GPM announces Disraeli Bridge strategy
Winnipeg, February 27, 2009 GPM Leader and candidate in the Elmwood by-election James Beddome announced today
the GPM's effective and meaningful strategy for the Disraeli Bridges Rehabilitation Project, a topic of major concern for
the residents of Elmwood.
“The GPM is aware that the decision-making capacity of this project lies ultimately with City Council. However, the state of
disrepair of the bridges expose the historic lack of investment and cooperation from all levels of government,” said James
Beddome. “The NDP government's approval of new suburban developments has spread an already-thin maintenance
budget over too many bridges.”
The GPM acknowledges that the closure of the Disraeli Bridges will undoubtedly have an effect on the residents and the
businesses in the Elmwood and East Kildonan areas, but the GPM ultimately stresses the safety of every Manitoban
involved, from drivers, pedestrians, residents and workers. “A bridge collapse like the one witnessed recently in
Minneapolis is a tragedy that should never be replicated in Winnipeg,” said Beddome. “This is the position that the NDP
and PC governments have left us in.”
The GPM sees the Disraeli Bridges project as an opportunity for the provincial government to provide dedicated funding
for innovative solutions, including improved linkages between active transportation corridors, as well as a public
transportation pilot project. The province provides a mere $24 million to the City of Winnipeg for the Winnipeg Transit
operating budget. The GPM feels that this is a pittance of government financing, and needs to be significantly increased.
“Merely doubling the frequency of buses during peak hours and reducing fares will cause bus ridership rates to skyrocket.
It's just common sense. More bus riders would significantly reduce traffic congestion as well as headaches during daily
commutes,” stated Beddome.
“The other candidates are only focusing on short-term solutions for the duration of the project itself. Our vision brings
long-term planning and meaningful community input to make Elmwood a green and active community,” asserted James
Beddome.
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