WINNIPEG — A motion before city council on Wednesday called for the Kenaston lane widening project to pick up speed.
The project has been in the works for more than eight years, but a dispute over the abandoned Kapyong Barracks between Ottawa and First Nations groups has stalled construction.
Coun. Justin Swandel, who chairs the city’s public works committee, said whoever ends up with the land, Ottawa or the First Nations, will have to negotiate with the city to widen Kenaston Boulevard. He wants to start negations while the court battle drags on.
“The intent here is to go out and have a conversation with both parties — here’s our position, and perhaps we can resolve this without us having to seek intervenor status,” said Swandel, who represents St. Norbert on council.
City administrators are being asked to negotiate an agreement that would allow the city to acquire the land before the Supreme Court decision on the First Nations treaty land entitlement case.
The four lanes are just not enough to handle the 70,000 vehicles that use the road every day. That’s double the number of vehicles the roadway was designed to handle.
“Anyone who drives down Kenaston (knows) it’s not a good scenario, especially during rush hour,” said Mayor Sam Katz.
And drivers agree.
“Kenaston is very, very, very busy, so three lanes will help the traffic,” said local resident Barbara Feher.
While some residents are thrilled about a lane expansion, others are worried about the land dispute.
“It’s a catch-22; I don’t know which to wish for,” said Tuxedo resident Marci Tyc. “I would like to have the land utilized but I want to make sure it’s a fair shake for both sides of the party.”
Two years ago the estimated cost to add a lane in each direction was $129 million.
Global News tried to contact the law firm representing the First Nations involved in the court battle with Ottawa over control of Kapyong Barracks but they did not return our call.
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