A Winnipeg city councillor said its time to take the question of reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians, to voters.
READ: Portage and Main could reopen to pedestrians by fall of 2019
After years of debate, North Kildonan City Councillor Jeff Browaty introduced a motion at city hall Thursday calling for an additional question on the October 24 civic election ballot:
“Do you support the opening of Portage & Main to pedestrian crossings? YES/NO”.
The iconic intersection was closed to traffic in 1979.
Reopening it to pedestrians was listed as a top priority during Mayor Brian Bowman’s 2014 campaign.
On Thursday Bowman said he would give the motion some thought, but in the meantime, urged Browaty to run for mayor.
“I’d urge him to have the courage of you convictions to not simply hide behind a plebiscite but put your name on the ballot,” Bowman said. “Run for mayor and lets have an open debate about not just that issue but so many others that are important to the future of our city.”
Browaty said debate on its reopening has has distracted council from ‘more important matters.’
“The reality is, on this particular matter, I think he’s on the wrong side.”
The latest report to city hall showed at least one corner of the intersection could reopen by fall of 2019.
“If this question does make it onto the ballot…if I run for mayor, and I am successful, I will honour the voice of the public,” Browaty said.
Browaty’s motion will be considered at the July council meeting.
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