Jets fans gather at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street in Winnipeg in April 2015. (David Lipnowski/The Canadian Press)
WINNIPEG — If you’re going to choose your battles based on how CAA Manitoba members feeling about something, opening up Portage and Main shouldn’t be one of them.
That’s the response of 60 percent of members of the automobile club when it comes to taking down the barricades at Winnipeg’s busiest intersection.
“Not surprisingly, survey results show traffic congestion and pedestrian safety are top concerns at Portage and Main, and the majority of our members worry it will worsen if the barricades are removed,” said Mike Mager, president of CAA Manitoba.
CAA Manitoba polled nearly 1,500 members, and found the majority would be concerned for pedestrian safety if people can cross at Portage and Main.
A Probe Research poll found more favourable results in opening up the intersection among younger people. However, only 20 percent of CAA members aged 18 to 29 agreed pedestrians should cross.
Less than one in four members also agreed Mayor Brian Bowman has done enough public consultation on the issue.
