorites.

“Funding road projects supports the province’s commitment to the City of Winnipeg to make road improvement a priority and cost-share these infrastructure projects,” said Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell.  “It is particularly important this year when the city will host more tourists for major sporting events such as World Cup soccer and the Grey Cup, and the provincial capital will be showcased.”

This year’s funding will help renew more than 160 local and regional streets, bridges, overpasses and back lanes in Winnipeg and support sidewalk and other street-related projects in every neighbourhood.

Road repair projects identified and scheduled by the City of Winnipeg for 2015 include:

  • Portage Avenue;
  • Ness Avenue;
  • Pembina Highway;
  • Henderson Highway;
  • Main Street; and
  • St. James Street.

Since 1999, provincial funding to Winnipeg has more than doubled to more than $322 million in 2015.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED


 




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2015/05/RLS-Winnipeg_Roads_BG-MG-PR.doc