Decades of experience facing off against fresh ideas in North Kildonan

Jeff Browaty

JEFF Browaty hopes to mark his 20th year in politics with another election win in North Kildonan as two challengers attempt to dethrone him.

Browaty, who is seeking his sixth term since 2006, said his re-election could help ensure important initiatives are delivered for the ward.

"There's been a number of key projects that I've been advocating for some time that I really want to see through to completion," he said.

For example, he said city council plans to begin funding a Henderson Highway improvement project, from Gilmore Avenue to the highway's city limit, in 2028. The project would improve drainage, fill in sidewalk gaps and add a centre median to improve traffic flow.

Orvie Dingwall

"It's really basic infrastructure in an area with fancy new condos, lots of people living in the area. There's a lot of density and it's really a substandard level of service (right now)," said Browaty.

Similar upgrades to north Main Street and ensuring the Chief Peguis Trail extension (from Main Street to Brookside Boulevard) is ready to build once its funded are also key priorities, he said.

"I'm putting out there that my experience and my involvement would be best to ensure that (these projects) get done," he said.

He also listed "getting the new transit system right" as a top priority, after a massive route overhaul implemented last year triggered complaints from some riders who now require more time and more transfers to reach their destinations.

Browaty said adding a new daytime weekday bus route that focuses on Henderson Highway would help reduce walking distance for many riders.

Tyler Andersen

"The idea is to reintroduce the former stops and maybe even (add) more to have a bus that goes, say twice an hour down Henderson Highway."

Two competitors who hope to replace Browaty when Winnipeggers go to the polls on Oct. 28 say they would bring fresh ideas to the ward.

"I got talked into (running) by friends and strangers and all of us were ready for change in North Kildonan. Twenty years is a very long time to have one councillor," said Orvie Dingwall.