Plan for Route 90 beautification hits resistance

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce feels the drive from the city’s airport to downtown leaves something to be desired, but its plan to spruce things up along Route 90 isn’t welcomed by all.

Alan Castall, whose home and business back onto Century Street, is put off by the idea of erecting a wall along the busy roadway.

“To me, a wall is hiding something,” said Castall.

The plan proposed Thursday by the Chamber of Commerce would see a barricade wall, lighting and landscaping set up on Route 90 between St. Matthews Avenue and Ness Avenue.

“We really wanted to take a look at how to make Route 90 a bit of a showcase,” said Dave Angus, president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

“When people come in, they get a sense of all the great things that are happening in Winnipeg. A city really needs to look at managing its image. I think there are ways to come up with a solution that works for everybody, including the residents and businesses along the way.”

The plan, which is years away from becoming reality, would see the section become known as Chamber Way and cost the city $7 million.

“We’re not at the point to do public consultations,” said Justin Swandel, the chair of city council’s public works committee. “We hope in the future we can beautify not just what’s referred to as Chamber Way but many other parts of the city.”