Clement parkway extension concerns Charleswood dog owners

WINNIPEG — It’s a battle of drivers versus dog lovers when it comes to a proposed freeway extension in Charleswood.

The city held a public information session on Thursday for the Bill Clement freeway extension, which would run through one of the city’s most popular dog parks. The session was well attended by concerned residents. The extension would provide a north/south link in the city’s west end. It’s also expected to relieve congestion on Kenaston Boulevard.

“The Clement Parkway will have a lot of benefits to moving traffic regionally in west Winnipeg and also take traffic off existing neighbourhood streets,” said Scott Suderman, an engineer with the city.

Phase one would extend the freeway from Grant Avenue to Wilkes Avenue, which would also run through the Charleswood dog park. Phase two would extend the roadway all the way to McGillivray Boulevard, but nothing is set in stone yet.

“Right now there’s no budgeting for construction, it’s strictly just a study at this time,” said Suderman.

The city also said that part of the study looks into possibly maintaining a part of the park or adding another park to the area.