Project overview
A map of the preferred route for the Southwest Winnipeg transmission improvement project, colour coded by construction phase.
Enlarge image: A map of the construction areas, colour-coded by phase.
Manitoba Hydro rebuilt several of our 115kV transmission lines in the southwest Winnipeg area to improve reliability. This involved replacing transmission towers and power lines in 3 phases, over 2 years, as well as upgrades at La Verendrye, Harrow, St. Vital and Mohawk Stations.
This project will improve reliability for customers in south and central Winnipeg by reducing the risk of transmission line overloads during peak usage in the summer. The project will also help us meet international requirements by reducing line overloads.
Sections of the lines were replaced run along Abinojii Mikanah (formerly Bishop Grandin Boulevard) and the Awasisak Mēskanow Trail East (formerly Bishop Grandin Trail). These areas are used by cyclists, pedestrians, and those who live in the area. In an effort to reduce impacts including access to the trails, the project was completed in phases and nearby residents and trail users were notified of trail closures during construction.
Throughout construction some trees on the existing right-of-way were trimmed or removed for safety reasons, and to comply with international reliability standards. Since construction has since been completed, new vegetation that is suitable for the area and won’t pose a risk to our infrastructure will be planted along the right-of-way.
How to participate
Engagement for this project began in early 2023, where we have been sharing project information and updates with residents, trail users, the City of Winnipeg, the Bishop Grandin Greenway Committee, and other interested parties. The engagement for this project was tied to the project construction phases. As construction activities moved between phases, we adjusted the interested parties we engaged based on the geographic extent of the active construction work.
Some of the engagement methods included:
- Field visits and in person meetings
- Webpages, social media, e-campaigns, and virtual information sessions
- Postcards, phone calls and emails
- Signage along the preferred project route
Some of the concerns we heard included the following:
- Impacts to local residents, especially those that use the Abinojii Mikanah greenway, bike paths or pedestrian infrastructure.
- Proximity of construction work to schools, cemeteries and health centers.
- Requests for information regarding any detours to accommodate the road closures.
We thank everyone who provided their feedback and participated in the engagement process for this project. While our formal engagement process has ended, we remain open and responsive to any questions or concerns that may arise. You can reach us by email at projects@hydro.mb.ca or by phone at 1-877-343-1631.
Timeline
- project approval — May 2013
- construction Phase 1: La Verendrye Station to Mohawk Station — June–October 2023
- construction Phase 2: Stafford Station to Harrow Station — September 2023–June 2024
- construction Phase 3: St. Vital Station to Mohawk Station — October 2023–November 2024
- post construction site rehabilitation and revegetation — Summer 2025
Resources
Additional information on the project is available from these resources:
Project Information Postcard (PDF, 921 KB)