Toronto council approves pilot project to allow alcohol consumption in 27 parks

Duo accused in random Osborne Village attacks no strangers to police

A man arrested following a violent, random attack on two men in Osborne Village late Sunday night was released from jail a week earlier after a dozen charges, including crimes of violence, were stayed against him, court records show.

A man in his 40s was sent to hospital in critical condition and another man in his 20s in stable condition following separate attacks shortly before midnight in the vicinity of River Avenue and Osborne Street.

Police have charged Reginald Owen, 26, and Meaghan Owen, 32, both from Little Grand Rapids, with assault with a weapon and aggravated assault. They both remain in custody.

Court records show Reginald Owen was sentenced Sept. 24 to 30 days time served after pleading guilty to simple possession of magic mushrooms. Owen remained in custody until the following day when he was set to apply for bail on charges including assault, sexual assault, choking to overcome resistance, pointing a firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Gov. Gen. Arbour embarks on first official visit to Manitoba

Arbour’s three-day stop in Winnipeg and Gimli will focus on activities related to civil engagement, youth and reconciliation

MPI lowers speed limit on tech upgrade with ‘IT roadmap’ following Project Nova debacle

Manitoba Public Insurance is now using an “IT road map” and phasing in new technology and systems after pulling the plug last year on its failed $164-million overhaul known as Project Nova, its annual report says.

Waiver wire pickup leads Jets to victory in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – Now that’s a positive first impression.

The Winnipeg Jets swept a two-game road trip, thanks in part to Clay (Mud) Stevenson making 30 saves in his debut with the team that claimed him off waivers one week earlier.

Stevenson was excellent in a 3-2 victory for the Jets over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night at PPG Paints Arena.

“He obviously made some big big stops, right up to the end of the game there,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel. “He was real solid and confident and looked comfortable. It was great to see a kid come in here like that, a new organization late in training camp. He came as advertised.”

Toronto council approves alcohol in parks pilot

Toronto residents will be allowed to consume alcohol in a select number of parks in the coming months after city council approved a time-limited pilot program.

The pilot project will run from Aug. 2 to Oct. 9, and allow those 19 and older to drink alcohol at 27 selected parks across the city.

They include Queen's Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park and Corktown Common in downtown Toronto, with a number of parks added to the original proposed list, including east-end McCleary Park and west-end Cedarvale Park.

Municipal staff told council that drinking in parks has not been a major issue in the past three years, since the earliest stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and most residents drink in parks respectfully and responsibly.