Coun. Russ Wyatt seeks delay of Waverley underpass plan

TransconaCouncillor Russ Wyatt wants to put the $155-million Waverley Street underpass project and the widening of Marion Street on hold until a task force, headed by former Quebec premier Jean Charest, examines the idea ofrelocating rail yards out of Winnipeg.

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Wyattwill present a notice of motion tomorrow at City Council. The notice was seconded by MynarskiCouncillor Ross Eadieandwill be debated next month.

"We've had a massive change here since March of last year when Council adopted the Building Canada priorities," said Wyatt on Tuesday.Building Canada is a multi-billion fundcreated by the former federalgovernment.

"Let's put a hold on anything to do with railways or grade separations because that could be throwing good money after bad," saidWyatt.

He suggests instead the city prioritize the Chief PeguisTrail MainStreetextension to Route 90 and the widening of Kenaston Boulevard, which do not involve railseparations, before the WaverleyStreet and Marion Street projects.

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"I'm taking the Premier and the Mayor and Mr. Charest at their word, which they are committed to having these rail lines relocated out of the city," said Wyatt.

Arguing rail relocation could take decades is a "defeatist attitude," he added.