The start of the new fall semester ushers in new construction across the campus and the neighbouring regions.
One of first projects will be the road construction on University Crescent by the City of Winnipeg.
Starting on Sept. 3, periodic lane closures are to take place on University Crescent and are expected to last until the end of November. As published by UM News, starting on or after Sept. 9, traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction on the road from Thatcher Drive to Dysart Road.
The construction on University Crescent is required for the installation of an underground storm sewer and will also feature improvements to drainage.
During this time, transit services will continue with the exception of rerouting for special events. Temporary bus stop relocations can also be expected. A spokesperson for the City of Winnipeg indicated that there will be no schedule changes to Winnipeg Transit due to the ongoing project.
Road construction on Sifton Road is to continue, and at minimum, one lane of traffic is to reopen as of Sept. 9. The ABC parking lot is scheduled to reopen the same day.
Starting Sept. 3, Sidney Smith Street is planned to be extended into the Southwood Circle development area — formerly the Southwood Golf Course. Access to southbound University Crescent will be restricted.
One of the largest infill developments in the city’s history is underway on the 120-acre property. Possession of the land was officially transferred from the Southwood Golf and Country club to the U of M in 2011.
Greg Rogers, CEO of UM Properties, mentioned that the property has been approved for 11,500 residential units — all of which will be multi-family. “It will be a combination of rental and condo projects,” stated Rogers.
At the south end of the project and in the first phase, Rogers said that the approval included up to 500,000 square feet of retail space. Office and live-work spaces has also been approved throughout the community. The community will also feature 21-acres of parkland, nine of which will be along the waterfront.
Rogers mentioned that the parkland intends to weave through the community, based on the paths of the old growth forest. Already, 5,000 trees on-site have been catalogued by age and species, and 650 trees are to be planted this year. The goal is to plant 500 trees annually for the next five years to increase the level of biodiversity and replace trees that are near the end of their lives. In addition, the community will feature typical businesses — such as a grocery store, bars, restaurants, a bank and retailers — and other amenities that already exist at the university.
“That all is available within walking distance to people who would live in Southwood, so it’s a pretty unique and special place, this urban city within a city that we’re creating,” said Rogers. “It will have everything that you need without need for a car.”
Rogers explained that there’s going to be affordable units, as well as mid-market and luxury units. Buildings will also be tailored to those with disabilities.
Back on campus, a traffic calming pilot project was slated to start on Aug. 26.
The Maclean Pilot Project will take an approach of “tactical urbanism,” with the intent of testing flow changes on Maclean Crescent to limit traffic along Dafoe Road and in the campus core. The pilot project will utilize temporary materials — such as concrete barriers, planters and picnic tables — to test how placing such items could affect traffic flow before making permanent changes.
Feedback about the future of Maclean Crescent is currently being sought. A survey is available online at umanitoba.ca/facilities/campus-planning-office to provide your input.
Northbound traffic to Dafoe Road from Maclean Crescent will be restricted. Drivers will be required to head west onto Service Road 2S before exiting campus on Service Road 1S.
The east side of Maclean Crescent in front of the Taché Arts Complex will have on-street parking. A designated pick up and drop off zone on Maclean Crescent will be implemented in front of Pembina Hall and Mary Speechly Hall.
