Premier Greg Selinger (at lectern) today announced $20 million in provincial funding to improve roads in the Polo Park area. The province is partnering with the city in the $40 million project. Joining the premier for the announcement were (L to R) Leo Ledohowski, Canad Inns president and chair, Justice Minister Andrew Swan, Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau, Kirkfield Park MLA Sharon Blady and St. James MLA Deanne Crothers

 

June 12, 2013

MANITOBA BUILDING AND RENEWAL PLAN INVESTS IN POLO PARK AREA ROADS

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Provincial Funding of $20 Million to Support Road Renewal, St. Matthews Avenue Extension: Premier

A major provincial investment will soon result in better driving conditions for residents of Winnipeg in one of the city’s busiest areas, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“With the redevelopment of the former football stadium site, it’s the right time to address the need for road renewal and intersection improvements in the Polo Park area,” Selinger said.  “Through Budget 2013 and the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan, the provincial government is moving forward with critical infrastructure work that families depend on, like road improvements in high traffic areas like Polo Park.”
The Polo Park area has seen major expansion of retail businesses for more than a decade and new residential and commercial development on the old Canad Inns stadium site is coming soon.
The province is contributing $20 million to this project.  The total cost is estimated at $40 million and is funded in partnership with the City of Winnipeg, which announced funding for the project in December 2012.  Construction is planned for 2014 and the preliminary design and public information session is scheduled for September 2013.
The scope of work includes:

• extension of St. Matthews Avenue from St. James to Madison streets;
• improvements to St. Matthews Avenue between Empress Street and St. James Street; and
• improvements to the St. James Street/St. Matthews Avenue and St. James Street/Ellice Avenue intersections.

“Along with better access to retail and commercial businesses, restaurants and movies, the road and intersection improvements will mean local residents, business owners, employees and shoppers will spend less time in traffic jams,” said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux.  “Major investments like this can only improve the economic viability of this community, benefit the city and, in turn, the whole province.”
 Since 2007, the province has invested more than $200 million in Winnipeg roads.

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