Royal MTC names new associate AD

Plan being developed to tackle drug use, homelessness near church

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham says a plan is in the works to address growing concerns over drug use and homelessness around an Osborne Village church after complaints from a nearby daycare, residents and businesses.

Gillingham said his senior adviser on homelessness, Jarred Baker, met with people in the area on Friday and was expected to provide a report later Monday outlining what was discussed and potential next steps.

Craig Wynands, executive director of 1JustCity, confirmed someone from the city met with Oak Table’s site lead, Thomas van der Krogt. Wynands also said he met Monday with officials from Augustine Centre and SPLASH Child Care.

“We discussed safety measures and increasing staff presence around the premises of the building,” he said. “1JustCity will be hiring additional staff to patrol the property regularly during the day.”

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.

CUPE leader Delbridge dies

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.

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.