Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital, and His Worship Scott Gillingham, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg, announced a joint investment of more than $5.4 million to support the Trees on Broadway project.
Broadway is a historic street located in Winnipeg's downtown. Due to various factors, the health of the trees lining the bustling street have been adversely impacted in recent years.
This investment will support the restoration of Broadway's tree canopy. The project will involve the strengthening and reinforcement of a root drainage system along 30,000 square metres of urban forest along this corridor. This work will lead to the healthy development of up to 75 planted trees, decreasing the effects of heat islands - a phenomenon where urban surfaces such as buildings and roadways absorb and emit heat more than most natural surfaces. By reducing urban heat islands, we can reduce energy costs, air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality.
Broadway will also see an improvement in its stormwater management, increasing the community's resilience against flooding. This work will enhance public access by improving sidewalks and other pedestrian design elements, enabling residents to enjoy Winnipeg's urban core using this lively street now and into the future.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
