Committee delegates draw councillors into book-banning debate

A call to ban books with sexual content from public libraries or remove them from children’s sections sparked some heated debate at city hall Wednesday.

Several delegates at Wednesday’s community services committee meeting urged councillors to ban the books or relegate them to adult or young-adult sections in libraries.

The books included such titles as It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris and Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human (A Graphic Novel) by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan.

Delegates argued the books contain explicit sexual content.

Winnipeg Foundation grant opens public washroom hours tap

The hours of Winnipeg’s first and only downtown public washroom are set to soon expand.

The Winnipeg Foundation will provide up to $900,000 over four years to Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre so it can add up to eight hours of daily peer support service at the Amoowigamig facility (715 Main St.).

“The Winnipeg Foundation has agreed to increase our services up to… 18 hours, contingent on the funding by the city (continuing),” Lanna Many Grey Horses, a program support manager with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata, told reporters Wednesday.

The grant will continue as long as the city keeps funding 10 hours of daily peer support services at the site, which largely serves vulnerable people who lack other “places to go.”

Council to consider directing $1M to 24-7 shelters

City council could soon devote $1 million to create new 24-hour, seven days a week safe spaces for vulnerable people and fund projects that help unhoused Winnipeggers move out of bus shelters to better accommodations.

On Tuesday, Coun. John Orlikow introduced a motion, seconded by Mayor Scott Gillingham, that aims to “form a ring of alternative shelter sites around downtown.”

“The need’s quite clear… There’s a lot of people struggling out there right now in Winnipeg,” said Orlikow.

During his fall election campaign, Gillingham promised to ramp up support for safe spaces and create an extreme weather policy, which he said the new motion aims to fulfill.

Waverley West rec campus faces construction delay: city report

The long-awaited $89-million first phase of the Southwest Winnipeg Recreation Campus could be delayed more than a year because a provincial funding deal has yet to be finalized, according to a city report.

However, all sides remain dedicated to the project, area Coun. Janice Lukes said, expecting the issue to be settled quite soon.

A City of Winnipeg report published Monday included a warning about the potential delay.

“Finalizing the provincial funding agreement and other anticipated auxiliary agreements for the South Winnipeg Recreation Campus project remain outstanding, and (this) is considered a major risk to the project in terms of design advancement and the project schedule overall,” writes Brad Erickson, manager of municipal accommodations.

City’s rainy-day fund can’t cover entire $27M projected deficit

The City of Winnipeg expects to finish 2023 with a $27 million deficit, roughly $7.5 million more than its rainy-day fund can cover.

The financial stabilization reserve can be used to pay for up to $19.5 million of those potential losses, if the city can’t eliminate the deficit by the end of the year, according to a new report based on finance data up to March 31.

An action plan to find $7.5 million of savings to offset the remaining shortfall prediction will be shared with council’s finance committee on June 30.

The report offers a stark warning about how the expected shortfall could affect city departments going forward.

Coalition urges pause on Kenaston, Chief Peguis projects

The City of Winnipeg should pause any new spending on two major road projects expected to cost a combined $1 billion, until it determines if they are worth their financial and environmental price, according to a sustainable transportation advocate.

On Friday, the Transportation and Land Use Coalition urged city council to avoid committing funds to widen Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard) and extend Chief Peguis Trail, aside from money needed to complete a cost-benefit analysis and environmental assessment of each project.

“We just want to be sure that no money is spent in the upcoming budget until that (analysis and environmental review) received and assessed,” said Mel Marginet, co-chair of the organization.

Marginet accused city council of rushing the approval process by listing the two projects within its strategic priorities action plan, which is expected to help guide the city’s 2024-27 multi-year budget.

City eyes permanent public washroom hours options

Safety concerns could prevent Winnipeg’s permanent public washroom from operating 24 hours, delaying a key goal of its supporters.

A new city staff report lists options to give vulnerable people more access to the Amoowigamig facility at 715 Main St.

However, the report’s author notes Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre (the organization that currently staffs the site with peer support workers from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily) doesn’t want to operate it from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. due to safety risks.

“The rate of violent crime in that area is quite concerning, so they believe, via their experience, that operating overnight will draw undue risk to their staff and to visitors of the site,” Greg MacPherson, administrative co-ordinator for safety and well-being in the city’s community services department, said in an interview.

First Nations celebrate reclamation of former Kapyong Barracks lands

With drumming, blessings and traditional ceremonies, Treaty One Nation celebrated a land reclamation that they hope will spark others.

The Wednesday event was the first to be held on the Naawi-Oodena land since it was officially converted to reserve status, a key step in creating the largest urban economic development zone in Canada.

“This is a special moment in time for us here that we can see land reclamation and reconciliation,” said Gordon BlueSky, chief of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and chair of Treaty One Development Corp.

The former Kapyong Barracks land along Kenaston Boulevard is set for the roughly $1.2 billion Naawi-Oodena development. It is expected to offer a mixed-use village with commercial, residential, sports and recreation, cultural campus, education and community spaces. That would include 2,300 to 3,000 residential units and 915,000 to 1.2 million square feet of commercial space.

Mayor names social-service veteran to help address homelessness in city

A new member of the mayor’s office will help the city co-ordinate with social-service agencies to tackle homelessness.

On Friday, Mayor Scott Gillingham delivered on an election promise by hiring a senior adviser on homelessness, naming Jarred Baker to the role.

After 15 years of work in social services, with a focus on the Indigenous community, Baker said he already has a working relationship to build on with those on the frontlines of helping vulnerable, unsheltered people.

His initial efforts will involve many meetings to further that dialogue.

Library staff say metal detectors should stay

Metal detectors that were introduced following a fatal stabbing at Millennium Library should stay in place, says the union that represents library staff.

“The feedback I’m hearing from staff is they are feeling more safe, they do appreciate the security measures that are in place … I think right now staff are feeling that the security is helpful,” said Gord Delbridge, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500.

Delbridge said the union supports keeping the airport-style screening permanently or at least until social conditions improve in and around the downtown library. It was initially added as an interim measure.

He urged the provincial government to pursue more proactive efforts to address the root causes of crime, such as programs to combat poverty, addictions and mental health crises.

Delegates weigh in on city’s strategic priorities action plan

Winnipeggers gathered to pitch their own strategic priority wish lists to city councillors Tuesday.

Multiple delegates asked executive policy committee members to incorporate specific efforts to combat climate change and welcome newcomers to council’s draft strategic priorities action plan, which sets goals to help guide the 2024-2027 multi-year budget.

Some argued the looming threat of climate change requires immediate action, including a commitment to implement Winnipeg’s Community Energy Investment Roadmap, a proposed strategy to meet or exceed net zero emissions by 2050.

“We came here wanting to get CEIR on the strategic priorities (list)…. Our greater vision is that the CEIR report be implemented and used as a lens for every area of planning,” said delegate Lynda Trono.

Businesses seek permanent version of temporary patio program

As patio season heats up, some local businesses hope an expedited process to register one will be served up every year from now on.

The City of Winnipeg’s temporary patio registration program was created in May 2020 to offer COVID-19 pandemic relief, with a new winter temporary option announced in October 2020.

The program has since been extended by one season at a time.

For some, the option to get city approval to add a seasonal patio quickly — in days instead of weeks — at first proved critical to the bottom line.

Windsor Hotel owner asks city for time to look into repairs

The new owner of the Windsor Hotel is asking the city for a few months to determine if the building can be saved, after it was recently deemed unfit to live in.

The hotel was shut down by a provincial health hazard order in March, which forced its low-income renters to find new homes.

A city order, dated April 3, demanded the building be properly secured and/or boarded up and that the owner obtain a boarded building permit by April 21. In an appeal of the permit requirement, a representative for the owner says the building is now boarded up.

The letter asks the city to let an assessment of the structure continue until Aug. 31, and then allow for “reasonable time” to complete repairs (if possible) following that date.

‘We want to continue along the pathway’: civic workforce diversity report shows minor gains, losses

The City of Winnipeg is inching closer to some of its workforce diversity goals, though women and racialized peoples now account for a slightly smaller portion of employees.

A new report charts the portion of city staff who declare themselves to be part of one or more “equity groups,” which include Indigenous and racialized people, women, LGBTTQ+, people with disabilities, and newcomers, as of 2022.

The self-reported data show most of the categories were all slightly more represented among municipal staff than during the previous year, except for women and racialized people.

Racialized people made up 16.29 per cent of city staff in 2022, down from 16.37 per cent in 2021.

Lack of drivers stalls return to full Transit service

WINNIPEG Transit’s goal to restore service to its pre-pandemic level this fall is in jeopardy due to a persistent driver shortage.

Mayor Scott Gillingham made a 2022 campaign pledge to restore Transit to full service at that point, ending the current six per cent reduction amid COVID-19 pressures.

In its 2023 city budget, council set a target to reach about three per cent below the normal service level by this summer, and resume full service in the fall.

Instead, ramped up recruitment efforts haven’t secured enough staff to reach the summer target, and are putting the fall goal at risk, Transit director Greg Ewankiw said.

Vote on studying Portage & Main reopening postponed until fall

The City of Winnipeg won’t explore the impact of opening a street-level pedestrian crossing at Portage Avenue and Main Street just yet.

On Monday, council’s public works committee postponed a vote until October on ordering city staff to study the option.

Coun. Janice Lukes, the committee’s chairwoman, said she believes council should wait until public consultation is completed on a consultant’s recently released options to revamp the intersection, which propose everything from basic pavement enhancements to a sixth-floor-level circular walkway.

“Right now, we’ve got this public consultation going on. We don’t want to cloud the waters,” said Lukes.

City eyes prioritizing active transportation route cleanups

The City of Winnipeg will explore options to prioritize spring cleanup on active transportation routes over clearing the same sand and grit off roads.

On Monday, council’s public works committee ordered a staff report to determine what it would take to make the seasonal cleanup on multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes and sidewalks the higher priority of the two.

“This would mean some of the streets not getting done as fast but prioritizing the active transportation network… because it’s much more hazardous if you wipe out on gravel on a bike or (while) walking or on a mobility device than it is in a vehicle,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, committee chairwoman.

Since Winnipeg tends to have lengthy, snowy winters that require crews to repeatedly spread sand to improve traction, a cycling advocate said the debris left behind once the snow melts has triggered concerns.

Century-old funeral home won’t do business in core-area ’war zone,’ owner tells councillors

The head of a company that has called the area around Health Sciences Centre home for more than 100 years says the emergence of massive piles of rubble in the surrounding neighbourhood is forcing the business to reluctantly consider moving elsewhere.

“The roads and sidewalks are falling apart, garbage is strewn all over the area and graffiti is a blight on many of the buildings. But, recently, we have a new problem, burned-out hulks (of buildings) and piles of rubble that make it look like you’re entering a war zone in order to get to my business,” Kevin Sweryd, president of Bardal Funeral Home, told council’s community services committee on Friday.

“The condition of that neighbourhood… makes it very difficult.”

Sweryd said the business is committed to revitalizing the area and he picks up garbage and needles and promptly removes any graffiti on or near the building at 843 Sherbrook St.

Asbestos fears fuel Main Street rubble cleanup delays

Twisted metal and shards of glass remain scattered in front of massive piles of rubble on the 800 block of Main Street, months after three businesses burned down at the site.

The risk of asbestos exposure has delayed efforts to clean up the fenced-in rubble left behind by a February fire, officials said.

Meantime, some people working near the site say the view sets a negative tone.

“It’s a definite eyesore if you’re on Main Street looking at it… (Many) visitors come down Main, so it’s not a good look,” said Rick, who did not want his last name published.

Repairs to purple street lights held up

Defective street lights in Winnipeg appear set to cast a purple hue indefinitely, as supply chain woes delay the effort to replace them.

Nearly 2,000 of Winnipeg’s energy-saving LED street lights have been reported defective over the past two years, leading them to glow purple instead of white.

Manitoba Hydro, which is paid by the city to maintain its street lights, has replaced more than 1,000 of the defective lights since April 2021.

At last check, about 884 purple lights remained in place throughout Winnipeg, a city report notes.

Owners billed after vacant property fires

The City of Winnipeg has charged the owners of nine properties the cost to battle recent fires at their vacant buildings, as part of a crackdown that aims to get empty structures better secured.

Five of the individual invoices seek payments between about $4,800 and $7,700, while the remaining four owners face heftier bills that range between roughly $27,600 and $103,800. The first round of invoices went out March 30, with the most recent bill sent April 28. (The date reflects when invoices were sent, not necessarily when each fire took place.)

The charges are intended to help ensure property owners do all they can to reduce the risk of empty structures, which have been blamed for attracting arson, vandalism and other threats, according to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

“The key is to incentivize property owners to properly maintain their buildings, secure them and hopefully to revitalize (the homes) for housing purposes. We do have quite a few buildings that have been maintained in quite a state of disrepair,” said Scott Wilkinson, a WFPS assistant chief.

Province cut ambulance fees, but many Winnipeggers can’t pay bills, city report reveals

A significant number of Winnipeggers take years to pay their ambulance fees and nearly one-third say they simply cannot afford to cover the bill.

About 43 per cent of 2022 patient ambulance invoices — worth about $2.95 million — has yet to be paid, said Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief Christian Schmidt.

“For some people, it is a cost issue. People don’t budget… (knowing) that they’re going to call an ambulance,” Schmidt said.

“An ambulance bill really is an unanticipated expense for an individual. Even with the work that was done back in 2019, with the (provincial ambulance) fee reduction initiative, $250 for some folks in our community can be a very significant bill.”

Councillor pushes for Portage, Main plebiscite policy

If the city wants to reopen Portage Avenue and Main Street to pedestrians in the future, all Winnipeggers should get another vote on the idea first, according to one city councillor.

Coun. Russ Wyatt will push for a policy that requires a plebiscite “prior to any opening” to street-level foot traffic at the city’s most famous intersection and for council to follow the results.

Wyatt said he will raise a motion to that effect at the May council meeting, primarily over road safety concerns.

City of Winnipeg might look at how to cut fossil fuel use

The City of Winnipeg may soon explore ways to save money on carbon taxes by cutting the fossil fuel consumption of some of its buildings.

A new motion directs staff to report on how much the city can expect to spend on carbon taxes by 2028 and identify energy efficient retrofits best suited to help cut that cost. If approved, the report would list up to 15 city-owned structures to improve and/or about $80-million worth of retrofit investments.

“I want to have this debate as part of the multi-year budget. I’d like to do some retrofits. Otherwise, you’re literally just handing the money to the federal government (in taxes),” said Coun. Brian Mayes, water, waste and environment committee chairman.

Mayes, who raised the motion, said the carbon price has increased the financial need to cut the use of fossil fuels through retrofits.

Nitrogen under sewage treatment plant plan microscope

A narrowed approach to upgrades at Winnipeg’s largest sewage treatment plant could save hundreds of millions of dollars and reach targets to reduce its pollution years earlier, according to supporters.

But not everyone is convinced there’s enough evidence to ensure the change to the $1.8-billion north end sewage treatment plant upgrade will fully address algae blooms that sometimes cover Lake Winnipeg.

At Thursday’s city council meeting, Coun. Matt Allard raised a motion that calls for a provincial task force (recently created to help ensure the entire upgrade is completed as soon as possible) to review whether or not to remove a requirement to drastically reduce the amount of nitrogen in effluent leaving the plant.

The province has ordered the City of Winnipeg to greatly reduce both algae-promoting nitrogen and phosphorous from the plant. However, some scientists believe phosphorous alone is the key culprit.

New site for Transit garage elusive: city report

The City of Winnipeg is still searching for a site to replace Transit’s north garage, years after it began looking for one.

A report on the $200-million project to replace the garage at 1520 Main St., at a new location, notes the facility lacks capacity to support some buses and Winnipeg Transit’s transition to a zero-emission fleet.

“The existing north garage… is in poor condition and functionally obsolete,” writes Jesse Crowder, manager of Winnipeg Transit’s asset management office, in a new public service report.

The facility can’t accommodate future zero-emission vehicles, nor can it house buses that are articulated, have bike racks, or are equipped with roof-mounted air conditioners, Crowder adds.

New vision for Portage and Main coming next week

A long-awaited vision to revamp the iconic Portage Avenue and Main Street intersection will be released to the public Tuesday.

In 2021, the City of Winnipeg hired a consultant to provide options to improve the above-ground crossing and its “pedestrian environment.”

A request for proposal noted the design should also be adaptable to potentially let pedestrians cross at street level on a temporary basis, such as for special events, without permanently restoring that access (which was blocked in 1979).

On April 25, the city will release design options for the site, along with an online public survey.

Plan to lure residential sites called sweeping

A potential change meant to attract more residential development has triggered concerns it could reduce public scrutiny and city council oversight on some projects.

“It’s a pretty huge change to our approach to zoning, to just say, ‘Hey, you want to just drop a few thousand units into the parking lot somewhere, go ahead, we’ll absorb all the resulting costs to society.’ I’m not saying we should discourage (this type of development) but that is a pretty sweeping giveaway by the city,” said Coun. Brian Mayes.

Specifically, an action in council’s draft Strategic Priorities Action Plan calls for the city to amend zoning bylaws to allow residential construction “as-of-right” over commercial sites, including retail malls, which means building new multi-family housing would become a permitted use in commercial mixed-use zones, removing the requirement for a rezoning application and the public hearing that entails.

Mayes said he’s concerned that would remove a public process in which elected officials and Winnipeggers can weigh in on key details of each project, such as height, density and roadway access. Until now, public hearings have provided an opportunity for councillors to impose conditions on projects, such as requiring developers to help pay for the impact on roads and sewers, he said.

City hall approves three apartment blocks for Northgate mall

Winnipeg City Council will allow a new residential development at the Northgate Shopping Centre, despite neighbours’ objections.

On Wednesday, the appeal committee rejected an appeal against the project, which council approved in February.

“This is going to (have) a big impact for (the opposing residents) but… we’re trying to have a vision of the city. We are looking at infill and where that should be and this is a corridor that I think is a great space for it,” said Coun. Cindy Gilroy.

Mayor’s cabinet backs essential-services talks with union

The City of Winnipeg appears poised to return to the bargaining table with its largest union to prevent future job action from putting critical services at risk.

Winnipeg eyes signing Montreal Pledge

The City of Winnipeg may soon explore a new commitment to biodiversity, which supporters say should serve as a stepping stone to actions that protect the environment.

“It announces to the public that (the city means) business about sustainability, about protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change,” said Erna Buffie, a member of advocacy group Trees Please Winnipeg.

Council to consider sidewalk snow-clearing cost study

Following repeated complaints that snow isn’t cleared off sidewalks quickly enough, the city may study an option to speed up the service.

Graffiti paints negative picture for historic sites, business community

Unsightly graffiti around Winnipeg is sparking concern, including vandalism that recently hit the city’s oldest building.

Spray paint tagged the Seven Oaks House Museum, a provincial heritage site, accumulating over multiple incidents over the past few weeks. The damage also affected a smaller building at the site, the first log farm house of John and Mary (Sinclair) Inkster, which is believed to have been built around 1831 and considered Winnipeg’s oldest structure.

Northgate Shopping Centre housing development too big for area, neighbourhood opponents say

A residential development planned for the Northgate Shopping Centre is being pitched as a promising infill project but some of its neighbours are fighting to stop it over concerns about traffic congestion, parking woes and safety hazards.

Few details about fewer calls to city fraud, waste hotline

The number of complaints to the City of Winnipeg’s fraud and waste hotline has declined over recent years. However, the municipal government is sharing few details about that trend — sparking some calls for greater transparency.

Icy sidewalks create shut-ins, city told

The mounds of ice and snow that can bury sidewalks in winter too often put people with mobility issues at risk of isolation or dangerous slips and falls, multiple delegates told council’s public works committee on Tuesday.

Any effort to clear more sidewalks to “bare pavement” would mark a good first step to ensuring active transportation routes are accessible throughout every season, they argued.

Marika Prokosh, who is visually impaired and not able to drive, said the condition of sidewalks is declining, making it increasingly difficult to get around on foot and by bus.

City tilts eye to sun for potential Transit bus power

The City of Winnipeg is exploring a new green energy option to help power its upcoming fleet of electric buses.

Winter uses of city golf courses debated

To use its golf courses to their full potential, the City of Winnipeg must devote more attention to the winter use of the green spaces, according to several residents.

City report leans away from possible cosmetic spray pesticide program

The pitfalls of using pesticides outweigh the cosmetic benefits of killing weeds, so Winnipeg shouldn’t resume using them on public lands, according to a new city staff report.

City sewage plant meets pollution targets

A target to greatly reduce pollution leaving Winnipeg’s South End sewage treatment plant is regularly being achieved, while other construction at the site is 11 years overdue and the facility still doesn’t meet licence requirements.

City’s spent fire trucks, ambulances should go to Ukraine, Wyatt says

A call to donate “end-of-life” Winnipeg emergency vehicles to war-battered Ukraine has emerged at city hall.

Transcona councillor wants speed-reduction measures incorporated into street-renewal plans

When Winnipeg residential streets are torn up for repairs in the future, some civic leaders hope they may also be redesigned to slow down drivers.

Consultant delivers dozens of ideas for areas inside 11 city-owned golf properties

A long-awaited consultant’s study on repurposing up to 30 per cent of Winnipeg-owned golf lands lists dozens of “opportunities” to use the sites in new ways, including a controversial call to lease or sell John Blumberg Golf Course.

Province tabs new $7.5M for Winnipeg road repair

As Winnipeg drivers navigate streets cracked up by seasonal potholes, the province is once again promising millions of dollars in road repair assistance.

New fire station construction cost jumps by $3M: city report

The cost to create a new Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service station is now expected to rise $3 million higher.

Group backs out of buying heritage buildings

An “abilities village” is no longer in the works for two city heritage properties.

Design for Osborne Village cycling route unveiled

The City of Winnipeg has unveiled the final design for a key cycling route.

Early days of pilot program’s reduced speeds finding support from residents in affected neighbourhoods

A pilot project to slow traffic in four neighbourhoods is being met with generally positive reviews from residents in its early stages.

Water firms flooded with calls after report shows asbestos in city samples

Phone lines have been busy for some Winnipeg water companies over fear that asbestos could contaminate city drinking water.

Residents split on value of city’s Crescentwood conservation designation

City council has unanimously decided to make the Crescentwood-Enderton Park area the second heritage conservation district in Winnipeg amid concerns that could impose unclear rules on residents.

Council gives True North option to buy Portage Place land, parkade

The company that owns the Winnipeg Jets now has city council’s blessing to consider buying the beleaguered Portage Place mall.

Council votes yes on police HQ lawsuits settlement

City council has approved a multimillion-dollar settlement of fraud and construction deficiency lawsuits launched over the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters project.

On Thursday, council voted 14-2 to accept a settlement that will result in the City of Winnipeg receiving at least $21.5 million.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said he’s confident the deal is the best option for taxpayers.

Majority of councillors vote to pass 2023 city budget

A decisive majority of council members cast a final vote to approve the City of Winnipeg’s 2023 budget Wednesday, amid concerns about climate change and calls for more community safety hosts at the Millennium Library.

Light rail transit out of Winnipeg’s reach: city official

Light rail transit would cost far more than the city’s current plan to expand bus rapid transit and wouldn’t be the most convenient option until ridership grows enough to require it, city officials say.

EPC sends budget tweaks on to council final vote

The City of Winnipeg will slash millions off department savings targets, while adding more funding to recruit lifeguards and remediate lead contamination, if council approves final budget changes proposed by the executive policy committee.

Affordable, supportive housing proposed for Osborne Village

A new proposal in Osborne Village aims to create affordable and supportive housing units for people with mental health issues.

Library, transit top budget discussion at EPC

Dozens of Winnipeggers shared their budget wish lists with council’s executive policy committee Thursday, including pleas for more social support staff in the effort to make Millennium Library safer.

Tax credit for Winnipeggers without water on chopping block

A Winnipegger hopes the city will erase what he deems a “quiet money grab” before the 2023 budget is finalized.

By contrast, some city officials say the change would spread the tax burden more fairly among all residents.

Until now, Mike Maskell has received a $250 annual tax credit for his Charleswood home because it isn’t connected to city water and sewer services. The credit applied to 1,095 eligible houses in 2022.

“I see it as a way of somewhat appeasing the residents… to recognize and acknowledge that we don’t have water, we have to truck it in… and that’s a fairly costly endeavour to maintain,” said Maskell.

Police parking compromise foiled by lack of interest

The council-approved plan to give Winnipeg Police Service employees access to a safe, secured floor of a downtown parkade has been scrubbed because there wasn’t enough interest.

EPC seeks to float $38K to downtown public washroom

More funding may soon be in the pipeline to keep Winnipeg’s lone permanent public downtown washroom from cutting its hours of operation.

Final vote to rename Bishop Grandin Boulevard on horizon

Bishop Grandin Boulevard is one step away from getting a new name.

EPC votes down Tartan Towing settlement

Council’s executive policy committee has rejected a settlement that would have provided less than half the amount the City of Winnipeg alleges it overpaid for towing service.

CUPE warns city it will fight any effort to diminish bargaining position

The leader of the City of Winnipeg’s largest union is urging the municipal government to tread carefully amid a call to designate more of its workers as essential staff.

Chief says 24-7 walk-in service at police stations too costly

Instead of fulfilling calls to provide 24-7 walk-in service to the public, Winnipeg’s four police stations will be equipped with new crime-reporting options.

Service-driven space remains closed

The community connections space for vulnerable people at the Millennium Library has been shuttered for nearly three months, after a fatal stabbing death led the city to review security.

Credit rating agency marks Manitoba’s slowed ‘pace of improvement’

One global credit rating agency is predicting a slowdown in the Manitoba government’s quest to balance its budget.

City overpaid $1M for towing

City of Winnipeg officials say the city overpaid for towing service to the tune of about $1 million over six years and are proposing a settlement to resolve the dispute.

Main Street washroom designer, advocate calls on city to expand, not reduce, hours

As financial challenges threaten to reduce the operating hours of Winnipeg’s downtown public washroom, calls are growing to expand its services to a round-the-clock basis.

Council to vote on replacing streets honouring Bishop Grandin with Indigenous names

Winnipeg city council will soon vote on a long-awaited new name for Bishop Grandin Boulevard and other places with similar monikers, due to concerns over the name’s legacy.

City seeking public input on new plan to improve traffic, safety, life along Marion Street corridor

Winnipeggers are being asked to weigh in on a plan to better accommodate all forms of traffic on the Marion Street corridor, while finally reducing a long-standing vehicle bottleneck.

The city is now seeking input on a “Moving on Marion Street” project that is intended to improve traffic flow, road safety and livability through a broad area that includes Marion (from St. Mary’s Road to Lagimodière Boulevard) and Lagimodière (from Marion to Dugald Road).

City eyes Broadway tree canopy support plan

A plan to protect the tree canopy on Broadway could soon become a reality, pending council approval.

Fire, paramedic staff skip breaks to keep up with demand

Emergency staff are sometimes forced to skip breaks to keep up with calls for help as new statistics show long ambulance wait times continue to plague Winnipeg, said Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief Christian Schmidt.

Back in June, Schmidt noted ambulances were taking several minutes longer to reach a patient in a life-threatening emergency than the target response time, due to shortages of staff and emergency vehicles.

Civic report question continuation of portable public washroom program

City of Winnipeg officials are pondering whether to end support of portable washrooms that provide vulnerable folks “places to go,” after repeated issues with vandalism, theft and fires.

Fire-station living might just be for the — protected — birds

Protected birds that might be living in the chimney of a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service station could complicate plans to sell off the building.

Winnipeg to study how other cities regulate hookah lounges

The City of Winnipeg will explore new rules and safety standards for hookah lounges due to air quality and health concerns.

City looks at raising dog adoption fees

The price for Winnipeggers to adopt some dogs looks set to rise.

City eyes business waste collection service inspections

Some local property owners complain they’re being forced to clean up after others, as trash they didn’t create is repeatedly dumped on their properties.

Winnipeg funding bump welcome but new model needed: mayor

Winnipeg’s mayor is thankful a funding freeze to its provincial operating grant has ended, though he notes it won’t quite cover all of the capital city’s rising costs.

City to regulate, tax short-term rentals

Hotly debated new rules are on the way for short-term rentals in Winnipeg, such as those listed on Airbnb.

Hours to be cut at Main Street washroom despite its success

Although the city deems the permanent public washroom at 715 Main St. a “tremendous success,” its hours will soon be reduced.

Millennium Library security uncovers knives, screwdrivers, bullets

Security staff at Millennium Library seized 198 items from patrons, including knives and bullets, during the four weeks metal detectors have been erected, just as attendance has dropped.

“It looks like it’s working to keep some weapons out,” said Coun. John Orlikow, chairman of community services.

The city shut down the library on Dec. 11 in response to the fatal stabbing of 28-year-old Tyree Cayer during a dispute on the main floor. Four teenage boys have been charged. 

City eyes sharing inflation risks in sewage contracts

THE City of Winnipeg could try to prevent the cost of a sewage mega project from soaring higher by sharing some of the financial risk to build it.

Councillor pushes city to target illegally modified mufflers

A call to impose tougher penalties for illegally modifying vehicle mufflers to make them louder will be considered at Winnipeg city hall.

East Winnipeg rec centre price goes up, but so has need for facility, councillor says

The East of the Red Rec Plex proposed for northeast Winnipeg is now expected to cost about $89 million and be built in 2026, if a plan is approved and funded in time.

Wellington Crescent condos get green light

A controversial Wellington Crescent condominium project will proceed after years of neighbourhood complaints and rejections by city hall.

Short-term rental rules blueprint revised ahead of final vote

Proposed new rules for short-term rental units triggered a mixed and passionate response at Winnipeg city hall, prior to the executive policy committee voting to alter the plan.

City to consider appeal on Wellington Crescent development

A city committee’s decision to reject a controversial development on Wellington Crescent is being appealed.

Blockade at landfill cost city nearly $1 million

The City of Winnipeg is facing nearly $1 million of added costs and lost revenues after a blockade at its only active landfill, with some of the tab yet to be counted.

City reduces library staffing shortage, but union says more employees needed

A persistent staffing shortage that previously forced the city to reduce hours at Winnipeg’s public libraries has now eased, though a union says there are still too few employees.

Thou shalt share views on Ten Commandments monument

The City of Winnipeg wants residents’ views on whether a monument that displays the Ten Commandments should return to its former home at a prominent park.

Developer tweaks plan for homes near Red

Six homes are on track to get built in the Cloutier Drive neighbourhood, despite initial concerns about risk of flooding from the nearby Red River.

Leacock House heritage de-listing vote splits committee

The fate of one of Winnipeg’s oldest heritage buildings is unclear, after a call to allow its demolition left a city committee deadlocked.

Councillor seeks first step to bare winter sidewalks

Once winter conditions set in, Tom Jones rarely leaves home, unless he’s headed to work.

Clan Mothers transitional housing plan a no-brainer

A plot of land on Maple Street could one day provide “transformational” housing and job opportunities for vulnerable Winnipeggers.

Gillingham asks province for changes to city charter to give council more control

Winnipeg’s mayor wants the province to let city council determine the fate of its most powerful committee, which could affect his own power to sway votes.

Premier touts good news for future city funding

Manitoba’s premier is hinting her government could finally thaw its funding freeze for the City of Winnipeg.

Council motion seeks to reopen district police stations to public

A call to open all four of Winnipeg’s district police stations to provide round-the-clock service to the public will be considered at city hall.

New safety standards needed for hookah lounges, councillor says

Winnipeg should set new rules and safety standards for hookah lounges due to concerns they could create poor air quality, a city councillor says.

Weapons, not drugs, focus of library entry searches: city

When security staff at Millennium Library check a patron’s bag for weapons, they’re not also searching for illicit drugs, the City of Winnipeg says.

City will use part of federal grant money to plant hundreds of trees

A new branch of the City of Winnipeg’s tree-planting efforts has been revealed.

Street-clearing crews leave some sidewalks impassable for pedestrians, mobility-challenged

A hill of snow and ice blocked the sidewalk at one point of Daniel Rempel’s on-foot commute to work earlier this week, an active-transportation hazard he says has grown far too common.

New library borrowing rules sets suspension at 10 overdue items

The City of Winnipeg is cracking down on overdue books and other library materials, which could result in some patrons temporarily losing ability to borrow items.

To clear or not to clear? That is the question bylaw doesn’t answer, councillor complains

A city committee will take another look at rules that may leave residents at risk of fines when they voluntarily clear snow from sidewalks.

Social-support services annex likely not part of library reopening plan

When the Millennium Library reopens, a space to connect vulnerable people with social supports could remain shuttered.

On Tuesday, Winnipeg’s top bureaucrat told reporters the downtown library’s community connections space, which is designed to connect vulnerable patrons with shelter/housing, social assistance, mental health, addiction services and other supports, “very likely” won’t resume at that time.

City upholds Sherbrook Street rubble pile clean-up deadline

It’s a massive pile of rubble city officials say they’ve visited many times over the past year, where some folks have set up camp at times and others have searched for salvageable items among the bricks and debris.

City hires security consultant for safety audit of downtown library

It’s still not clear when patrons could return to browse for books at the Millennium Library but a new security consultant is now working to help make the site safer.

Council looks to clean up jargon in city reports

City hall is looking at weeding out jargon, technical terms and other unclear language from city communications, with the goal of helping the public better understand them.

Site for temporary fire hall too close for Waverley West resident group’s comfort

A group of residents is fighting to change the location of a new $3-million temporary fire hall set for Waverley West to reduce emergency-response times until a new permanent station is built.

Mayor, councillor hope downtown library can resume services next week

One month after Millennium Library closed due to a stabbing death on its main floor, two elected officials still hope it can reopen sometime next week.

Rollins to stay on EPC amid federal candidate bid: mayor

Mayor Scott Gillingham expects he’ll be able to keep a Winnipeg city councillor eyeing a federal government seat within his inner circle, for now.

Insurance dispute delays cleanup of Sherbrook Street fire rubble

An appeal has been launched of a City of Winnipeg order to remove a massive pile of rubble left behind when fire destroyed a three-storey apartment building nearly a year ago.

No bylaw changes needed, no fines for clearing public sidewalks

The City of Winnipeg won’t need to revamp its bylaws to remove the risk of volunteer shovelers being fined for clearing residential sidewalks, according to staff who reviewed the issue.

Councillors move vacant-building fire-response fees a step closer

A proposal to make vacant-building owners pay the cost to battle fires on their properties is now one step closer to reality, as some advocates push the city to take further action.

Snowfall, pandemic add to massive city deficit

The City of Winnipeg is expecting a massive deficit after a barrage of snowstorms, soaring inflation rates and sustained pandemic losses.

Landfill blockade costs city at least $400K

The City of Winnipeg will spend at least $411,000 more on residential garbage collection after protesters blockaded its only active landfill to back their demand to search for the remains of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

A city report states the added budget covers December tipping fees that were charged when a blockade at the Brady Road landfill forced the city to divert waste to two privately owned landfills outside of Winnipeg.

Vacant block that poses fire hazard approved for quick demolition

A former apartment building is set for an early demolition after repeated break-ins sparked fears it could be set on fire or vandalized.

City looks at dabbling in solar energy

The City of Winnipeg may soon try to pinpoint new sites to generate solar power, with the goal of using green energy in civic buildings.

Getting people off streets, out of cold at top of mayor’s priority list

Winnipeg’s new mayor says helping the city’s most vulnerable residents escape extreme cold and, ultimately, find stable housing are among his most urgent priorities for 2023.

City plans review of West Kildonan Library’s condition, needed upgrades

Amid a call to declare it a heritage structure, the West Kildonan Library will be assessed to determine how to it can be updated to meet modern standards.

Gradual reopening on table for Millennium Library: union

The City of Winnipeg could resort to a partial, pandemic-style return to the Millennium Library before it fully reopens to the public after a recent stabbing death, according to the union that represents facility staff.

City meeting with staff, union on safety concerns before library reopens, mayor says

Winnipeg’s mayor says it’s still too soon to confirm a reopening date for the Millennium Library, more than a week after the building was closed following a fatal stabbing on its main floor.

Push for heritage district, infill goal on collision course in Crescentwood

City council will be asked to create a second heritage conservation district in Winnipeg despite concerns that doing so could conflict with a goal to increase infill development.

Activist says Millennium Library is just the tip of the downtown crime iceberg

To combat crime and violence at the Millennium Library, the city should ensure “eyes on the street” throughout downtown, not just the building itself, according to longtime anti-crime advocate Sel Burrows.

Wyatt wants councillors’ ward budgets hiked

City councillors will consider a proposal to boost their own ward allowances by about $74,000 annually, which supporters say is desperately needed to help them retain staff.

City clears fire-plagued Higgins Avenue homeless camp

City crews have dismantled a homeless camp after it was damaged by multiple fires and officials decided it was too dangerous to remain in place.

City sets up temporary shelter after death in bus shack

THE City of Winnipeg joined the effort to quickly set up a temporary emergency warming shelter on Tuesday, after the temperature plummeted as low as -30 C overnight.

Garbage, recycling company hits city with another multimillion-dollar lawsuit

The city is facing another multimillion-dollar legal challenge from its former garbage and recycling collector, years after the same company launched a $67 million lawsuit against the municipal government.

Police chief no longer expecting provincial photo-radar system review

A provincial review of photo-radar traffic enforcement may not happen at all, amid warnings the current program’s outdated technology is at risk of failure.

Resident sees holes in summer bike route survey

The City of Winnipeg is being accused of steering responses to an enhanced summer bike route survey to those that favour making the routes permanent.

Winnipeg police won’t meet budget savings target

The Winnipeg Police Service expects it won’t meet a multi-million-dollar savings target council directed it to find this year.

Driver shortage roadblock to restoring pre-pandemic service, transit director says

A shortage of Winnipeg Transit drivers threatens to hamper efforts to restore the service to pre-pandemic levels.

Committee wants staff to find sites for supportive housing

THE City of Winnipeg could soon seek several large sites to build 270 modular homes for unsheltered residents.

Civic union opens door for private snow clearing

There’s new hope sidewalk snow clearing could improve in Winnipeg this winter.

Some city facilities to offer opioid OD-reversing drug, have staff trained in use

A fast-acting drug with the potential to save lives that are endangered by opioid overdose will soon be offered at many City of Winnipeg facilities.

Lifeguard shortage forces city to offer $90-K worth of free training

TO ease a lifeguard shortage that’s already forced the City of Winnipeg to scale back swim programs and delay others, some new applicants will be given extensive free training to help them qualify for the job.

Transit Plus wait times ‘getting ridiculous’

The wait to request a Winnipeg Transit Plus ride has skyrocketed, forcing some callers to sit in the queue for two hours or more.

City budget takes a beating; $57-M shortfall expected

Massive snow-clearing costs and a series of COVID-19 financial blows are expected to result in a $56.8-million operating budget shortfall for the City of Winnipeg, along with a separate $17.2-million deficit for Winnipeg Transit.

Affordable housing takes slow steps: city report

The City of Winnipeg’s efforts to attract affordable housing are generating mixed results in the midst of an apparent shortage.

City to plow residential streets amid complaints

The City of Winnipeg has decided to plow residential streets following a flurry of complaints.

City eyes automated green lights for emergency vehicles

Allowing fire trucks and ambulances to trigger green traffic lights while rushing to answer emergency calls could reduce some Winnipeg response times by about 20 per cent, a new study finds.

‘It’s unpredictable’: residential street conditions draw complaints

Winnipeg streets may be covered with thick layers of slush and snow, but it could be a while before they’re deemed bad enough to plow.

Councillor seeks to speed up demolition of vacant, derelict buildings

A new effort to get vacant and derelict buildings torn down quicker is winding its way through city hall, a task that could require changes beyond the municipal government.

Mayor puts two EPC members, two others on budget working group

Winnipeg city council’s next budget working group will include two members of the mayor’s inner circle and two other non-executive policy committee councillors.

Effort to rename city places, markers proves popular

A surge in wait times to consider requests to rename places and historical markers that negatively affect the Indigenous community is fuelled by increased demand and efforts to improve the process, said the chairwoman of the committee handling applications.

Delayed snow dump site development back on horizon

A Winnipeg snow dump site could soon be one step closer to redevelopment after years of delay.

Demand for changes to Indigenous-affecting place names overwhelming

A surge in demand is delaying the city’s handling of renaming requests for places and historical markers that negatively affect the Indigenous community.

Temporary fire paramedic station nears Waverley West home

A new temporary fire hall is expected to be in place in Waverley West by next year, pending public feedback and council approval.

Gillingham takes bus to work, commits to addressing safety issues

Amid serious concerns about violence on city buses, Mayor Scott Gillingham took a Winnipeg Transit ride to city hall Wednesday and vowed to keep doing so “from time to time” to help guide his efforts to make the service safer.

Changes to construction projects eyed after spring sewage discharge

New deadlines and fees for missing them could be applied to certain sewage-construction projects, as the city tries to prevent a major discharge from being repeated.

Provincial authority puts kibosh on city-approved 55-plus complex in Charleswood

A 55-plus apartment development that city council approved won’t get built, after the Manitoba Municipal Board concluded it should be rejected.

Gillingham follows through on vow to cut his cabinet

Mayor Scott Gillingham named a slightly smaller executive policy committee on Wednesday as he vowed to collaborate with colleagues to ensure he has the votes to fulfil his campaign promises.

New Mayor Scott Gillingham, council officially sworn in

Winnipeg’s next city council is now officially in place, while the executive policy committee will soon be named.

Police HQ on agenda as mayor, mayor-elect meet

Winnipeg mayor-elect Scott Gillingham received some advice Friday from the civic leader he will soon replace, during a private “transition” meeting.

Broadcaster suffers bout of premature prognostication

A surprisingly early declaration of a winner in the mayoral race, a retraction and then a lengthy wait for vote counts from the last half-dozen city polling stations made things confusing for some Winnipeggers trying to follow Wednesday evening’s civic election results.

Leading candidates for mayor make final push for votes

With just a few hours to go before Wednesday’s municipal election, the candidates at the front of the pack running for mayor made their final attempt to win over voters, each insisting they are confident their message has resonated most with Winnipeggers.

City of Winnipeg workers ratify contract worth $56M

About five-thousand members of CUPE Local 500 who work for the City of Winnipeg have ratified a tentative deal that includes a $900 signing bonus for each of them.

Woodstock apologizes; lawsuit goes away

Mayoral candidate Don Woodstock has formally apologized for comments he made about a candidate’s brother, which triggered a defamation lawsuit.

Gillingham comes out swinging against Murray

Just two days before Winnipeggers head to the polls, mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham came out swinging against Glen Murray, insisting his competitor would bring chaos and uncertainty to city hall.

Murray reverses course, charts business-sector taxes

Mayoral candidate Glen Murray is proposing new taxes and fees to pay for his platform promises, including a business tax hike announced during a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce debate.

Murray continues to deny bullying accusations after report alleges he tried to find source

Mayoral candidate Glen Murray again denied knowing about bullying complaints made against him at a previous job after a report Friday alleged he tried to determine their source years before the accusations were revealed last month.

Vulnerable youth, cadets on patrol, assessment freeze: mayoral roundup

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein would devote up to $7 million to programs and safe spaces for vulnerable youth, with the goal of stopping gang recruitment.

‘Equate debate’ gets heated as mayoral hopefuls square off

Five mayoral candidates who have trailed behind in recent public opinion polls made their case to voters on Thursday, during a sometimes heated livestreamed debate that included one threat of a lawsuit.

Pledges, platforms and put-downs dominate CBC debate

A handful of Winnipeg mayoral candidates took questions Wednesday during a televised election debate hosted by CBC Manitoba.

Temporary housing, police task force, open letter: mayoral roundup

Mayoral candidate Rick Shone is seeking to tackle homelessness and boost affordable housing in Winnipeg with “immediate action” on temporary homes.

Former First Nations leader steps in to help Woodstock after ‘faux pas’

A former First Nations chief has signed up to help mayoral candidate Don Woodstock deliver his latest campaign pledge, arguing the candidate’s widely criticized comments about Indigenous men have been misunderstood.

City rail crossing repair launches new concerns

A Winnipeg railway crossing repair flaw that sent some vehicles “flying” above a busy road should soon be fixed, the city says.

Ouellette seeks to put spotlight on city anniversary

Celebrating Winnipeg will be a top priority in 2023, if Robert-Falcon Ouellette is elected mayor.

City offers free menstrual products in some buildings

Some city buildings are now providing free menstrual products in a one-year pilot project.

Mayoral decided voter support gap closing: poll

A new survey has found a significant drop in support among the leading candidate to become Winnipeg’s next mayor, suggesting the race may now be more competitive.

City, union cross announcements

The City of Winnipeg is sharing some details of an odd dispute that briefly left many residents to wonder whether a major civic strike had been averted or not.

Loney promises ‘big-city transit,’ Gillingham defends tax, frontage-fee hikes in costed mayoral platforms

Mayoral candidate Shaun Loney would raise property taxes by 3.7 per cent next year, then work to introduce a “retooled impact fee” and a 25-cent daily charge on parking spaces in the future.

Ouellette banks on new tax to fund housing units

Mayoral candidate Robert-Falcon Ouellette promises to create 1,340 housing units to help tackle the homelessness crisis.

Community safety, funding questions, civic wages: mayoral roundup

Communities throughout Winnipeg will create tailored programs that may use anything from all-night libraries to more beat cops to make their streets safer, if Glen Murray becomes the city’s next mayor.

Murray moves to clarify work record comments

Glen Murray says he doesn’t let personal issues affect his work life and the Winnipeg mayoral candidate “misspoke,” when he recently indicated otherwise.

Construction bidding, campaign donations, transit rework: mayoral roundup

A mayoral candidate says the City of Winnipeg must focus on each bidder’s qualifications to award construction design contracts, instead of just selecting the lowest price.

City puts new deal on table after CUPE sets strike deadline

The city’s largest union could head to the picket lines as soon as Wednesday, marking the first general municipal workers’ strike since 1919.

Work records in mayoral candidate debate spotlight

A Winnipeg mayoral debate Wednesday featured a few heated exchanges between leading candidates, who were also put on the hot seat about their work records.

Murray commits to city tree canopy

Mayoral candidate Glen Murray is proposing a new “natural capital budget” for Winnipeg to enhance the city’s tree canopy.

Motkaluk’s brother appears to donate to competitor

The brother of a mayoral contender appears to have donated to another candidate’s campaign.

Gillingham touts 3.5 per cent tax hike

Mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham would raise property taxes by 3.5 per cent in each of the next four years and hike frontage fees.

Right-wing buzzwords, parks and rec, apology demanded: mayoral candidate roundup

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk lashed out at what she deems “the woke mob” and “COVID theatre” during a fiery campaign speech at The Forks canopy Monday, while promising to ensure the site resumes hosting its traditional Canada Day parties.

Ward candidate calls for St. B separation

St. Boniface has gotten a raw deal since it joined the City of Winnipeg 50 years ago, and should now separate to become an independent municipality once more, according to one candidate for its council seat.

‘We move forward with our healing’: memories shared as Assiniboia Residential School monument unveiled

One by one, they shared stories of loss, success, loneliness and friendship.

Kevin Klein campaign sets sights on combating city crime

Over four years as a Winnipeg city councillor, Kevin Klein has often been deemed a blunt critic of his political opponents, the kind of leader supporters credit with “telling it like it is.”

Motkaluk believes ability to overcome obstacles gives her mayoral cred

A dozen business owners and employees gather around rows of fridges, washers and other household appliances in the back of a sales and repair shop on Selkirk Avenue, as they wait to meet with a woman who wants to be Winnipeg’s next mayor.

‘I’ve got proven leadership,’ says two-term councillor, pastor

Scott Gillingham says the best part of campaigning to become mayor is visiting the doorsteps of Winnipeggers.

Motkaluk promises to celebrate Winnipeggers’ successes

MAYORAL candidate Jenny Motkaluk is promising a celebration of “all things Winnipeg.”

Mayor proud of work on reconciliation, human rights

NEARLY eight years after he became Winnipeg’s mayor, Brian Bowman counts his efforts to advance reconciliation and promote human rights as among his most meaningful work.

Mayoral pledges put reconciliation in spotlight

One day before Winnipeggers were to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, mayoral candidates revealed how they would support the path to a more unified city.

Portage Place revamp, green power, parades, death threats: mayoral candidate roundup

A plan to transform the Portage Place mall to offer a non-profit community centre and affordable homes has won the support of a mayoral candidate.

Loney hopes voters warm to heat-pump plan

Shaun Loney is proposing a “big switch” that aims to ensure 40,000 Winnipeg homes and businesses replace natural gas with greener heating options by 2030, if he’s elected.

City letter about possible CUPE strike sent in error

Some Winnipeggers who signed up for swimming lessons and other leisure guide programs were accidentally told the city isn’t responsible for any inconvenience they suffer, should city workers go on strike.

Bowman bids adieu to city hall

Mayor Brian Bowman completed his final city council meeting on Thursday while offering no hints about his next job.

Osborne Village store owner to rebuild after council waives rezoning fee

The owner of an Osborne Village convenience store will rebuild following a tragic fire, after city council cleared a key financial obstacle in her way.

Council votes to put police parking plan into action

A plan to devote one floor of the Millennium Library Parkade to safe parking for police is rolling forward.

Councillor motions seek cleaner city

New efforts that would make it easier to demolish vacant and derelict buildings, and otherwise clean up the city, will be debated by council.

Mayoral candidates make infrastructure, rail yard study, derelict property pitches

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein is promising, if elected, to create a $2-million infrastructure plan to prioritize Winnipeg road and sewer projects — with the goal of removing politics from such decisions.

City issues RFP for first round of green buses

The city is seeking companies to provide its first round of environmentally friendly buses, which should begin rolling down Winnipeg streets in 2024.

Motkaluk takes aim at city permit process

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk promises to slash the wait time to get city permits.

Mayor’s cabinet divided on police parking deal

Some councillors want to put the brakes on a plan to devote a floor of the Millennium Library Parkade to police staff for secure parking.

‘Hail Mary pass’: Osborne Village store may be rebuilt

An Osborne Village convenience store may be rebuilt following a fatal blaze after all, due to a new, last-ditch attempt to get rid of a key financial obstacle.

Mayoral candidate Loney unveils plan to cut police calls for service

Mayoral candidate Shaun Loney is promising, if elected, to reduce the number of times Winnipeg police are dispatched to calls by 10 per cent within four years.

Parking deal in works to protect staff at police HQ

Winnipeg Police Service employees may be getting a secured floor of downtown parking stalls after complaints their current parking options leave them at risk of assault and vehicle sabotage.

Mayoral candidate Murray pledges quicker turn to green Transit fleet

A mayoral candidate is promising, if elected, to replace all of Winnipeg Transit’s diesel buses with zero-emission models by 2030 and add more service to the busiest routes.

Gillingham’s billion-dollar promise

Scott Gillingham vows to deliver on the long-awaited widening of Kenaston Boulevard and an extension of the Chief Peguis Trail, if he’s elected mayor next month.

E-vehicles suitable for some city operations: report

Electric vehicles are up to the task of providing many City of Winnipeg services, but further study is needed to determine if their full price makes sense for taxpayers, a new report says.

Mayoral candidate Klein pushes to speed up school zone lights installations

A mayoral candidate is promising to spend $2.5 million to speed up the installation of flashing school zone lights the City of Winnipeg first expected to obtain through a donation after contract disputes stalled a plan to put them in place.

Property committee knocks down rezoning waiver fee exemption pitch

The owner of an Osborne Village convenience store has lost her attempt to have the city waive a $20,242 rezoning bill, which she deemed a major financial hurdle to rebuilding after a fatal fire.

Firing chief of police among list of latest mayoral promises

A mayoral candidate says one of his first priorities, if elected, would be to fire Winnipeg’s police chief — despite the fact the mayor alone does not have that power.

Parking lots, transit, crime top of mind for mayoral hopefuls

A flurry of platform promises were issued by mayoral candidates Wednesday, with less than two months left to the municipal election.

Motkaluk unveils platform, vows to freeze property taxes, some city salaries

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk plans to freeze property taxes, along with the salaries of all city employees who make $75,000 or more per year, if elected.

Mayoral hopefuls focus on roads, housing, transit

A mayoral candidate hopes new money for roads will entice drivers to park their votes with him.

Next Winnipeg city council to face $55-M deficit

The City of Winnipeg expects to end the year tens of millions of dollars in debt, which could force some tough decisions on what it can afford next year.

City blew opportunity to land Amazon facility, council ‘left in the dark,’ Klein says

A mayoral candidate is publicly accusing the city of dropping the ball on a deal to secure an Amazon facility for Transcona.

Transit Plus to try vehicles for hire

Taxis and other vehicles for hire could soon be helping out the city’s accessible transit service.

Former Transcona councillor who hit ‘rock-bottom’ wants job back

Former Transcona city councillor Russ Wyatt wants his old job back.

Pushing for winter of clean-scraped sidewalks

Some Winnipeg sidewalks could be cleared right down to the pavement this winter, if a new motion winding its way through city hall succeeds.

Mayoral candidate Klein vows to cut red tape for business

Kevin Klein is promising to speed up the steps businesses must take to open in Winnipeg, if he’s elected the city’s next mayor.

Sick leave up for Winnipeg cops

The Winnipeg Police Service appears on track for a surge in officer sick days this year, while injury leave is also on the rise.

Battling bike theft at top of Loney’s priority list

Combating bike theft will be a priority for Shaun Loney if he’s elected to become Winnipeg’s next mayor.

Mayoral candidate Bokhari takes safe consumption stance

A mayoral candidate is promising to open safe injection sites in Winnipeg — whether or not the province helps — if she’s elected.

Mayoral hopeful Ouellette pledges to freeze police budget

Robert-Falcon Ouellette would freeze the annual Winnipeg Police Service operating budget at $310.6 million for four years and invest in new community-based safety projects with the savings if he’s elected mayor this fall.

Bokhari promises age-friendly, accessible city

Winnipeg must revamp its services, housing and Transit to become more accessible and meet the human rights of all of its residents, according to Winnipeg mayoral candidate Rana Bokhari.

Family calls for four-way stop at Transcona intersection after fatal crash

The family of a woman killed in an alleged impaired driving crash wants more stop signs added at the intersection where the collision took place to prevent further tragedy.

Let youth have seat at city’s table: advocate