WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg’s Institute of Urban Studies released the Churchill Sustainability Interim Report findings at the Arctic Summit – Northern Directions today. The research from the report has now sparked a new initiative for urban planning for the famous Churchill River Flats area of town.
The Spirit of Cooperation
The interim report is the result of a two year multi-stage consultation process in partnership with the local Churchill Sustainability Committee, the Institute of Urban Studies (IUS) at The University of Winnipeg with funding provided by OmniTRAX Inc,” explains Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice Chancellor. “This report reflects the spirit of cooperation that signals the aims of all the key stakeholders to create the desired community that is economically viable and environmentally sustainable.”
A Model for Other Northern Communities
“This report envisions a framework for a sustainability plan that provides a “toolkit” for moving priorities into action,” said Jino Distasio, Director of IUS. “This plan reflects the aspirations of the residents of Churchill and is based on sound policy and scientific research. The plan is feasible, and will contribute substantially to the revision of the Town’s official Development Plan, and more importantly can serve as a model for other northern communities.”
Help Tell the Story
“The Sustainable Development Plan will enable the people of Churchill to make positive changes to our ecological, social, and economic aspects of the community and provide educational and capacity-building opportunities. We are also pleased to continue to work with the University of Winnipeg to help tell the story of the River Flats community. We see this as an opportunity to share its history and how as a community we can move forward,” said Churchill Mayor Michael Spence.
Over the next few months work and funding will begin to examine the historical and present land use context for the River Flats area of Churchill.
Funding & Community Partners
This interim report was made possible with funding from OmniTRAX and collaboration and support from Winnipeg Elder Thelma Meade, Mike Goodyear, Executive Director of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, and Chair of the Churchill Sustainability Committee, Churchill Mayor Mike Spence and his administration, in particular the Town’s Chief Administrator Officer, Albert Meijering. Thanks also to provincial planners Paul Raths and Katherine Cruickshank with Community Planning and Development for their partnership in land use planning and UWinnipeg faculty members in Geography and Environmental Studies, including Dr. Danny Blair, Dr. Bill Buhay Dr. Patricia Fitzpatrick, Dr. Bill Rannie and Dr. Richard Westwood, as well many of their students who have worked on the project.
OmniTRAX, Inc. is one of North America’s leading transportation services companies offering a broad range of customized solutions to the industrial and transportation sectors. The company’s core capabilities range from railroad and port services to intermodal and industrial switching operations.
