CentrePort Canada | Winnipeg

[MooseJets]

Originally Posted by rgalston

Why isn't Susan Thompson on the board? After all, the experience she could offer from being mayor the last time this kind of "transportation centre" trick was pulled out, would certainly be invaluable.

She let the Jets leave and cared more about attracting the Pan Am games than saving our team. Screw her.

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by MooseJets

She let the Jets leave and cared more about attracting the Pan Am games than saving our team. Screw her.

she did help seting our city to paying off the debt

[Kinguni]

Originally Posted by rgalston

Why isn't Susan Thompson on the board? After all, the experience she could offer from being mayor the last time this kind of "transportation centre" trick was pulled out, would certainly be invaluable.

Not to mention running her family business into the ground, and mastering shuffling numbers at City Hall so it looked like she was helping the citizens of Winnipeg save money.

She helped us saving money by contracting out Winnipeg Transit's HandiTransit, although she had to have 13 bus drivers laid off to show any savings (while they gave out full shifts of overtime at double time - overtime came from a separate budget). Cost saving = 0. City cash for her business friends = muchos $.

Using salt to colder temperatures than considered effective with smaller amounts of salt. Immediate cost savings of 50% (cheaper to salt the road than to plough or to pick up the sand in the spring). Long term costs = premature rusting of steel bridge structures and break down of cement. Increased wear and potholes on roads. No long term cost saving whatsoever, and the city is now back to only using salt when it's effective - above -10.

Cancelled the road crack sealing program for a season. More premature wearing of roads and the frost heaves were never so severe before that.

Best thing for anything in this city is to have her paws off anything that matters.

[Greco Roman]

Originally Posted by Kinguni

Not to mention running her family business into the ground, and mastering shuffling numbers at City Hall so it looked like she was helping the citizens of Winnipeg save money.

She helped us saving money by contracting out Winnipeg Transit's HandiTransit, although she had to have 13 bus drivers laid off to show any savings (while they gave out full shifts of overtime at double time - overtime came from a separate budget). Cost saving = 0. City cash for her business friends = muchos $.

Using salt to colder temperatures than considered effective with smaller amounts of salt. Immediate cost savings of 50% (cheaper to salt the road than to plough or to pick up the sand in the spring). Long term costs = premature rusting of steel bridge structures and break down of cement. Increased wear and potholes on roads. No long term cost saving whatsoever, and the city is now back to only using salt when it's effective - above -10.

Cancelled the road crack sealing program for a season. More premature wearing of roads and the frost heaves were never so severe before that.

Best thing for anything in this city is to have her paws off anything that matters.

Can someone explain to me why the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba attracts the most loserish of political leaders around? Why can't we have better? We deserve better!

[ILYR]

Originally Posted by MooseJets

She let the Jets leave and cared more about attracting the Pan Am games than saving our team. Screw her.

Now I am not a full fledged fan of Sam Katz, but I will point out that when Susan Thompson tried to change the deal on Sam with respect to the ballpark deal, he said screw her I'm gonna make this work. Its true. For those of you who don't remember Sam agreed to an unrealistic deal on developing what is now the ballpark land. So then Susan and city hall tried to change the deal to make it even worse. He call her bluff and Susan got screwed because she looked like an idiot. Its true. I believe that this (and the loss of the Jets) have changed the attitude about downtown. Granted, a lot needs to be done, but in about ten years much has been accomplished. Back in 1996 nobody would have thought waterfront drive, the condo developments, red river college, MTS centre, Hydro Building, CMHR, Forks Skate Park and the numerous other developments downtown and in the exchange could ever happen. I give Susan a full thumbs down, but I'll give Sam and Glen a partial thumbs up for at least having their own vision and attempting change.

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by ILYR

Now I am not a full fledged fan of Sam Katz, but I will point out that when Susan Thompson tried to change the deal on Sam with respect to the ballpark deal, he said screw her I'm gonna make this work. Its true. For those of you who don't remember Sam agreed to an unrealistic deal on developing what is now the ballpark land. So then Susan and city hall tried to change the deal to make it even worse. He call her bluff and Susan got screwed because she looked like an idiot. Its true. I believe that this (and the loss of the Jets) have changed the attitude about downtown. Granted, a lot needs to be done, but in about ten years much has been accomplished. Back in 1996 nobody would have thought waterfront drive, the condo developments, red river college, MTS centre, Hydro Building, CMHR, Forks Skate Park and the numerous other developments downtown and in the exchange could ever happen. I give Susan a full thumbs down, but I'll give Sam and Glen a partial thumbs up for at least having their own vision and attempting change.

people geting into power has alot to do with the people that are runing the campaing and doing the behind the scenes work, murry would never of won if it was not for his people including his campain maniger the owner of borelis books......

[Only The Lonely..]

City's inland port big budget winner

By: Mia Rabson and Mary Agnes Welch | Winnipeg Free Press


OTTAWA – Winnipeg’s inland port and a little known railway in northwestern Manitoba are among the biggest winners from the federal budget today.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s much-anticipated document for Canada’s economic recovery singled out both the inland port at the Winnipeg airport and the Keewatin Railway Company for new cash from federal infrastructure programs which are being fast tracked and enlarged to get people working from coast to coast.

In all, the federal budget will inject almost $40 billion to the economy over the next two years via a series of targeted tax cuts, home renovation programs, expedited infrastructure spending and bailouts for hard-hit industries.

It means the government will run a deficit of $34 billion in 2009-10 and almost $30 billion in 2010-11, something Flaherty says is necessary given the dramatic downturn in the global economy.

“Don’t underestimate what has happened,” said Flaherty of the global economic crisis that has pushed most G8 nations into a recession as stock markets plummeted and employers laid off millions of workers worldwide.

Although some of the funding in the budget is targeted particularly at areas in Canada hardest hit by the economic slowdown – training money for example will be allocated based on unemployment and Manitoba has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

But the province stands to get $132 million from a new $4 billion infrastructure fund for rehabilitation projects like upgrades to bridges and sewer repairs as long as they can be completed within two years.

In the same vein, the $125 million Manitoba is supposed to get over the next five years for infrastructure projects will be doled out over the next two if the province can prove it can spend it that quickly. That money potentially could be used for the new Blue Bomber stadium, a project that is almost ready to go and is just awaiting a pool of federal cash to help fund it.

There likely will also be additional money for recreational centres and university and college capital projects, but how much Manitoba gets will depend on how fast various projects can be ready to go.
Ottawa wants the money to be spent as quickly as possible to stimulate the economy now.

Manitobans will also benefit from personal income tax cuts that will cut between $33 and $633 a year from your annual federal tax bill, depending on how much you earn and the size of your family.

The construction trade in the province should get a boost from new renovation programs including a tax credit aimed at getting homeowners to take on renovation projects like kitchen renovations and exterior home improvements this year.

Flaherty said the tax credit will return up to $1,350 to homeowners who spend over $10,000 on house renovations, and is part of his government’s intention to target the new spending in this budget on places it will get used and make the biggest difference.

That includes the infrastructure spending, most of which is aimed at smaller scale renovation and repair projects for cities and universities which don’t need complicated environmental assessments or lengthy design processes.
“We’re focusing on renovations and repairs which can be done quickly,” said Flaherty.

The Winnipeg Technical College, a dock at Victoria Beach and Health Canada’s regional lab in Winnipeg are both in line to get money for upgrades and repairs.

The port project – mentioned recently by Premier Gary Doer as a priority for Manitoba – would see roads and rail lines near the Winnipeg airport upgraded to help make the city a hub of trade in North America.

The Keewatin railway which connects The Pas to Pukatawagan is scheduled to get a share of $7.9 million set aside for repairs to two First Nations-owned railroads. The other is in Quebec.

Aboriginal communities in the province should benefit from almost $1 billion set aside for First Nations to build new houses and schools on reserves, repair and install modern drinking and waste water systems, improve health care and get more First Nations Canadians trained and into the workforce.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca

[newflyer]

This will be huge!!

It is great see Centre Port move full stream ahead. This will only be the start of major investments in the area, as Canada's major inland port and the railways linking it to the north.

Let the fun begin.

[newflyer]

I expect some of the soon to be annouced infrastructure projects will include the twinning of Sturgeon Road, which will fit well with the already announced interchange at Inkster Blvd. Creation of a muti-model facility at Centre Port and new rail lines will also be among the early developments in the area, not to mention the creation of a new light industrial warehouse zone, with the required roads and services will be.

I also expect the long-time coming extention of Silver Ave from Sturgeon Rd. to the Route 90. Its been on the city plans for ages, but it will likely be pushed into reality in the coming couple years, with Centre Port Canada's growth demands.

[Biff]

^^^ There are other road works involving CentrePort
- Headingley Bypass - not sure on $$$ value
- St Norbert Bypass - $255 million
- Centre Port Way - $212 million (i believe this includes the overpasses at Sturgeon and the Perimeter, but that is only expected around $100 mil)
- Hwy 75 - an extra $85 million above what has already been pledged
- Emerson Border study - to make truck traffic more efficient (working with North Dakota)

[newflyer]

^^^

CentrePort Canada will become the largest project in Winnipeg in its history I am sure, in terms of economic investment. The infrastructure investment along will be massive, and this doesn't factor in any of the private investment which will begin to flow once the first phase of this area is prepared and ready to go. It will be very exciting.

[newflyer]

West Perimeter-airport road now seems certain soon
By PAUL TURENNE, SUN MEDIA

A new road connecting Winnipeg's proposed inland port to the West Perimeter Highway via a cloverleaf interchange appears set to become a reality in the near future.

Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Ron Lemieux, speaking yesterday at a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce breakfast, said the road -- known at this point as CentrePort Canada Way -- identified the road as a top priority.

Hours later, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty expressed support for the idea in his budget and suggested funding for the project will be sped up -- a sentiment echoed by Vic Toews, Manitoba's senior MP.

"We are very supportive of the CentrePort proposal and are glad to be working with the province and city to make it a reality," Toews said last night, adding he expects construction to begin later this year.

The road is estimated to cost about $212 million but is the kind of economic development project the government wants to focus its infrastructure spending on, said Lemieux.

'Investment in future'

"As far as we're concerned it's not a cost, it's an investment in our future," Lemieux told the crowd at the Fort Garry Hotel. "You want to make sure whatever investment you put in, there's going to be economic development related to it."

CentrePort Canada is a 20,000-acre parcel of land north and west of Richardson International Airport. At this point it isn't much more than snowy fields, but governments and business interests hope that soon it will be home to manufacturing and transportation companies who relocate here because of Winnipeg's geographical advantage in the supply chain.

The board that governs the port was established last fall, and Lemieux said he's been informed the new CentrePort Canada Way -- which would connect with the Perimeter somewhere near Saskatchewan Avenue -- is the board's most burning concern.

"This is their No. 1 priority as far as I've been advised," Lemieux said.

Other wished-for projects for the port include a bypass that would allow trucks to skip off Highway 75 and onto the Perimeter without going through St. Norbert, and studies into efficiency at the Emerson border crossing and needs at the Ontario boundary.

Lemieux said he will work with Ottawa to identify priorities where infrastructure money should be spent.

That includes the inland port and other "shovel-ready" projects that have some sort of economic or strategic advantage. "For every $100 million worth of projects, you have a billion dollars worth of suggestions coming in," Lemieux said.

[Biff]

This has to be one of the first times i can remember where the city is PLANNING for the future. They are actually going to build a roadway to spur new investment and development (and not residential sprawl). This is uncharted territory for Winnipeg. Usually everything we do is reactive after every thing is congested and choked. I would also have to believe they would not risk spending this kind of time and cash on a road through nowhere without having some prior agreements from private investment. Either way this type of infrastructure should hopefully lure some important development.

[newflyer]

Politicians gush, business cautious after federal budget

WINNIPEG (CBC) - Manitoba politicians are salivating at the prospect of new spending on roads, sewers, museums and stadiums but at least one business owner believes Ottawa's spending splurge will do nothing to boost consumer confidence.

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Manitoba Finance Minister Greg Selinger said that at first blush there was something for everyone in the Harper government's budget.


"We think that waste water and sewers in Winnipeg and in Brandon are important," he said. "We think that highways are important. We think that social housing is very important. We think specific signature projects such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights should move forward. We can look at the football stadium as another signature project, so we have a number of things on the table that we can move on very quickly."


Manitoba's NDP government has already identified certain priority projects that it plans to cost-share with the federal government, he said.


"There's no question that this budget has put resources on the table that will help stimulate the economy across the country."


But small business owner Joe Gupta said he's disappointed since to him it appears the 2009 federal budget will drive the national government deep into debt and will not boost public confidence in the economy.


And he said measures for small business won't make much difference to his Winnipeg-based company, India Spice House, because consumers just aren't spending. Tuesday's federal budget is not going to reverse public worry about the economy or create an environment where consumers will suddenly start spending again, he predicted.


"There's a lot of unemployment," said Gupta. "People are not secure with their jobs and all that. They have a scary feeling and they will buy only what is required."


Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said he's pleased to see Ottawa will fast-track development of an inland port in the city.


The CentrePort idea is to build on Winnipeg's reputation as an air cargo, rail and trucking transportation hub in the geographic centre of North America. About 20,000 acres of land around Winnipeg's James Richardson International airport would be dedicated to building transport and storage terminals.


Katz says it capitalizes on the city's location at "the heart of the continent."

"There's a lot more discussion to go on," said Katz. "But there's certainly a fantastic opportunity for us."


Katz echoed Selinger's comments hoping the budget provisions will open the door to construction of a new football stadium for the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers at the University of Manitoba.


The mayor said the city has placed a priority on repairing back lanes, bike paths and roads. But he said Winnipeg has yet to determine how projects will be cost-shared between governments before deciding how to proceed.


Treasury Board President Vic Toews, the federal minister responsible for Manitoba, said upgrading a dangerous stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway through Headingley, just west of Winnipeg, was specifically mentioned in the budget.


And he said the federal share of funding for a new football stadium will be easier to find. "[The stadium is] not specifically mentioned but it certainly makes it much easier for me to come up with $15 million of taxpayers' money," Toews said.

source: CBC.ca

[newflyer]

The CentrePort Canada Act

http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/c044e.php

[newflyer]

Winnipeg Inland Port website:

http://www.winnipeginlandport.ca/

[Andy6]

Originally Posted by newflyer

Winnipeg Inland Port website:

http://www.winnipeginlandport.ca/

It is the prospect of those huge cargo planes flying over the pole -- unable to make the flight from Anchorage to Alaska without a fuel stopover in Winnipeg -- which is driving the push to build the "port" around the airport.

If you can't explain your business plan more coherently than that, I'm not buying it -- "the flight from Anchorage to Alaska"? And what are these "huge cargo planes" that apparently have no choice but to land in Winnipeg? Show me one.

Also, what precisely is the significance of being in the geographical centre of North America? Who cares! It's not the centre of anything economically, or at least no more than dozens of other cities are.

[1ajs]

were part of the trade coridoor thats why

kansas city is the big dady

[newflyer]

Originally Posted by Andy6

If you can't explain your business plan more coherently than that, I'm not buying it -- "the flight from Anchorage to Alaska"? And what are these "huge cargo planes" that apparently have no choice but to land in Winnipeg? Show me one.

Also, what precisely is the significance of being in the geographical centre of North America? Who cares! It's not the centre of anything economically, or at least no more than dozens of other cities are.

They are aiming to link Winnipeg's logistical position, being on a major transportion corridor, and realtion to Chicago and other Mid-west centres.

As far as the "huge cargo planes" go, they have the flight range to reach Winnipeg from many major Asian cities, where the goods would be offloaded and carried by rail and truck to its destination. Winnipeg is also looking to gain a special tax advantage for value added manufacturing of goods transported from overseas. Winnipeg is already serviced by many mid-sized and small transportation planes, as it is the busiest transport air hub in Canada by the number of flights.

Winnipeg's logisitcal advantage is nothing new.

[Prairie Guy]

Originally Posted by Andy6

If you can't explain your business plan more coherently than that, I'm not buying it -- "the flight from Anchorage to Alaska"? And what are these "huge cargo planes" that apparently have no choice but to land in Winnipeg? Show me one.

Also, what precisely is the significance of being in the geographical centre of North America? Who cares! It's not the centre of anything economically, or at least no more than dozens of other cities are.

What is your problem? Why are you such a bitter old man? I thought you cared about Winnipeg? In almost every thread about Winnipeg, you poo poo anything positive about the city, saying that it can't work in Winnipeg. The exception is the historical thread, as you are obsessed with the past, which may be why you can't see past 1905.