Winnipeg October 3, 2013 MANITOBA MOVES FORWARD WITH THREE-YEAR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN – – – Province Continues to make Strategic Investments in Improved Bike, Pedestrain Facilities; Continues to Establish Supportive Policies, Improve Safety: Lemieux On the same day as all three levels of government gathered to open a major new link in Winnipeg’s active transportation (AT) network, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux announced two new initiatives under the province’s three-year, four-point AT action plan. “Over the past year, we’ve committed new capital dollars to support AT projects in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba, we’ve implemented new initiatives to improve safety and we’ve launched our AT web portal,” said Lemieux. “Today I am pleased to announce the establishment of a provincial AT policy framework and the creation of a standing AT Public Stakeholder Advisory Committee.” The Public Stakeholder Advisory Committee will provide advice to government and help further promote the benefits of AT across sectors such as law enforcement, heavy construction, education, health, tourism, local governments and public safety, the minister said. “Establishing a policy framework and creating an advisory committee are both part of our government’s multi-faceted approach to active transportation, which includes improved co-ordination, supportive policies and resources, increased investments, and improved education and awareness,” said Lemieux. “We are committed to an integrated approach to AT that is articulated as a broad provincial policy and also linked to focused efforts across multiple government departments.” The minister noted that both of the initiatives announced today are recommendations from the 2011 Greater Strides report, which the province commissioned to help set a vision for active transportation in Manitoba. Since 2011, Manitoba has invested or committed more than $17 million in support of AT including the Small Communities AT Fund, the Pembina Highway cycle tracks and the Osborne Bridge project. In 2009, Manitoba increased Winnipeg’s annual road funding in order to support the Disraeli project. The increased funding enabled the AT bridge to be included in the overall design and eliminated complete closure of the bridge for 16 months during construction, Lemieux noted. “Including AT facilities in major capital projects is critical to developing a safe and efficient AT network” said Lemieux. “Manitoba is committed to working in partnership with municipalities to build important projects like the Disraeli AT bridge.” Manitoba’s Active Transportation policy framework is available at www.gov.mb.ca/ia/at. - 30 -