The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) supports the Route 90 improvements, recognizing it as a critical trade corridor essential to both provincial and national infrastructure, says MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc.
Lorenc, who spoke in favour of the report, appeared in delegation at the City of Winnipeg’s Standing Policy Committee on Public Works on Oct. 7.
The project aligns with strategic plans like OurWinnipeg 2045, the Transportation Master Plan, and Council’s Strategic Priorities Action Plan. The project is key to strengthening trade connectivity, especially with growing interest in the Port of Churchill.
Investing in Route 90 is vital for Winnipeg’s role in global trade and for supporting economic growth through improved movement of goods and people.
“It is also important that we think big – moving forward with improvements to Route 90 are about more than just the immediate return on investment, it is helping to make Winnipeg the “t” in global trade because if we can’t move it, we can’t sell it,” said Lorenc.
Harness support for a New Fiscal Deal
A clear starting point is a joint economic growth strategy among civic, provincial, and federal governments to drive investment and generate needed revenue – think New Fiscal Deal.
Lorenc said there’s a need to harness existing public support and press the provincial government to engage in these discussions. The City should explore new revenue sources, like replacing property taxes with municipal, personal, and corporate income taxes.
Appoint a Chief Economic Development Officer
Lorenc notes the City also needs to appoint a Chief Economic Development Officer at the “C” Suite level to champion economic growth and coordinate City efforts.
This person, he said, should report to a Council committee charged with a similar mandate, while providing strategic advice to all of Council on opportunities to leverage growth.
“The above steps begin the long, hard work towards putting Winnipeg on a path towards economic growth, sustainable revenue generation, and stronger service delivery capacity,” Lorenc said.
Read the full submission here.
