Two local acts make Polaris Prize long list

Three hospitalized after house fire on St. Johns Avenue

Three people were sent to hospital after a fire at a two-storey home in Winnipeg’s St. Johns neighbourhood Thursday night.

The fire was reported at a home on the 300 block of St. Johns Avenue at 10:16 p.m., a city news release Friday said.

Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home upon arrival and began a defensive attack. They were able to get inside the house once conditions allowed and declared the blaze under control by 11:01 p.m

The occupants of the North End home escaped before crews arrived. Paramedics treated three people at the scene. Two were taken to hospital in unstable condition and one was in critical condition.

Jets’ Hellebuyck trade request marks pivotal moment for the franchise

Connor Hellebuyck has broken his silence in an effort to expedite his departure from the Winnipeg Jets.

In a statement released by agent Ray Petkau on Thursday afternoon, Hellebuyck confirmed he has asked to be moved by the team that chose him in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL draft.

“I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That’s the day the Winnipeg Jets took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, Texas. I gave everything I had from that moment to prove the Jets made the right decision,” Hellebuyck said in the statement.

“Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully, while giving the organization time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

Winnipeg-based Probe Research acquired by Abacus Data

The results are in: Winnipeg-based market research firm Probe Research has been acquired.

One-hundred per cent of leadership reported being happy with the deal, which sees Probe joining Abacus Data as it seeks to expand nationally.

“This is … the best of both worlds,” said Mary Agnes Welch, a Probe Research partner. “We at Probe get to stay doing the things we’ve always loved to do for Manitobans, but we now get to take those perspectives to the national level.”

Probe Research counts government entities, non-profits and credit unions among its clients. It’s published thousands of surveys during its 32-year tenure, Welch said.

Owners, agents reviewing bids to purchase Fort Garry Hotel

Downtown Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Hotel is a step closer to a potential sale.

Manitoba Hydro’s strategy: Deny, deny, deny

Here’s a good story…

A man walks into your office and says, “Have I got a deal for you! I want $3 billion (plus perhaps a bit more) to build you something that you might use three or even four times a year, for maybe 30-60 hours each time. Sign here.”

You might respond… “and I’ve got a lovely bridge for sale…”

That is exactly what Manitoba Hydro wants — $3 billion or more, plus the fossil fuel bonus for peak load events that happen a few times each year. They assure us that the gas turbines will only be used very occasionally. At the same time, they tell us that we are headed for a crisis of energy supply by 2030.

Doctor pays $500K to revamp courtyard at care home where he works

Fifty years after Dr. Pravinsagar Mehta began caring for residents at Actionmarguerite, a courtyard he had long watched deteriorate is getting a new life after he and his wife committed $500,000 to its redevelopment and long-term maintenance.