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WINNIPEG — Proponents for a pedestrian-friendly Portage and Main have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help amplify their cause ahead of this fall’s municipal election.

The Vote Open initiative is aiming to raise $100,000 for a public information campaign to argue the benefits of tearing down the barriers at Winnipeg’s iconic downtown intersection. The movement is being spearheaded by the Coalition for Portage & Main — a community group made up of volunteers, individuals, businesses and organizations who want to boost economic development at the intersection.

A plebiscite on whether or not the city should open the intersection will make its way onto the ballot, leaving it up to citizens to decide what happens. Portage and Main was closed to pedestrians in 1979, relegating foot traffic underground to navigate the long and winding tunnels below to cross the other side.

In the campaign’s first three hours on Wednesday, more than $1,000 was raised. As of Thursday morning, about $2,300 had been raised. Funds will be used for advertising, rallies, signage and other communications efforts associated with the campaign.