The Social Page

AI usage is prominent in Winnipeg’s municipal race, and it’s likely here to stay

Winnipeg voters may have noticed an uncanny sheen to aspects of certain mayoral campaigns this year.

Social media images and text a little too synthetically smooth — or, in some cases, downright surreal.

“This is the new normal. Everyone needs to accept that there is going to be rampant AI use by political parties … it’s the speed of adoption that’s been so disorienting,” says Aengus Bridgman, a former Winnipegger and assistant professor at McGill University whose research addresses the intersection of artificial intelligence and democracy.

“(Generative-AI use in elections) ranges from innocent fun to augmenting an under-resourced campaign to pretty clear examples of misleading.”

Is Osborne a street or a road? ‘Stroad’ status fails everyone

Last month, the City of Winnipeg said it would soon begin to study ways to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety along Osborne Street, which runs between two of the city’s densest neighbourhoods, where residents walk and bike for many of their daily activities.

Frustration on menu as St. James construction drags on

Nearly four months of construction outside the front door of a longtime Portage Avenue restaurant has driven away customers and left its owner struggling to cover operating expenses.

Builder beefs up security after string of blazes

A Winnipeg builder said he’s had to beef up security around his developments after one of his projects sustained significant damage Wednesday in suspected arson cases.