Chamber Way
Chamber Way is a Chamber-led initiative to create a visually appealing gateway to our city, linking the new James Richardson International Airport with downtown.
The airport route, via Route 90, is one of the most traveled roadways in Winnipeg. Yet aesthetically, the stretch of Route 90, particularly between Silver and Ness avenues, is unwelcoming, unattractive and creates a negative image of our city. Chamber Way looks to change that.
The intent is to convert Route 90 into a scenic drive, showcasing and celebrating our rich culture, heritage and natural beauty through the use of a visual screen, trees and public art.
This has been an ongoing project, but the time has come for it to be a priority. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, now under construction, will attract a significant number of international visitors. We need to ensure that we are giving our visitors the best possible impression of Winnipeg and Manitoba.
The Chamber has been working with the City of Winnipeg’s Public Works Department and various volunteers to ensure an affordable option. It will be up to the public and private sectors to work together to find the resources to complete the project. Many businesses along the route also plan complimentary landscaping.
Chamber Way will not only make a better first impression for visitors, but it will make a safer, quieter and more sustainable neighbourhood for those living in the area.
The recommended plan includes replacing the existing wire fencing with Caragana hedging to provide both a visual and sound barrier for neighbouring homes. Improving the median with proper barriers and installing new light standards on which banners can be hung will help showcase the city, while drawing the eye away from more distracting sights. The anticipated cost is about $3 million, of which the hedging is roughly $150,000.
Going forward, it is recommended that at the very least, the existing fence be removed and replaced with the hedging, while engaging businesses along the route to spruce up their properties.
For more information or to get involved, please contact us at 944 8484.