Donated school zone lights remain in test phase

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This article was published 27/10/2019 (1840 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A senior City of Winnipeg official confirmed Monday it will be several weeks before a flashing, solar-powered amber light will be placed in a school zone.

David Patman, city transportation manager, said the light system is being tested by the public works department, prior to one being installed at a reduced-speed school zone for further analysis.

Patman said in addition to wanting to ensure the light system will work in Winnipeg weather conditions, the city’s legal department wants to ensure there are no problems in the arrangement with the local businessman donating the system.

“This is something that doesn’t happen very often, to get a gift like this. We want to make sure it’s being done right,” Patman told the property and development committee Monday.

Chuck Lewis has offered to purchase and install the $3,500 light systems at every reduced speed school zone in the city. The potential cost to Lewis’ company, Electric Experts, could exceed $2 million, but Lewis said it would take several years to complete.

Patman said testing appears to be going well, explaining the department is waiting for approval from the legal department before making any official announcement.

“It’s a new piece of infrastructure,” Patman said. “We want everything right to make sure this is a total success. It is a challenge that it’s taking so long. It is a bit frustrating. It’s a bit embarrassing, perhaps, but we’re trying to work it out, trying to move it forward.”

Patman requested an additional 90 days to report back to the committee, but councillors said they wanted a status update in 30.

Trio added to historical buildings list

A north Main Street cathedral is one of three structures added to the city’s list of historical buildings.

Councillors on the property and development committee approved the recommendations Monday for Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral (175 Main St.), the Trees-Spriggs Building (312 Ross Ave.), and the Johnstone Block (209 Pacific Ave.).

The recommendations are made by the historical resources committee, which consists of representatives from the city’s architecture, planning and design communities.

The designation prevents the demolition of the building and ensures any proposed changes to the designated historical or heritage elements is approved by the city’s planning department.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca