The second phase of the Northwest Hydro Corridor will soon be extended as construction is set for the popular pathway. The corridor was built west of McPhillips Street in 2022 and is around a three-kilometre trek from Leila Avenue to Selkirk Avenue. The new stretch will see an additional kilometre added in each direction. Mayor Scott Gillingham said this corridor has already become a popular spot for people living in the area. “You’ll see people walking, cycling, pushing strollers, folks in wheelchairs using mobility aids, really enjoying the ability to get outside and connect through their community on these active transportation pathways,” said Gillingham at a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday. With the extension, the north portion will now connect from Leila to the greenspace behind Daylan Marshall Gate, while the south will go from Church Avenue to Selkirk Avenue. The project is costing $3 million and will also see new lighting, benches, sidewalk improvements on Admiral Avenue, offshoot path connections, and a future connection for a path network in Amber Gates. There will also be three areas with new rapid flashing beacons and additional traffic calming measures are being added as well. Mark Cohoe, the executive director of Bike Winnipeg, said his organization had been pushing for this entire corridor for a long time, calling the extension exciting. “It’s thrilling to see more and more people getting out, getting active, getting cycling,” he said. “When we’re out on these pathways, when we’re out walking on our streets, we’re face-to-face with our neighbours, we’re building community, we’re helping our families stay together and it’s a wonderful thing to see.” He said it gives people options to get around the city in a way that can be comfortable for them. Construction on the second phase of the corridor is expected to start later this summer.
