June 25, 2020
Province Releases Public Engagement Results for Increased Safety Options at Garven Road and PR 206
– – –Roundabout Construction to Begin in Summer 2020: Schuler
The Manitoba government is sharing the results of public engagement undertaken in May on options for increased safety at the intersection of Garven Road (PR 213) and PR 206, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today.
“The number of responses we received through our online engagement really shows how concerned residents are about this intersection,” said Schuler. “We need a permanent solution to ensure drivers are safe and we can now move forward with construction on a project that has had significant input from residents in the area.”
The minister noted the intersection of PR 206 and PR 213 (Garven Road) has a history of vehicle collisions and serves one of the fastest-growing areas of the province. The province has implemented short-term solutions over the past couple of years, such as the reduction of speed limits in the area and installation of rumble strips to warn drivers of the upcoming stop sign.
The Manitoba government undertook a virtual public engagement online via EngageMB from May 25 to June 5. The engagement presented two options: the installation of traffic lights and auxiliary turning lanes, and a roundabout.
A total of 505 responses were received and 80 per cent of respondents reported using the intersection daily or weekly. Construction to improve safety at the intersection was the option chosen by 87 per cent of engagement participants.
“We are incredibly pleased at the participation rate of the virtual engagement, considering Manitoba Infrastructure’s in-person open houses receive on average 75 to 100 participants,” said Schuler. “Due to public health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency to improve safety at this intersection, we tested out a virtual model. Based on its success, we hope to incorporate online public engagement on future projects as it offers an accessible and convenient format to involve more Manitobans.”
Staff identified several themes when analyzing the feedback including increased safety through a combination of driver education, traffic law enforcement and roundabout design.
Results of the engagement indicated a roundabout is the preferred option for the intersection. Construction on the project is expected to begin this summer and be completed this fall, the minister noted.
“Safety is a top priority for our Springfield council and we welcome the safety upgrades at the intersection of PR 206 and Garven Road,” said Mayor Tiffany Fell, Rural Municipality of Springfield. “We appreciate the province has taken the time to listen to our residents.”
EngageMB is a central location where the public can easily learn about and contribute to all Manitoba government engagements underway. It is a convenient location for Manitobans to learn engagement results and view a final report on the initiative under consideration. The minister noted the government is committed to be accountable to the public, include the public in decision-making processes and be transparent on findings and outcomes.
The What We Heard report is available at:
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