Crow ends folk fest with bang

Safe-walks program around downtown venues to launch after pleas from WSO performers

The city will provide safe walks and patrols will be increased around downtown arts venues in response to performers and staff feeling unsafe while working in the inner city.

The safety measures are part of the new Performing Arts Wayfinder Program, which will use $100,000 in funding from the mayor’s office for two additional Downtown Community Safety Partnership staff members to focus on safe walks and patrols for performers, audience members and staff.

The program is scheduled to begin in September and run through June 2027.

The initiative comes after members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra reached out to Mayor Scott Gillingham in a letter outlining their concerns about safety for musicians, other staff and their patrons.

TV lineup promises pugilism, pickleball and partying

A look ahead to They Fight, The Dink, 72 Hours, Furious, The Devil’s Mouth.

Fringe reviews #16: I need an extra show

Filthy Fakespeare, Just You and Me, The Review, Serious Comedy, This Is, You Are Happy, Real Grilfriend, Push Your Wheelchair

CUPE leader Delbridge dies

Winnipeg union leader Gord Delbridge has died.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 announced Tuesday its president had died Monday night after a sudden medical incident. He was 55 years old.

His colleagues described him as a friend, mentor and “staunch trade unionist” who fought against the privatization of public work.

“Winnipeg meant everything to Gord, and I really do feel like Gord should mean everything to Winnipeg,” CUPE Manitoba president Gina McKay told reporters Tuesday as she wiped away tears.

Nearly one in four watercraft fail inspection during roadside blitz to prevent aquatic pests

More than 120 watercraft failed a roadside inspection over the weekend aimed at slowing the spread of aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels.

The inspections were conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in partnership with the Manitoba government between July 19 and 21 on the Trans-Canada Highway at the Manitoba-Ontario border. It was the second roadside blitz of the summer season.

One of the 455 vehicles transporting 502 watercraft or related equipment had visible zebra mussels present. Inspectors found 120 watercraft were not cleaned, drained, or dried and failed the inspection. Thirteen watercraft required decontamination.

“Healthy lakes and rivers are essential to the communities that rely on them. Through joint inspection efforts with the Government of Manitoba, we are working to protect those waters from aquatic invasive species and preserve Canada’s freshwater ecosystems for generations to come,” federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said in a news release.

City dermatologist penalized again for misconduct

A longtime Winnipeg dermatologist was forced to reduce the scope of his practice after pursuing a relationship with a female patient and seeing another without a required chaperone while his office was normally closed.

In a June 30 decision, a College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba inquiry panel said it was concerned with Dr. Earl Minuk’s level of contrition and future compliance.

“Dr. Minuk’s misconduct is serious and concerning,” the disciplinary decision said. “As noted in the submissions of CPSM, Dr. Minuk’s misconduct involved professional boundary violations with patients, which strike at the core of the trust that is expected in the physician-patient relationship.”

Minuk, during clinical encounters, offered gifts and trips while pursuing a personal, romantic or sexual relationship with a female patient, referred to as “Patient B,” the decision said.