The Rapid Transit question, Part I

A question I’ve been asked in every interview be it by reporters, in surveys for interest groups or by people on the street is essentially the same:  What’s your stance on rapid transit as it stands currently and what would you like to see happen?

Winnipeg is an interesting case.  We are a growing city yet we resist innovation and vision in favour of the way things have always been done, whether or not they are the best way to do things. We have a history of repeating past mistakes then wondering how to correct those using conventional methods.  We celebrate our unique place in Canada’s identity and culture then complain that we are falling behind the standards other Canadian cities have set. The need for a mass transit system that connects the city is a prime example of this issue.  We are behind the times with regard to our city transportation systems which includes mass transit, bike and walking paths and roadways that circumvent crowded areas in order to improve traffic flow.  The question everyone wants the answer to is how do we improve this?

Let’s face facts, Winnipeg needs a mass transit system capable of reducing road congestion, decreasing commute times, reducing the environmental footprint we are currently leaving and that serves an accessible and viable option for the majority of residents in Winnipeg.  The current Rapid Transit plan, as it stands, does not meet these goals. The bus system being used is already an antiquated idea.  The biggest problem I have relates directly to St Boniface and the urban sprawl throughout the ward.  The proposed system does not benefit the heavily populated area near downtown, or even serve the newer outlying areas. My proposed mass transit system will address these and other major concerns.

First of all, a mass transit system encourages urban density merely with its presence.  New residents to Winnipeg and St Boniface along with first time home owners and students would gravitate to areas along the mass transit corridor simply for the convenience of low cost transportation.  With this comes increased commercial activity to capitalize on those new residents.  In order to maximize growth potential and increase the rate in which the areas become populated, I would push for tax incentives for new residential or commercial builds along the corridors.  In doing this, Winnipeg would see unprecedented urban infill growth and help to solve the urban sprawl issue facing the city.

With the new transit system that serves more residents and areas of the city, we would also achieve a sense of what I am dubbing commUNITY.  I believe the citizens of St Boniface should be able to share in everything happening in our community whether that is happening in Island Lakes or Southdale or Old St Boniface.  We would also be able to promote St Boniface and its wonderful amenities, restaurants, parks and people more efficiently. Most importantly, we will have an easier way to bring residents from other areas of the city into St Boniface to experience and share in everything we have to offer.  Unity within our community and between areas of the city is of utmost importance to me and by showcasing St Boniface and giving people access to the unique areas of St Boniface through efficient transportation, the people and businesses of St Boniface stand to benefit.

Possibly the most important fallout question from this, how are we going to pay for it and what does it look like?  That answer will be posted here tomorrow. Please visit again and thanks for your interest.  If you wish to show your support by volunteering with the campaign, donating or posting a yard sign, please contact me.

ryandaviesforstb@gmail.com

@RDforStb on Twitter

204-898-0528