Go around the clock
24-hour road construction would alleviate a lot of problems for Winnipeg
This past Saturday, I found myself at a local business. This is the kind of place that usually requires an early morning visit to beat the rush, but on this particular day, it was surprisingly quiet.
It wasn't the quality of products or service, it was the “road-closed” and “no parking” signs in front of the businesses on this street. There was no sign of equipment or obstacles anywhere.
Curious about the sudden change, I asked the owner how things were going. His response was far from what I expected.
“It's been a disaster,” he said. “This construction has cut my business dramatically.” I probed further, asking if he had received any warning from the City of Winnipeg or his area councillor. His answer was a disheartening “Nope, not a peep from either source.”
The owner said the work is taking a long time. He was understanding because of the rain, but the signs' existence negatively impacted his business.
This is nothing new. The city has been ignoring the impacts on local businesses for years and decades.
Due to public pressure, City Council agreed to 24-hour road work in specific situations. However, I have seen no evidence of this happening. If it is because of staffing issues, why not work during daylight hours, four hours of additional work a day and on weekends? This could be a crucial solution, especially if the weather is delaying some work.
We hire city councillors to ensure the city operates at a high level of service. These businesses pay more taxes in Winnipeg than in any other city in Canada: the local business tax. Given they are paying more, they should receive exceptional service at a minimum and be warned of work that will impact their business with a promised completion date so they can plan accordingly.
The mindset of only working 8 to 4 Monday through Friday doesn't work. Other jurisdictions across North America function very well with 24-hour construction. There is no excuse not to have the practice in Winnipeg.
City councillors make over $100,000 plus annually to tell people they know it is frustrating but that the city has a short construction season. I'd buy that if the work was done in a timely fashion. I could list locations all over the city where preparation work has been done and lanes are blocked, but there is no sign of completion. You could go weeks with nothing changing.
When contractors bid on jobs, the city could easily require the hours of work in the contract.
It is difficult enough for businesses to survive in Winnipeg, which has crime and the highest taxes in the country, without having the city ignore your issues and concerns.
The impact of prolonged and poorly managed road construction on local businesses cannot be overstated. Owners who have invested their time, money, and effort into their establishments are grappling with an additional, often insurmountable, challenge. The city's failure to communicate adequately and effectively with these businesses is a glaring oversight. A simple notification about upcoming work and an estimated timeline would go a long way in helping business owners prepare and mitigate the negative impact on their operations.
The current road construction system seems stuck in a time warp, ignoring modern solutions that other cities have successfully implemented. Restricting road work to an 8 to 4 schedule, Monday to Friday, is outdated and inefficient. Cities with similar or even harsher weather conditions have adapted and implemented 24-hour construction schedules. This not only speeds up the completion of projects but also minimizes disruption to daily life and business activities.
The reluctance to adopt a 24-hour construction schedule in Winnipeg is perplexing. It's not a question of feasibility but of willingness and initiative.
The city's leadership must demonstrate a proactive approach to solving this issue. Contractors can be mandated to work around the clock by incorporating these requirements into their contracts. This is a straightforward solution that could significantly positively impact the city's infrastructure development and economic vitality.
The benefits of 24-hour road construction are many. First, it would drastically reduce the duration of road closures, allowing businesses to return to normal operations much sooner. This would alleviate the financial strain on business owners and contribute to the overall economic health of the city. Second, it would enhance the quality of life for residents who currently have to navigate a labyrinth of road closures and detours. Completing projects faster would mean less time in traffic jams and more time enjoying the city's amenities.
Additionally, the argument that Winnipeg has a short construction season due to weather conditions is valid but not insurmountable. Other cities with similar climates have found ways to extend their construction season and maximize productivity during the available months. This can be achieved through better planning, resource allocation, advanced construction techniques and materials that can withstand adverse weather conditions.
City councillors and officials need to prioritize the needs of their constituents over bureaucratic inertia. They are elected to serve the public and ensure that the city operates efficiently and effectively. Ignoring the plight of local businesses and residents is unfair and detrimental to the city's growth and development.
The call for 24-hour road construction in Winnipeg is not just about convenience, it's about ensuring the city remains competitive, vibrant, and livable. It's about recognizing the value of local businesses and supporting them in every way possible. It's about modernizing our approach to infrastructure development and embracing solutions proven to work elsewhere.
The City of Winnipeg must take immediate and decisive action to implement 24-hour road construction.
This change is long overdue and essential for the economic well-being of local businesses and the overall quality of life for residents. The city's leadership needs to step up, listen to the concerns of their constituents, and take bold steps to ensure that Winnipeg is a city that works for everyone.