Winnipeg disability advocates in favour of reopening Portage and Main to pedestrian traffic [Video]

Disability advocates are looking forward to the possibility of Winnipeg’s iconic intersection reopening to pedestrians.

On Friday, Winnipeg mayor Scott Gillingham announced his plan to reopen Portage and Main to pedestrians by summer 2025.

The Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) and Barrier-Free Manitoba said the move will make the intersection more accessible and easier to navigate.

“I’m kind of excited for it to reopen,” said MLPD executive director Melissa Graham. “I think it would be a big step towards bringing greater accessibility and inclusion to downtown and to the city.”

“It’s a way to tell people with disabilities they’re welcome in our downtown.”

Barrier-Free Manitoba spokesperson David Kron said his organization has been advocating reopening Portage and Main for some time.

“It really makes life a lot easier if we could just cross without having to go through the circus and try to find if the doors are …