Talking about Skyways and Street Life in Minneapolis and Winnipeg with the CBC

Following up on my appearance on the CBC last year to discuss urbanist reactions to Winnipeg, I was on the CBC again yesterday to discuss the pros and cons of skyways and tunnels in downtowns. There is a big debate going on right now about the key intersection in downtown Winnipeg, Portage and Main, and whether or not to re-introduce crosswalks and pedestrian access at the corner.

For people who want to bring back street life at the intersection, it doesn't appear to be going very well.

Here's an excerpt from the latest story on it, with poll results:

"The data shows Winnipeggers really don't like this idea of opening Portage and Main to pedestrians. There is no demographic — not young people, not downtowners, not downtown residents — who want to open the intersection," said Mary Agnes Welch, a senior researcher for Winnipeg-based Probe.  

"There is broad and deep, intense dislike for this idea."

Anyway, I appeared on the CBC radio news to explain about Minneapolis unique skyway system and what lessons, if any, the tensions around skyways might have for folks in Winnipeg.

Fun! I'll have to go back to Winnipeg in a hundred years when they finally get rid of the massive concrete barriers around the sidewalks of their downtown.

[This is what the main intersection of Portage and Main looks like, similar to a shuttered skyway.]