WINNIPEG — Winnipeg is vying for a prominent role in North America’s transportation system and Mayor Sam Katz has a blueprint to turn the plan into a reality.

The city’s Executive Policy Committee recently received the Mayor’s Trade Council (MTC) Report recommendations, which outlines strategies for seizing trade and transportation opportunities to build infrastructure and increase private sector investment in Winnipeg.

“We need a roadmap for growth and direction of scarce infrastructure dollars that identifies long-term priorities in trade and transportation infrastructure in partnership with the public and private sector,” says Katz. “I remain committed to developing trade and transportation infrastructure for Winnipeg, and I am pleased to receive the Trade Council’s recommendations which provide council with clear concepts and action to harness our growth and potential.”

Amongst other things, the report provides an aggressive approach to guiding future capital budgets at City Hall and also facilitating economic development by cooperating with the provincial and federal governments.

Its key recommendations urge: the city and provincial governments collaborate and harmonize their trade policies; the widening of Route 90 south from the Assiniboine River to Taylor; Winnipeg support creating an inland port based at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport; trade routes connecting critical trade activity be established; Winnipeg continue to expand its role in the mid-continent trade corridor that extends south along Hwy 75 – I-20 through Kansas City, Mo. to Monterrey, Mexico; enterprise zones for tax deferral be established to encourage investment in trade activities; and local political and business leaders jointly press the federal government for required support.

“The council is unanimous in the recommendations submitted. We firmly believe that the changing dynamics of global trade, spurred by explosive growth in the Asia Pacific Rim countries, presents a unique opportunity for Winnipeg to become Canada’s centre for global trade given its transportation infrastructure assets, growing trade and geographic location,” said Chris Lorenc, chair of the MTC and president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association.

The MTC spent the last year consulting with private and public sector stakeholders to develop collaborative trade opportunities.

The province developed a plan with similar intentions – Manitoba International Gateway Strategy – a few years back. The overarching strategy is designed to position Manitoba as a transportation and distribution gateway of choice for North American mid-continent global commerce.

The Manitoba International Gateway Strategy encompasses six inter-related initiatives: Manitoba International Gateway Council, Winnipeg Inland Port, Inland Marine Container Terminal, Winnipeg Global Air Traffic Development, Churchill Gateway Development, and International Mid-Continent Trade and Transportation Corridor.