Creating Safer Streets in Wolseley: The Need for a Signalized Crossing at Westminster & Ethelbert
Wolseley is a unique and vibrant neighbourhood, full of families, schools, and community connection.
Over the past few years, our streets have undergone several changes — most notably with the
development of the Wolseley Greenway, designed to promote active transportation and a greener,
more walkable neighbourhood.
However, with progress often comes the need to adapt, and one area that clearly needs our attention is
Westminster Avenue near Ethelbert Street.
As your City Councillor for Daniel McIntyre, I have submitted a motion to the City Centre Community
Committee urging action on this very issue. The motion calls for the installation of a four-way signalized
traffic control system at or near Westminster and Ethelbert to improve pedestrian safety and calm
vehicle traffic.
Why This Intersection Matters
Westminster Avenue has seen a noticeable increase in traffic since the implementation of the
Greenway. More drivers are now using it as a primary route, and residents have raised ongoing concerns especially about the safety of crossing the road near Arlington Street and Ethelbert Street.
This isn’t just a traffic issue — it’s a community safety issue.
– Children walking to nearby schools, including Wolseley School, are regularly crossing at this
intersection.
– Families rely on the Montessori school on Ethelbert and the daycare on Arlington, both of
which are in close proximity.
– Pedestrians of all ages use Westminster to move through the community, whether heading to
the park, local shops, or bus routes.
– And importantly, the curve in the street reduces visibility — creating a serious risk for
pedestrians and drivers alike.
What Residents Are Saying
I’ve heard directly from many of you — parents, teachers, seniors, cyclists, and concerned neighbours —
who’ve experienced or witnessed near misses at this intersection. The fear is real, and the desire for
proactive safety measures is clear.
This intersection doesn’t just connect roads; it connects people, and we need to treat it with the same
care we give to the rest of our community spaces.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
This is just one piece of a broader commitment to making our neighbourhoods safer and more
accessible. If you’d like to support this initiative or share your own experience with crossing at
Westminster and Ethelbert, I’d love to hear from you. Community voices matter — and together, we can
continue building a safer Wolseley for everyone.
Agenda – City Centre Community Committee – April 7, 2025
REPORTS Item No. 8 Pedestrian Crossing on Westminster Avenue (Daniel McIntyre Ward)
Councillor Gilroy, Daniel McIntyre Ward, has submitted the following motion to the City Centre
Community Committee for consideration:
AND WHEREAS the Wolseley neighbourhood has gone through lots of traffic transition over the last couple of
years;
AND WHEREAS the addition of the Wolsey Greenway has led to more traffic on Westminster Avenue;
AND WHEREAS the community has shared ongoing concerns regarding the safety of crossing
Westminster Avenue south of Arlington Street;
AND Whereas there are many children that walk to neighborhood schools and are having to cross
Westminster Avenue;
AND WHEREAS there is also a Montessori on Ethelbert Street and the daycare on Arlington Street;
AND WHEREAS this is a high pedestrian area that connects the community;
AND WHEREAS there is a natural curve in the street which adds to the potential safety concerns that has
caused many near misses which motivates the community to seek traffic calming and safer crossing
access.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Centre Community Committee recommend to the Standing
Policy Committee on Public Works that the Winnipeg Public Service be directed to install a four way
signalized traffic control system near Ethelbert Street and Westminster
