The city's executive policy committee has ordered another report on re-opening Portage and Main to pedestrian traffic.

The site closed to foot traffic 35 years ago, under a 40-year agreement with property owners of an underground shopping mall at the site. But that contract expires in 2019 and Mayor Brian Bowman has since pledged to re-open the intersection to pedestrians.

Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) said the site is Winnipeg's most iconic and famous intersection and needs to be open to pedestrians to revitalize the city's core.

"We have a Berlin Wall in our downtown that we can tear down. Wouldn't that be fantastic?" asked Gerbasi.

Previous such reports have not resulted in the re-opening but the political will to make the change has apparently shifted.

"It's the option of giving them back the most famous intersection in Canada at street level," said Bowman.

Downtown business leaders also spoke in favour of the change.

"It will add life to our sidewalks in ways that only people walking around can," said Stefano Grande, executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. "We can make Portage and Main safe and efficient."

The motion still requires council approval.

joyanne.pursaga@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @pursagawpgsun