On Tuesday morning, Mayor Scott Gillingham's proposal to allow pedestrians back onto Portage and Main was discussed at the EPC meeting. (Photo by Jaison Empson/CBC)
In a tense city council session, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham's ambitious plan to revive Portage and Main to pedestrians faced its latest test. Despite mounting concerns voiced by businesses renting space below the iconic intersection, the council's executive policy committee pushed forward with a narrow 5-1 vote in favor of Gillingham's motion, setting a target date of July 1, 2025.
The proposal, which emerged following a revealing property department report, outlines extensive repairs needed to safeguard the circular walkway beneath Portage and Main. The estimated four to five-year timeline for repairs, disrupting traffic and potentially derailing the launch of a new Winnipeg Transit system, underscores the magnitude of the challenge.
Gillingham's strategy involves closing the city-owned Portage & Main Circus, the subterranean passageway demanding its own financial injections for upkeep. While some property owners above ground, including Richardson and Sons and Harvard Developments, signaled support for surface-level pedestrian access, concerns lingered over the fate of the bustling underground network.
During deliberations, Kate Fenske, representing the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone, offered a poignant counterpoint. She highlighted the concerns of longstanding businesses within the underground, whose livelihoods and interconnected success could be jeopardized by its potential closure. Fenske's plea for a balanced solution resonated as she emphasized the underground's pivotal role beyond mere pedestrian access, serving as a vital artery for commerce and community in the city's core.
In response, Mayor Gillingham stressed the need for ongoing dialogue with affected parties, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the importance of finding equitable solutions. While no immediate timeline for closure exists, the mayor's office revealed the financial strain of maintaining the underground, juxtaposed against its relatively modest revenue.
Meanwhile, a separate update showcased progress on the revitalization of the former Bay building, now earmarked for a mixed-use project named Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn. Despite hurdles such as hazardous waste removal, optimism persists for a transformative journey ahead, marked by visible milestones in the coming months.
As Winnipeg grapples with the fate of its iconic crossroads and the promise of urban renewal, the road ahead remains uncertain yet filled with possibilities.
