Everyone agrees that the current working plan to rebuild the roads in and out of Elmwood are unworkable - except the city transportation, engineering, and planning experts.
They insist only a 16 month closedown of the Disraeli Freeway and a traffic re-routing that will lead to intractable gridlock in downtown, North and South Point Douglas, and the North End is workable; have they learned NOTHING from the Nairn Overpass fiasco?
Phil Walding has over 20 years experience in the local transportation business and is a longtime resident of Elmwood. Over the course of a few weeks, he developed the following alternative plan which has been given to both Councillor Jeff Browaty and Mayor Katz for their review.
Now he has given us permission to post it for the public to evaluate and compare against a city plan which Katz and Browaty concede will paralyze an already-distressed neighborhood and send property values plummeting even further.
Phase 1
1. Acquire the vacant lot and adjacent building at 310 Nairn Ave.
2. Acquire the land on the southeast side of Higgins currently used as a boatlaunch and park (moving the boat launch east of the current location) and incorporating it into a park along with the land currently occupied by Gateway Industries, with access off Pt. Douglas Rd.
3. Build a new 4 lane bridge on the east side of the existing Louise Bridge.
4. Re-align Higgins to meet the new bridge from the underpass (CPR Keewatin line).
5. Open the new Louise Bridge.
Note: The location of the new Louise bridge does not render the commercial buildings along the 300 block of Nairn unusable as would occur under the proposed Higgins Ave. to Gateway Rd. extension plan.
Phase 2
1. Erect traffic barriers between the approach to the new bridge and the existing approach to the old bridge at Sutherland Ave. and Higgins.
2. Remove centre median and re-configure Sutherland at Main St. to into a T- intersection, allowing south access from Sutherland onto Main, and add a turn-only lane from Main onto Sutherland going east, while maintaining existing north-south traffic flow.
3. Restrict access from Euclid St. onto Sutherland, creating detour access from Barber to Angus along Rover Ave.
4. Remove right turn only restriction at Sutherland and Higgins.
5. Remove centre median at the north foot of the Disraeli Bridge.
6. Reroute Disraeli traffic via Main-Sutherland-Higgins over the old Louise Bridge, to midwinter and onto Henderson going north (reversed for south).
Phase 3
1. Close and repair the Disraeli Bridge.
2. During construction, a temporary road may be built from Midwinter onto Henderson instead of using the underpass, depending on reconstruction needs.
3. Open the new Disraeli Bridge.
Phase 4
1. Create a transit corridor from Gateway Rd. to Chalmers thru Levis and Stadacona onto the new Louise Bridge, with a 4 lane shared use section in front of Elmwood Junior High extending from Raleigh St. to Watt St and with rt. turn only access from Watt going west.
2. Erect a traffic light at Talbot Ave. and Gateway to allow non-transit traffic diverted from Chalmers Ave. easier access to exit Gateway onto Talbot east and west.
3. Turn the old Louise Bridge into a pedestrian-and-bike use only structure.
4. Return Sutherland to its original configuration.
5. Unrestrict access from Euclid onto Sutherland.
6. Return Sutherland at Higgins to right turn only merging onto Higgins and pemananently eliminating the left turn from the Louise Bridge onto Sutherland, using the current Bridge configuration for bicycle and pedestrian traffic instead.
Note: Walding estimates his plan, which will keep more traffic flowing throughout the reconstruction process, will save the city $40 Million.
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Thursday at 4 PM, Mayor Sam Katz joins us in-studio for an hour.
Among the topics we intend to cover include
- the dispute over provincial funding and the future of the property tax freeze,
- documented failures of the new 311 system,
- road and development planning ( Route 90, Waverly West, and the Disraeli alternative outlined above),
- the Jenny Gerbasi- led ethics reform vote,
- the secrecy of the Winnipeg Convention Centre,
- and yes, Porkgate.
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Email from listeners:
WRHA/Brian Sinclair cover-up
Hi Marty,
To hear you today indicate the Mr. Postl didn`t share the details of a video footage from both the Minister of Health, and Dr. Brock Wright because of potential tampering of evidence is irresponsible on his part. Seems we continue to have a problem with responsibility of management in the Manitoba public sector that just cannot compare to the private sector. Case in point:
1) If Mr. Postl is the man in charge, has the responsibility to act as the liaison between his department and the public who rely on his guidance to protect them from malpractice, mistreatment, or potentially their own death under the care of his operations......then when something does happen, he should be the first man to rally the troops, assess the situation and delegate responsibilities and responses to address the concerns of the public who affect his livelihood.
2) If the public were to be questioning others within his department, then they SHOULD have a story (abet a company line story) to adhere to before addressing the media.
3) If you have evidence that must remain confidential under investigation....again....you would pass along a press release to have everyone understand what actions are underway, what is being reviewed, and a projected date of a response to address their concerns.
Because you takes a `Greater than Thou` approach to your position, would indicate that you are quite happy if anyone other than yourself takes the rap for any irresponsible acts within your control (sounds like he`s qualified to be an NHL General Manager, or bidding for Gary Betman`s job).
In the Private sector...Maple Leaf is labeled to potentially tainted meat. THey immediately pull the products in question off the market, investigate their operations, uncover the source, and the President of the company has enough sense to address it publically through VARIOUS media to take responsibility, provide a vision of what actions he has taken to regain credibility and address any customer concerns.
I believe it is time for action Dr. Postl, or are you just not responsible enough to handle your job.....
Cheers,
H
some call it the echo chamber:
Do you think the real reason doer went out of his way to get blakie back is because he realized that the parties golden child future leader Teresa oswald is incompetant?
lest we forget the WRHA brown envelope scandal:
I read the article. Disgusting and unethical. Wouldn't it be nice if Postl really got raked for this and was forced to resign? Sole authority to access and authorize funds, indeed!...
(days later we got this)
Dr. Postl's letter to the Free Press is the work of a skilled politician, but doesn't alter the fact that the WRHA policy is probably unethical. I particularly object to Dr. Postl's efforts to deflect scrutiny away from the WRHA by bringing up their policy vis-a-vis individual physicians' and their relationships to vendors.
(signed) Dr. "X"
and as for the WRHA #2 man, Dr. Brock Wright getting a special posting to the University of Manitoba:
I don't know how this is going to shake down in the long term. The move is being touted as being good for recruiting. Perhaps it will be, for those few physicians who derive all or a good portion of their income from the university. What is not clear is how the move will ultimately affect those physicians who provide service to hospitals, but who have traditionally derived all or most of their income from fee-for-service arrangements through MHSC.
I suspect that in the long term, the University and WRHA will try to force all physicians who attend or provide service at a hospital to sign individual contracts. For some physicians (such as private practice internists or general practitioners), this will not be a big deal. They'll just stay out of the hospitals. For others (such as anesthesiologists, radiologists and surgeons), this would be a very big deal indeed, as lack of access to hospitals will severely curtail their ability to earn income.
Currently, the powers that be deny that this is their intent, but very few of us believe them. If that is indeed their ultimate plan, it will not be beneficial in terms of recruitment and retention of physicians in this province in the long term.Very scary stuff indeed.
(signed) Dr. "XX"
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CBC not alone in refusing to identify criminal suspects by race:
Marty,
I had to report on a crime in progress some time ago and when I was asked to describe the individuals, who appeared aboriginal in appearance, the dispatcher at WPS told me that I had to call them Non White. The reason being, I don't know for a fact if they are aboriginal, metis, Inuit or part of another ethnic group despite what they appear. Puzzled I did a double check and said again the description and again was told to describe them as non white.
Now if I hear someone who was Non white being described in either a news story or police bulletin I shake my head as anyone who isn't Caucasian can match the description. K
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Gang violence :
Is it just me, or is there a spin of “who knew” when you read stories about increasing gang related gun violence? I ask because I know someone who works in the Winnipeg judicial system, and I remember a story they told me close to ten years ago. A gang task force from Los Angeles came up here to talk to the Winnipeg Police about our gang problem, how to deal with it etc, etc. Guns weren’t yet a significant problem, but the officers from LA told the Winnipeg Police that if they did not get a handle on the problem right away that 5 to 10 years down the road, guns would become a serious issue.
Low and behold….
J
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someone is doing something about it though...
Marty:
I stumbled across your show by accident and now I am loyal listener.
I tuned in one day around the time of the Dumas case and listened to some of the testimony on Jon Mateychuck who happens to be a friend of mine. I enjoyed the way you exposed the media on what actually happened! Believe me there is quite a contrast there! If you know what I mean!
Anyway Just wanted say Great Job! I really enjoy the show. I tune in everyday at 4:35 and listen all the way home!
Here is a little story about citizens standing up against crime!
A few years ago we had a break in on out street. We were all shocked…"This cant happen in our quiet neighborhood" The person who's house was robbed emerged as a leader on the street and organized a block party. To make a long story short we are now a very tight knit community and you can't even drive down our street without getting attention late at night! We all look out for each other! For the record Im not a renegade but the people on my street are fed up with crime…If you plan to do something there are certain people on our street that wont let you get away with it!! (you know what I mean..) You will wind up with a dent in you! We all feel safer with this system and I urge other communities to follow suit!!
Cheers
T
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4 Murders in January:
I wonder when the season premier for CSI:Winnipeg is scheduled for? Lord knows we've got enough storylines to start with. I'll tell you the criminals in the river city sure are overachievers. When are the politicians gonna get serious about the crime in this city? Its almost getting to the point where the military needs to start going door to door throughout notorious Winnipeg neighbourhoods dragging people out by their hair. Everyone in the city knows where the crime comes from yet the police are being handcuffed, no pun intended, by the justice revolving door.
Sent via BlackBerry on the 1X network.
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Hydros' botched Exchange District expansion:
Hi Marty,
I was interested in the story about the proposed plan by Manitoba Hydro to buy and “redevelop” a block of buildings in downtown Winnipeg .
According to the reports, Hydro wanted to purchase the buildings to allow for an expanded substation. The Winnipeg Sun noted a “Need to expand and modernize the substation to meet growing demand in the downtown area.”
I think it would be interesting to find out exactly how long Hydro has known about the “growing demand” and what part (if any) of that growing demand resulted from the completion of Manitoba Hydro’s own 22 storey building? One would think that Hydro would have completed a power study as part of their initial design proposals for their new Hydro building. They are, after all, Manitoba Hydro.
I understand that the new tower had a power reduction target of 60%. To clarify, it is still using power. The design called for a 60% reduction of the national building code requirements. As a large office tower, it still consumes a lot of energy…just not as much as some of their new neighbours.
Questions
Is the (reduced) power consumption of the new building more than the power consumed by the properties that previously occupied that land?
Was there a need to expand the substation before Hydro started construction on their new building?
Did Manitoba Hydro know about the need for an expansion of the substation when they were proposing to build their office tower?
If the expansion of the substation was cited as a possible requirement resulting from the erection of the Hydro Building , why were the costs not included in the initial budget proposal for the new Hydro Building ?
Thanks for listening and keep up the good work.
P
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Coun. Nordman's hate-on for Mixed Martial Arts at the Convention Centre:
I love all these people that think that just because they are not a fan that gives them the right to try and have it shut down.
By that logic, because I am not a fan of the inhumane treatment of animals by Ringling Brother and Barnum and Bailey that I should try and get the circus shut down when it comes to town.
Fan or not…..not taking advantage of the monetary value of an MMA show in your city in these “recession” times is a foolish move on their part.
Maybe a safety study needs to be done first.
C.
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maybe Madame Cleo is an editor :
Hey Marty,
I noticed on A17 of the Freep today that they're apologizing for an error on January 20. They're apologizing now for errors that haven't even happened yet! Have a great weekend.
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Free Press poll on City Hall ethics adding up to 118% :
Re: The Freep Polls...same thing for the WRHA one...it equals to 108 %. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/polls/Should-WRHA-officials-workers-or-the-Health-Minister-resign-in-the-wake-of-the-Brian-Sinclair-case-39393022.html?c=y&pollSubmitted=y&oid=2&viewResults=y&mr=5&cid=8500584&pid=39393022
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The value of archiving shows:
"Hey Marty, listened to the short segment that you posted...wow is all I can say...that girl should be working with other addicts...she was amazing! I had no idea that meth was so prevalent in the peg. I`ve never heard of 92.2 kick fm before, I guess living in Greece now might do that lol, think I`ll have to check it out a little ;-Dxoxo"
and the value of re-runs ...
Listened to the repeat tonight... you was hot!
Go Mr. Gold.
W.
and of our inter-active format...
I think its great that the emails you get are actually used. As you get them. Sent via BlackBerry on the 1X network.
not to mention social networking sites:
J wrote on your Wall:
"Hi Marty ... I just realized who you are and wanted to say I'm a HUGE fan of your show. I always listen to you while driving in the car.It just dawned on me now after reading your wall and going in to listen to clips of your show. You have that unmistakable voice. LOL Keep up the great work! You are AWESOME!"
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Item last,
YouTube clips too good to believe:
* The 1965 Grey Cup (Wind Bowl) post-game show with Angelo Mosca, Bud Grant, John Barrow, Joe Zuger, Prof. Frank Cosentino, CBC's Fred 'Scooter" Sgambati, CTV's Johnny Esaw, the original GM of the Winnipeg Jets Annis Stukis, and many other sports legends, this is an unbelievable find:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1psRInD5ZXE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz6icsyU234&feature=related
* Danny Thomas in ABC-TV's 1971 flop quasi-revival, Make Room for Granddaddy, the piano player is former Ram defensive tackle Rosey Grier
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx095NyrSC0&feature=related
* The very underrated 1967 comedy series - was it ever ahead of it's time - 'He and She', starring Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss with the late Jack Cassidy and Kenneth Mars. (This episode is in black and white, the "new Cool Whip" commercial at the beginning of part 1 is a classic):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqV98vNhePY part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY_ICd-xtf8&feature=related part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82SZxtjhHS0&feature=related part 3
The series was written and directed by the talent behind 70's shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, WKRP, and Barney Miller. Sharp writing, great timing, hip before anything else on TV was hip.
This episode "The Old Man and the She", which was in colour, stands up to any TV comedy ever, it's brilliant beyond words:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyfJ2i32Xo8&feature=related part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXgheyOBNmA&feature=related part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiWkRmJeJoM&feature=related part 3
* and for all you AWA wrestling fans, here is what may have been the greatest match ever for Winnipeg's Buddy Lane as he squares off against scientific master turned villain, British Empire champion Billy Robinson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjnyq9TPS38&eurl=http://www.infinitecore.com/superstar/index.php?threadid=39618&page=313
