Fed up with potholes? The city is too.
That’s why provincial Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Doyle Piwniuk, was in Selkirk recently to survey the condition of provincial roads – Manitoba Avenue west of Main Street to Easton Drive, all of Main Street, Easton Drive, Eaton Avenue from Main to Eveline – as well as the Selkirk Bridge.
“We’re pleased that Minister Piwniuk took the time to visit Selkirk and look at the condition these roads are in and met with Council Representatives to discuss our communities needs and our Citizen’s expectations,” said Mayor Larry Johannson.
“While we appreciate the fact that the province has a long-term vision for its roads and infrastructure in Selkirk and acknowledges there is a need to make investments in the city, action really needs to be taken now on some critical repair work. They really are in bad shape.”
City actively filling potholes on city streets, asking Province to do the same
The city has received numerous calls through CitizenSupport for pothole repairs throughout the city, and when they are on city streets, city crews repair them.
“The city team has been actively filling potholes and it’s been a busy year. The late freeze/thaw cycle and the amount of wet weather we’ve received has made this a particularly challenging year,” said CAO Duane Nicol.
“But we are working hard to address the issue. Citizens can and have been helpful in identifying where potholes are. While staff proactively identify potholes, Citizens reporting potholes to the city can speed up the timeline for repair. If you see a pothole, contact CitizenSupport by phone, email or by filling out a ticket online or using MySelkirk Connect, our mobile app. It can be done right on your phone and it will be put on the repair list. A city crew will get out and fill the hole as part of the next batch.”
Most reports of potholes on Provincial roads
Most of the pothole reports that come in, however, are on provincial roads, like Manitoba and Main Street. These streets are provincial highways and are managed by the provincial government. Reports of potholes on provincial roads should directed to the province at 1-866-626-4862 Email: [email protected]
“It’s not appropriate for the city to go on to provincial lands and do work, for a few reasons,” Nicol said.
“Beyond the liability issues it creates it adds additional cost to Selkirk taxpayers because they’ve already paid their provincial taxes and that’s what those provincial taxes are for. Citizens would be paying twice for that work, through their property tax and through their provincial taxes.”
Nicol said Council sent a letter to the Minister Piwniuk reiterating the dire condition of the provincial roads located within the city’s boundaries and has even offered to have the city do the repairs, with an agreement in place that provided permission, mitigated liability and ensured the city would be reimbursed by the province so Selkirk taxpayers aren’t paying twice for the service.
“The Minister and council recognize the strategic importance of provincial infrastructure within our city. There are investments to be made here in Selkirk and the minister seems committed to working with the city in the long-term to get these infrastructure deficits addressed,” Nicol said.
“We’re committed to keeping the dialogue on long-term investments going and the letter ensures our needs are on the list and top of mind for the minister. But for the pothole repairs that are required immediately, our request is very targeted. This is basic repair work that needs to be done ASAP. The potholes are having a detrimental impact on businesses and Citizens who are trying to use the roadways and it’s causing damage to their vehicles.”
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Reports of potholes on provincial roads should directed to the province at 1-866-626-4862 Email: [email protected]
