The board of directors of Winnipeg Trails Association have written an open letter why our organization wholeheartedly supports the opening of Portage and Main to pedestrians.
Our position on Portage and Main
Share The Chair: Try a Wheelchair at Portage and Main
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 9 2018
Contact: Anders Swanson or Allen Mankewich
Telephone: 204-797-1962 or 204-792-7510
E-mail: info@winnipegtrails.ca
Website: WinnipegTrails.ca
Who: Winnipeg Trails Association, with Anders Swanson and Allen Mankewich
What: A public shared wheelchair will be launched. The public is invited to see how long it takes, see how it feels to cross Portage and Main using a mobility aid and the share their experience on social media.
Where: 201 Portage Plaza – Portage and Main
When: Wednesday October
10:00 am – Brief speeches and interview
10:15 am – photo/video first try for the public
Why: Voters in the upcoming civic election may not realize that they will be making important decisions about fundamental transportation principles in Winnipeg. Universal and accessible design is important to all of us. We are inviting members of the public to start the clock and try navigating Portage and Main. This one-of-a-kind challenge asks the public \see first-hand that not all intersections are created equal. A normal crossing at street level can take less than 20 seconds. Try the chair. See how it compares. The wheelchair will be available for the public to try until October 24th.
About: Winnipeg Trails is an education, advocacy and research organization that focuses on connecting urban trails, placemaking, walkable, bikeable cities and universal design.
Annual General Meeting, 2018
The Winnipeg Trails Association is pleased to announce the 2018 Annual General Meeting will be held on September 27th at The Forks Market starting at 6:30 pm. Look for the “private” function in the south aisle of the main market building.
Before the AGM (optional):
We will meet at the Forks Canopy at 3:30pm to conduct a Community Trail Count: anyone with a smart phone can participate from any place they choose. (If you already know how CounterPoint app works, or just want to count somewhere near you, feel free to join from anywhere in Winnipeg!)
The meeting part of the evening will run from 6:30- 7:00 and be followed by a Mix & Mingle. After the meeting we will be walk/biking to a special location for refreshments and a film screening!
AGENDA:
AGM Date: September 27th 2018
Trail Count: 3:00-5:30pm
AGM Time: 6:30 – 7:00 pm
Mix-and-Mingle: 7:00-7:30pm
Secret location pop-up film screening: til late
RSVP by Sept 21st by emailing coordinator@winnipegtrails.ca.
If you are would like to volunteer for the Community Trail Count, or would simply like more details, click here!
And of course, if would like to get involved with Winnipeg Trails – as a volunteer, supporter or board member, get in touch and ask us how!
August 16th – “Along the Creek” Collaborative Art Project Launch Along the Bunn’s Creek Trail
Sharing a message from Winnipeg Arts Council, City of Winnipeg and our friends in the northeast and the stewards of the Bunn’s Creek Trail:
Join us tomorrow between 6-9 to kick off this really neat art project that some of the youth from Knowles helped create with the help of Becky Thiessen and the Winnipeg Arts Council as well as the City of Winnipeg.
The exhibit will be displayed between Aug 16th and 29th with the final project being displayed along Bunn’s Creek Trail in September.
Hope to see you!
___
We Are Hiring! Summer 2018
Work with Winnipeg Trails!
We are currently hiring summer students.
**Not a student? Despair not. Apply anyway! See bottom**
We are looking for 5 high school, college or university students planning to return in the fall who want to work from the best “office” in Winnipeg… our growing network of trails and protected bike lanes!
Are you interested in a modern city? Do you like learning more about how cities plan for cycling and walking and accessibility and doing something about it?
Do you have a passion for the future of Winnipeg and its people?
Do you like nature, urban landscapes or spending time outdoors?
Do you like citizen science, city planning or helping people?
Are you social media savvy?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might be a great fit.
Keep reading.
All applicants must be:
(a) between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
(b) registered as a full-time student during the preceding academic year;
(c) intending to return to school on a full-time basis during the next academic year;
(d) a student in a secondary, post-secondary, CEGEP (Quebec only), vocational or technical program;
(e) a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act* and;
(f) legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations
We are hiring three (3) Trails Analysts, one (1) Junior Analyst, and one (1) Project Coordinator to work with us over the summer.
Some of the work will include use of mobile applications to communicate. All applicants should have access to a working smartphone, ideally both platforms or iOS only. Extra battery packs are handy.
All applicants should be familiar with Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, the CounterPoint app for counting traffic, and our own Winnipeg Trails app.
Timeline: Short term positions representing 8 weeks @ 30hrs/week between now and September 2018. Exact work hours and vacation time are flexible and negotiable, depending on start date and needs of project.
Workplace: Work will be carried out on site on trails throughout Winnipeg, and/or at home and/or at our headquarters in South Point Douglas.
How To Apply:
- Review the Job Descriptions below.
- Write a short email indicating which position you are applying for and describing why you think you would be a good fit for the position to coordinator@winnipegtrails.ca with the subject line “Summer 2018 Job Application”, and attach a brief resume.
- Apply as soon as possible.
___
Trails Analyst Job Description
Winnipeg Trails is seeking trails analysts to help us better understand, communicate and disseminate the findings of the projects we undertake. Analysts will have a mixture of design skill and data analysis abilities. Analysts should have a strong interest in sustainable transportation principles and culture shift, and be ready to collect data in the field.
Analysts will be responsible for:
Collecting, Manipulating and analysing data.
Developing project-related communications materials.
Engaging members of the public.
Coordinating with other workers.
Using active and sustainable transportation when possible. (cycling, walking, skiing – a working bicycle, handcycle or related vehicle is an asset).
Analysts may be responsible for:
Conducting surveys.
Testing surveys for accessibility and user-friendliness,
Website content management.
The ideal candidate(s) will have:
Excellent communication skills, including social media skills.
Understanding of planning and engineering fields.
Good visual communications skills (Photography, Design).
High degree of organization.
Wage: $17/hr
___
Junior Analyst Job Description
Winnipeg Trails is seeking Junior Analysts/Surveyors to help us better understand, communicate, and disseminate the findings of the projects we undertake. Junior Analysts should have a strong interest in sustainable transportation principles and culture shift, and be ready to talk to the public and collect data in the field.
Junior Analysts will be responsible for:
Setting up and taking down the surveying site and equipment.
Engaging members of the public to complete intercept surveys.
Conducting active transportation traffic counts in vicinity of the survey site.
Collecting data on the quality of the built environment,
Keeping equipment in good working order.
Using active transportation to and from surveying sites when possible. (cycling, walking, skiing – a working bicycle, handcycle or related vehicle is an asset),.
The ideal candidate(s) will have:
Excellent communication skills, including social media skills.
Visual communications skills (Photography, Design).
A high degree of organization.
An interest in what Winnipeg Trails does, and a strong motivation to learn more.
Wage: $11.15/hr
The ideal candidate for this position is likely in, or has just completed High School.
___
Project Coordinator Job Description
Winnipeg Trails is seeking coordinators to run a diversity of projects in the fields of art, design, planning, research and communications. Our work revolved around developing sustainable transportation infrastructure and culture. Coordinators will work with the executive director, board, artists, designers, experts, regular staff and volunteers to ensure projects are carried on time and on budget.
Coordinators will be responsible for:
Project Management.
Working with artists and designers.
Engaging members of the public.
Working with the executive director to plan and implement projects.
Event planning.
Coordinating workers and volunteers.
Using active transportation to complete work activities when possible. (cycling, walking, skiing, wheelchair – a working bicycle, handcycle or related vehicle is an asset).
Coordinators may be responsible for:
Website content management.
Media relations.
Social media communications.
Working with planners and engineers.
Meetings with professionals and elected officials.
Strategic planning.
Budgeting.
Mapping.
The ideal candidate(s) will have:
Excellent communication skills, including social media skills.
Financial skills.
Visual communications skills (Photography, Design) are an asset.
High degree of organization.
Wage: $20/hr
___
*We are always looking to hire great people and often have positions available that do not require that you meet the Canada Summer Jobs requirements. In fact, we could possible use your specialized skills and ideas. Write us a letter. Send us a resume. Tell what you can do and why you’d like to make a difference!
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
A series of group guided walks exploring hidden places and beautiful instances of nature in our backyard. Come connect with the plants, animals, mushrooms and lichen that share our city. Join us!
Starts on International Trails Day June 2nd and continues through the summer.
Come learn more, meet new people and practice for a big “BioWalk” (species count) being planned for a truly special International Trails Day in June of 2019.
We are lucky to welcome experts and keen enthusiasts about urban issues, botany, ecology and more as your guides. But you do not need to be an expert or know much to participate. Come ask questions, interact and get involved.
All events and updates are posted to Facebook. Check in there or get at us on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #WalkOnTheWildSide. All walk should go ahead regardless of weather so dress appropriately. Snacks and drinks provided. All events are FREE.
Big thanks to support from the City of Winnipeg.
Lifestyle Research Program is Recruiting
The Manitoba Personalized Lifestyle Research (TMPLR) Program is looking to recruit 800
Manitobans for a study looking at how genetics, lifestyle and microbiota interact to
influence the development of chronic diseases.
For more information and contact details, please see below.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Anyone who is between 30-46 years of age and has lived in Manitoba for at least 5 years.
WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS DO?
Participants come for 2 assessments (2 hours each on 2 consecutive days) at the
Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals at the University of Manitoba,
or to TMPLR’s mobile research unit. Remuneration is provided.
Assessments include:
• blood pressure
• body scan to measure lean mass, fat mass and bone density
• blood and urine samples for biomarker analysis
• stool sample for gut microbiome analysis
• DNA sample for genetic analysis
• physical activity test on an exercise bike
• activity monitor for one week to assess day-to-day physical activity & sleep
• questionnaires about current lifestyle and childhood experiences
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING?
The research team will provide participants with their information from the measurements
performed such as the body scan, blood pressure and strength test. Participants will also
be remunerated for their participation in the trial. Finally, we hope the information from
this study will benefit Manitobans in prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic
syndrome, cardiovascular disease and kidney diseases.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US:
TMPLRtrial [AT] umanitoba.ca • t: 204 480.1042 / 204 298.5483
or visit //TMPLR.ca
Benchmark 2018 – Call For Proposals Now Out!
Along with our partners at StorefrontMB, we are proud to announce round two of BenchMARK – a unique place-making competition for designers – is underway. Make your mark on Winnipeg. This time, BenchMARK will be adding two new installations along trails in beautiful Transcona. See more info about the locations and full competition guidelines here (PDF).
Huge thanks to both the City of Winnipeg and the Transcona BIZ for making this possible.
We are Hiring! Fall 2017
*November 22 Update
Thank you to all applicants for your interest in Winnipeg Trails!
We have now completed our hiring process. Successful applicants will have heard back about the position.
___
Work with Winnipeg Trails this Fall/Winter!
We are looking for up to 6 people who want to work from the best “office” in Winnipeg—our growing network of trails and protected bike lanes!
Are you interested in a modern city? Do you like learning more about how cities plan for cycling and walking and accessibility and doing something about it?
Do you have a passion for the future of Winnipeg and its people?
Do you like nature, urban landscapes or spending time outdoors?
Do you like citizen science, city planning or helping people?
Are you social media savvy?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might be a great fit.
Keep reading.
We are hiring up to six (6) Trails Surveyors to work with us over the Fall and upcoming Winter.
How To Apply:
- Review the Job Descriptions below.
- Write a short email describing why you think you would be a good fit for the position to coordinator@winnipegtrails.ca with the subject line “Winter Job Application” and attach a brief resume.
- Apply as soon as possible.
___
Surveyor Job Description
Wage: $17/hr
Timeline: Short term position representing approximately 16 weeks @ 7.5hrs/week between now and April 2017. Exact work hours will be subject to other team member’s availability, but expect 2-3 shifts a week taking place in the evening, afternoon, and/or weekend. There is a potential to extend contract for next 3 years.
Workplace: Work will be carried out in teams of two on site on urban trails throughout Winnipeg, and/or at home and/or at our HQ in the East Exchange. Some surveying will take place outdoors in Winter.
Surveyors will be responsible for:
Using active transportation to and from surveying sites. (cycling, walking, skiing – a working bicycle is an asset),
Setting up and taking down the surveying site and equipment,
Engaging members of the public to complete the intercept survey,
Conducting traffic counts using the CounterPoint app in vicinity of the survey site,
Collecting data on the quality of the built environment,
Surveyors may be responsible for:
Testing surveys for accessibility and user-friendliness,
Reviewing methods to improve future surveys.
The ideal candidate(s) will have:
Excellent communication skills,
High degree of organization,
An understanding of CounterPoint,
Education: Ideal candidate for this position is attending or just finished high school, or attending Post-Secondary (Community College, CEGEP, Technical Institute, University) studies.
Note: Some of the work will include use of mobile applications to communicate. All applicants should have access to a working smartphone, ideally both platforms or iOS only, and extra battery packs.
Applying as a team of two is welcome and encouraged.
All applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.
___
This project is in partnership with the University of Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Funding for this project is funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) and the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
International Trails Day – June 10
International Trails Day
Saturday June 10
#ITD2017
Every year we celebrate International Trails Day as a way of recognizing the contributions of trails to a community and to a city. This year our party is on the move! We want to see as much of Winnipeg’s Trails as we can and we want you there with us!
9:00am – Meet up at The Forks Market Plaza for coffee and doughnuts and head south!
10:00 – Arrival at Crampton’s market. Tune-ups and set up.
Come celebrate the first annual BenchMARK competition winner unveilings! Together with our partner StorefrontMB, we will kick off the day by celebrating the installation of two pieces designed last summer for the BENCHmark competition.
10:30 – Unveiling of Pothole Bench. We’ll hear from a few sponsors as well as the bench designer, finish any last bikes in the tune-up stand, and enjoy some tasty treats provided by Crampton’s Market. When the speeches subside, join us as we slow roll east to the next site.
11:40 – Unveiling of Scattered Spheres. Come meet the designers, learn how a new machine was invented just for these beautiful orbs and check ’em out!
THEN….
12:15 – BBQ and Meetup at Henteleff Park – Winnipeg Trails informal outdoor Summit is also the first BBQ stop for the bike jam. We’ll spend some time getting to know this place and spend time briefly recapping what Winnipeg Trails has been up to over the past year and sharing plans for the summer. We will be joined by representatives of Henteleff Park offering walking tours through the park and hear about the history of the area and the local flora and fauna
2pm – 6pm We bring the party to you! We’ll be starting up our Mobile Bike Jam Pop-Up BBQ! We’ve outfitted a cargo bike with all the fixings you need for a backyard BBQ and we’re bringing it to a trail near you!
Come along for the ride or meet us along the way! Join the event on Facebook or Twitter and watch for updates on this real time party tracker:
loading map - please wait...
Download our app. Expect to find some temporary, lucrative (in terms of points) special gems to pop up on #ITD2017 only! Last year the people with the most points won a sweet longboard at the end of the summer. Stay tuned for special announcements.
7pm – 9pm – Our day will be winding down with exciting speakers and a panel discussion at Fools+Horses where we will hear from some local experts and enthusiasts for an informal event entitled Blazing Trails: The past present and future of walking, cycling and the identity of Winnipeg.
Can’t make it to the ride but still want to celebrate International Trails Day?
Here are some ways you can join in:
Make it count. You can help us count traffic along the trails. It does not take long to become an expert in how your favourite trail gets used. Spend an hour on your phone people-watching using Green Action Centre’s made-in-Manitoba, kid-friendly traffic counting app. This is a great way to get outside and get involved. The data collected highlights which trails are being used, when they’re being used, and who is doing the using! This information helps us to build a better trail network for everyone. Winnipeg Trails staff has been counting and analyzing traffic patterns. You can contribute.
To participate, all you have to do is download the app at CounterPointApp.org. Once you are ready, join one of many counterpoints around the city or set up one of your own on a trail near you. Count what goes by, screenshot your results and share them with us on social media! We recommend anything from a 15 minute to a 2-hour count between 1pm and 3pm.
Protip: join the Winnipeg Trails team inside the app and talk to an organizer (or just send us an email saying Hi). We’d love to know who you are so we can consider using your data in our analysis.
Send us pictures of you out on the trails!
Either by Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, we want to see you out enjoying the trails in your own unique way! We would love if you would show other Winnipeggers what there may be missing. Send us pictures throughout the day with the hashtag #ITD2017 or tag us @winnipegtrails. We’ll be watching. If we see something we particularly love, don’t be surprised if you win a sweet t-shirt…
Find gems – share gems with our new app. We have been testing and refining and adding to a scavenger hunt-style Winnipeg Trails app and we think it’s pretty cool. We have added a bunch of new gems and are looking for more! Starting June 10 we will be launching our newest Gem Blast Contest! The player with the most gems at the end of the summer wins a grand prize! If you are already familiar with the app, we challenge you to suggest new gems. We know there are hundreds more out there that deserve to be shared. Tell us where they are! The world needs to know!
