Winnipeg’s climate dictates that our infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, curbs, etc) gets eroded quickly – as anyone who has driven here knows. I would think then, that the city, province, and U of M engineering department would be aggressively collaborating in developing solutions and spinning off businesses – and who knows, maybe they are.
This week though, its a Californian company that’s making the news for their rubber sidewalk product. Made of recycled tires, they look nice, last long, don’t crack from freezing or tree roots, are easier on walker’s and runner’s feet, etc. etc. They are more expensive, but I’d be interested to see the CBA calculations.
On a higher level, though, what’s going on with this type of research here? Is it taking place? Manitoba should be the world leader in durable infrastructure research and supply.
September 25, 2006 at 10:57 pm |
I THINK THE IDEA OF RUBBER RECYCLED TIRE SIDEWALKS IS AMAZING!!!! NOT ONLY WOULD THEY ENRICH THE BEAUTY OF THE CITY (ANYTIME YOU ADD BLACK TO A ROOM, IT IS A SMART CHOICE), BUT IT IS ECONOMICAL IN THE LONG RUN. THE ONLY PROBLEM I WOULD FORESEE IS THE SUMMERS IN WINNIPEG ARE SO INTENSE WITH HEAT, THAT THE SMELL OF RUBBER WOULD BE OVERPOWERING THE BEAUTY OF NATURE ETC. AT CITY PARKS ETC. IF USED IN THAT ENVIRONMENT. AS WELL, IF CHILDREN FELL ON THE SIDEWALK THE RISK OF BURNING THEIR SKIN WOULD BE A THREAT AS THE RUBBER WOULD HEAT UP QUITE QUICKLY……