CENTREPLAN DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

DRAFT

LINKAGES

Downtown is often described as being too large to be a cohesive unit; that its size results in a disjointed land mass with several disconnected nodes of activity. While presenting a planning and coordination challenge, the size of the downtown can be beneficial when viewed as a varied and interesting place. If the nodes of activity and character are purposefully linked and identified, the result could be a related set or series of destinations. Encourage linkages and developments to enhance character and create a sense of arrival and purpose. Balance and connections among districts are key to comprehensive development. As the centre of the City, downtown must be easy to enter and access.

The Provencher Bridge project is an opportunity to create a symbol of downtown revival and reconfirm the historical links between cultures by building a sculptural identification of the Red River as the genesis of Winnipeg.

• Link downtown neighbourhoods and districts together and in turn link downtown to the rest of the city with public transportation routes.
• • Integrate adjacent neighbourhoods with attractive transportation routes and access points.
  • Use public right-of-ways, river corridors and green spaces to integrate downtown and connect with the whole city. Discourage isolated development with connections that increase activity and improve safety by intensifying the magnet effect for people.
  • Review one way street systems for their effect on district identities' impact on neighbourhoods and effectiveness in moving within downtown.
  • Establish development right-of-ways necessary for a streetcar system.
  • Develop primary pedestrian and bicycle routes along Edmonton Street from Central Park to McFadyen Park, York Avenue from the Convention Centre to The Forks, and Donald from the Manitoba Centre of Knowledge north and King Street to Chinatown.
  • Support expansion of the Downtown Flyer.

• Design and develop the Provencher Bridge as a bridge of distinction, broad enough to accommodate commercial ventures, and promenade for pedestrians and cyclists.
• • Create a low scale riverside drive from the Provencher Bridge along the Red River northbound, connecting The Forks, Exchange District and beyond.
  • Run a trolley (streetcar) system alongside the riverside drive, into North Main, through Chinatown, the Exchange District and into The Forks. The trolley system could begin as a non-winter tourist draw (historic design), but later expand to be a full scale streetcar system throughout downtown. Run a streetcar on York Avenue and Provencher Boulevard from the Convention Centre to the Franco-Manitobain Culturel Centre.
  • Extend the pedestrian walkway from The Forks to the Baseball Park, along the river to the Exchange District and North Main.