PN2008 WINNIPEG
Planning in Challenging Climates
Planners Network Conference
July 17-20, 2008
WINNIPEG
Winnipeg and Manitoba have long histories with struggles for social justice. The city was the site of Canada's best known general strike in 1919. It played significant roles in the development of the co-operative movement in the mid-twentieth century. This led to the formation of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) a political party that supported farmers and workers, and called for public health insurance, public housing, and public ownership of major industries. In the early 1960s, with the Canadian Labour Congress, the CCF became the New Democratic Party - and Manitoba is currently the only province with an NDP government. There is strong history of community economic development in the city, and it is known for its high rate of volunteerism and its vibrant arts culture.
The region is also known for its long winters. Unfortunately this is not the only challenging climate faced by progressive planners and advocates for social and environmental justice. The pervasive neo-liberal climate has undermined social programs; sprawl has created a climate intolerant to active transportation, and competes with the downtown core for amenities; and the growing aboriginal population struggles to overcome a history of oppression.
INFORMATION FOR CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS
As you plan your trip to Winnipeg for the conference, here's some information that might help you out along the way.
Location
The University of Manitoba is located in the south end of Winnipeg. It is approximately 30 minutes by bus from downtown. The campus is relatively self-contained, and is about a 20 minute walk from Pembina Highway, the nearest shopping area. There are some restaurants and services available on campus (click here for more information).
Getting to the University of Manitoba from the airport
Bus: Take the 15 Sargent downtown (get a transfer from the driver), and get off at Portage Avenue and Vaughan Street. Walk south one block to Graham and Vaughan, and get on the 60 Pembina. This will take you directly to the university. The total trip will take 1 to 1.5 hours. (See here for more information about getting around Winnipeg by public transit).
Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. To take a taxi from the airport to the University of Manitoba campus will take about 30 minutes, and will cost $30-40.
Getting around the University of Manitoba
For a map of the University of Manitoba campus, see here.
Getting around Winnipeg
Winnipeg has a good bus system, and it's easy to use. Fares are $2.25 cash, or $19.50 for 10 tickets (available at some grocery stores and pharmacies (i.e. Safeway, Shopper's Drug Mart); ask for a transfer when you get on, and you can use it for the next hour (in any direction).
For more information on bus schedules, see Winnipeg Transit. Use Navigo to get tailored directions and bus times - it's very easy and very well organized, and will provide clear directions along with a map.
Weather
For up to date weather, check here . The weather can change quickly, so check often!
Temperatures in July in Winnipeg average 26C (79F) during the day, 15C (55F) at night. It's usually sunny, and the days are long (see City Life ).
Things to bring
You might find it helpful to bring:
- A sweater or light jacket; also light clothes (the temperature can be hot or cold, and can change throughout the day - dress in layers!)
- An umbrella
- Canadian money
- Insect repellent
- Walking shoes
- Sunblock
Things to do
There are many things to see and do in Winnipeg. Here are a few to get you started:
Facilities near the University of Manitoba
Some services are available in the University Centre, on the University of Manitoba campus. Degrees is a restaurant serving tasty, healthy, affordable food and drinks. There is a post office located in the pharmacy across from the bookstore; there is also a variety store, G.P.A.'s, on the same floor. These will have limited hours during the summer months, and may not be open on the weekend.
On Pembina Highway, about a twenty minute walk from campus (see map), there are a number of additional services and shops. Just north of Markham Road, there is a Safeway supermarket (2155 Pembina Highway), a Shoppers' Drugstore (2211 Pembina Highway) and a PharmaPlus Drugmart with a post office (2271 Pembina Highway). Pembina Fine Wines is located at 2099 Pembina Highway, and beer can be purchased from the vendor at the back of Monty's (2280 Pembina Hwy).
There is a walk-in health clinic located at 2-2077 Pembina Highway; in cases of emergency, Victoria General Hospital (2340 Pembina Highway) has an Emergency Room.
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