Joyanne Pursaga

Joyanne Pursaga

Reporter

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Joyanne loves to tell the stories of this city, especially when politics is involved.

Joyanne discovered her love of journalism at the University of Manitoba, when she began volunteering for the student newspaper. That eventually led her to Ontario, where she attained a journalism degree.

Joyanne landed her first permanent reporting job in 2004 at a small newspaper in the interior of British Columbia, where she first covered city hall. Since then, she has had the pleasure of covering municipal, provincial and federal politics in three different cities.

In 2012, she was fortunate to begin writing about politics in Winnipeg, covering both city hall and the Manitoba legislature for the Winnipeg Sun.

Over the past few years, her passion has grown for informing readers about how government decisions affect their daily lives. From garbage to water quality to snow-clearing to emergency room wait times, she enjoys breaking down the details of stories that matter to her fellow Winnipeggers and Manitobans.

She feels privileged to go to work and write about those key issues in her city of choice, while also being able to learn something new each day.

Joyanne became the city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press in early 2020.

Recent articles by Joyanne Pursaga

Committee delegates draw councillors into book-banning debate

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Committee delegates draw councillors into book-banning debate

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Yesterday at 6:03 PM CDT

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.

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Yesterday at 6:03 PM CDT

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Delegates to Winnipeg city hall urged councillors to ban books with sexual content from public libraries or relegate them to adult or young-adult sections, Wednesday.

Winnipeg Foundation grant opens public washroom hours tap

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Foundation grant opens public washroom hours tap

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:55 PM CDT

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.”

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Yesterday at 4:55 PM CDT

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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.).

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

The motion is meant to expand on the city’s 24-7 safe space operations already in place, Mayor Scott Gillingham said. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Waverley West rec campus faces construction delay: city report

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Waverley West rec campus faces construction delay: city report

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

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.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

(Winnipeg Free Press Files)

Winnipeg City Coun. Janice Lukes: “It’s not going to be a year-and-a-half late… (The province understands) the need.”

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

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.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press Files

When asked if he expects council will have to cut services or lay off staff to bridge the financial gap, Mayor Scott Gillingham said that isn’t clear. “It’s too soon to really speculate on that.”

City eyes land expropriation for Transit garage

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City eyes land expropriation for Transit garage

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

A years-long search for land on which to build a new Winnipeg Transit north garage might soon be over.

City staff are seeking council approval to expropriate land south of Selkirk Avenue and west of Oak Point Highway, which does not have a civic address. It would provide part of the property required for the $200-million garage replacement project, combining with city-owned land near Oak Point Highway and land it will buy at 100 Oak Point Hwy., a public service report says.

The three parcels would provide 27 acres to build upon.

The City of Winnipeg says both of the private properties were listed for sale in 2022, but it couldn’t secure a purchase. The report doesn’t identify the owner.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

A years-long search for land on which to build a new Winnipeg Transit north garage might soon be over.

City staff are seeking council approval to expropriate land south of Selkirk Avenue and west of Oak Point Highway, which does not have a civic address. It would provide part of the property required for the $200-million garage replacement project, combining with city-owned land near Oak Point Highway and land it will buy at 100 Oak Point Hwy., a public service report says.

The three parcels would provide 27 acres to build upon.

The City of Winnipeg says both of the private properties were listed for sale in 2022, but it couldn’t secure a purchase. The report doesn’t identify the owner.

Coalition urges pause on Kenaston, Chief Peguis projects

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Coalition urges pause on Kenaston, Chief Peguis projects

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, May. 26, 2023

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.

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Friday, May. 26, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Transportation and Land Use Coalition co-chair Mel Marginet.

City eyes permanent public washroom hours options

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

City eyes permanent public washroom hours options

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

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.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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

Province, city hammer out new ambulance service funding deal

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Province, city hammer out new ambulance service funding deal

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

After several years of negotiations, the City of Winnipeg finally has a new contract to provide ambulance service for the province, though some fear it lacks the resources needed to speed up emergency care.

On Wednesday, Shared Health and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service announced they have finally completed a new emergency medical services agreement.

“These investments will support emergency medical responders, offer funding certainty to our partners at the city and improve emergency response times for Winnipeggers who need it,” said Premier Heather Stefanson.

Under the new five-year contract, a formula will ensure surges in patient numbers are matched with funding increases, though the province did not specify by how much. For 2023, WFPS will receive $51.9 million of baseline funding plus a one-time $2.1 million grant.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press

Premier Heather Stefanson accompanied by Mayor Scott Gillingham, Christian Schmidt, fire and paramedic chief, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Helen Clark, chief operating officer, emergency response services and chief allied health officer, and Audrey Gordon, Minister of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, announces that the Manitoba government, through Shared Health, and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) have completed negotiations on a new service purchase agreement that will ensure the reliable and consistent delivery of emergency medical response, transport and community paramedicine services within Winnipeg Wednesday afternoon.

First Nations celebrate reclamation of former Kapyong Barracks lands

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

First Nations celebrate reclamation of former Kapyong Barracks lands

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press

Leaders and dancers make a grand entrance during the Treaty One Nation Land Reclamation Ceremony for the Naawi-Oodena Treaty One Jointly Held lands, on the former Kapyong Barracks lands in Winnipeg.

Council to mull new plan to address hundreds of decaying properties across Winnipeg

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Council to mull new plan to address hundreds of decaying properties across Winnipeg

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

With multiple window frames charred by fire, spray paint on its front door and pieces of crumbling brick façade, the former apartment block at 485 Furby St. sticks out.

The building has been vacant for months and is considered an eyesore and a safety hazard in the neighbourhood.

“They tried lighting this building on fire three times now,” said neighbour Dean Lucyshyn, adding the building appears to attract drug use, arson and other safety threats.

Lucyshyn would prefer the property be replaced by a community garden or a playground.

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Mayor Scott Gillingham is joined by city councillors John Orlikow, Sherri Rollins and Cindy Gilroy (far right) as he announces a plan to address derelict and vacant properties during a news conference on Furby Street Tuesday.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, May. 19, 2023

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.

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Friday, May. 19, 2023

SUPPLIED

Jarred Baker

Residents forced to store trash in garages

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Residents forced to store trash in garages

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

Some Winnipeggers have been forced to hold on to their trash for weeks, as the city struggles to get garbage and recycling carts to homeowners.

The city is blaming supply chain issues for the long waits.

Bobby Colquhoun said he requested his set of carts before moving into his Sage Creek home at the end of October, only to receive them just before January.

In the meantime, he piled recycling and waste into his garage and let it freeze there, while disposing of more perishable trash at the homes of family members.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Bobby Colquhoun said he requested his set of carts before moving into his Sage Creek home at the end of October, only to receive them just before January.

Library staff say metal detectors should stay

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Library staff say metal detectors should stay

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

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.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Millennium Library, closed for over a month following a fatal stabbing in December, re-opened to the public with several new, stricter security measures in place.

Delegates weigh in on city’s strategic priorities action plan

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Delegates weigh in on city’s strategic priorities action plan

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Several Winnipeggers gathered to ask executive policy committee members to add items from their wish lists to council’s draft strategic priorities action plan at Winnipeg City Hall, Tuesday.

Businesses seek permanent version of temporary patio program

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Businesses seek permanent version of temporary patio program

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, May. 15, 2023

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.

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Monday, May. 15, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Matthew Wolff, operations manager at Torque Brewing, poses for a photo May 4, 2023 at the brewery and bar. Reporter: Joyanne Pursaga

True North Real Estate Development unveils plans for Portage Place

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

True North Real Estate Development unveils plans for Portage Place

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, May. 12, 2023

The man who brought a desperately needed sense of optimism to downtown Winnipeg when he bought an NHL hockey team 12 years ago unveiled an ambitious $550 million rescue plan for the transformation of Portage Place Friday.

Mark Chipman, executive chairman of the Winnipeg Jets and owner of True North Sports and Entertainment, said the Vancouver owners of the massive, mostly empty three-storey shopping mall indicated they were about to turn out the lights.

“We got the distinct impression from them that it was the end of the line. It was, ‘This is going to close,’” Chipman said.

“You don’t have to be a commercial real estate expert to walk through a space and see the amount of vacancy… (and) quickly calculate this is just no longer viable.”

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Friday, May. 12, 2023

Rendering courtesy True North Real Estate development

The downtown Winnipeg Health Centre for Excellence. (need more cutline please)

City proposes massive changes in downtown redevelopment

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Preview

City proposes massive changes in downtown redevelopment

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

A new vision to revitalize Winnipeg’s downtown pitches options to create new green space, calm traffic, reimagine Graham Avenue and attract new residents among its key goals.

Described as a blueprint to redevelop downtown, a preliminary version of CentrePlan 2050 released Thursday sets a target to ensure at least 350 new residential units get built in the city centre each year until 2030, followed by 500 annually after that.

That’s part of a much broader strategy to attract more residents and visitors.

The proposal floats ideas to create “ideal neighbourhood streets” with safe crossings for foot traffic, street trees, pedestrian lighting, on-street parking and narrow road lanes meant to help slow traffic.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A new vision to revitalize Winnipeg’s downtown pitches options to create new green space, calm traffic, reimagine Graham Avenue and attract new residents among its key goals.

Pedestrians the priority in blueprint for Osborne Village transformation

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Pedestrians the priority in blueprint for Osborne Village transformation

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 10, 2023

A new vision for Osborne Village suggests pedestrians could cross in all directions at one key intersection amid widened sidewalks, narrowed road lanes and slower vehicles.

The Osborne Village BIZ “Blueprint for a Vibrant and Healthy Neighbourhood” floats several specific ideas, including the addition of a pedestrian scramble at Osborne Street and River Avenue – where all vehicle traffic would temporarily stop to let pedestrians cross diagonally and in all other directions at the same time.

“There’s a lot of people that move through that (intersection), pedestrians and cyclists. (The scramble is) an opportunity to meet the needs of the community and to help redefine how people are moving and engaging through the neighbourhood,” said Lindsay Somers, executive director of the BIZ.

It would be the first pedestrian scramble in Winnipeg.

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Wednesday, May. 10, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Osborne Village BIZ executive director Lindsay Somers

Windsor Hotel owner asks city for time to look into repairs

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Windsor Hotel owner asks city for time to look into repairs

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Coun. Markus Chambers, chairman of council’s human rights committee, said the fact some of the equity groups are seeing increased representation within the city’s workforce is encouraging.

Lack of drivers stalls return to full Transit service

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Lack of drivers stalls return to full Transit service

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Vote on studying Portage & Main reopening postponed until fall

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Vote on studying Portage & Main reopening postponed until fall

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Monday, May. 8, 2023

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.

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Monday, May. 8, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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

City eyes prioritizing active transportation route cleanups

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

City eyes prioritizing active transportation route cleanups

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Monday, May. 8, 2023

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.

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Monday, May. 8, 2023

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg city council’s public works committee has ordered staff to investigate prioritizing the seasonal cleanup on multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes and sidewalks over the cleaning of city streets.

Widening roadway, adding active transportation part of $550-million Route 90 upgrade

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Widening roadway, adding active transportation part of $550-million Route 90 upgrade

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, May. 5, 2023

A long-awaited proposal to improve a notorious Route 90 bottleneck would widen the street to offer three traffic lanes in each direction, install active transportation pathways on both sides and update aging infrastructure.

The overhaul of the busy route, between Taylor and Ness avenues, was identified as a strategic infrastructure priority for council in 2011, partly because there are few other alternative routes nearby.

On each weekday, more than 40,000 vehicles pass through this section of Route 90, with travel times ranging from about seven to eight minutes during peak periods in both directions. If nothing changes along the route, travel time is expected to grow to nearly 14 minutes (morning rush) and 10.7 minutes (afternoon rush) for northbound traffic by 2041, while reaching 8.5 minutes (morning) and 10.8 minutes (afternoon) for vehicles heading southbound the same year, public consultation documents state.

With the improvements, city staff predicts travel times would range from roughly seven to nine minutes, preventing delays from roughly doubling in some cases as the population grows.

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Friday, May. 5, 2023

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
A long-awaited proposal to improve a notorious Route 90 bottleneck would widen the street to offer three traffic lanes in each direction, install active transportation pathways on both sides and update aging infrastructure.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, May. 5, 2023

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.

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Friday, May. 5, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Bardal funeral director Adam Sweryd stands next to a rubble pile on William at Furby, near the funeral home.

Asbestos fears fuel Main Street rubble cleanup delays

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Asbestos fears fuel Main Street rubble cleanup delays

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, May. 4, 2023

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.

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Thursday, May. 4, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

On Feb. 11, when Surplus Direct (843 Main St.), Top Pro Roofing (847 Main St.) and Lord Selkirk Furniture (835 Main St.) caught fire, all three buildings collapsed and were deemed a total loss.

Runaway prices could mean rocky road for city street projects

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Runaway prices could mean rocky road for city street projects

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

Soaring construction costs threaten to empty the city’s $156-million roads budget for 2023 before all of the scheduled projects are completed.

Officials are warning that construction companies have submitted higher-than-expected prices for recent contracts, sparking concerns the city could run out of money.

“If this trend of increased construction costs were to continue as additional tenders close, there is a risk that funds remaining in the 2023 program may not be sufficient to award all projects contemplated in the 2023 roads capital program,” writes Brad Neirinck, manager of engineering, in a report headed to council’s public works committee.

The city estimates average construction costs have jumped 25 to 30 per cent since last year. The sharp rise in prices is occurring across Canada and is being closely monitored, city spokesperson Ken Allen said in an emailed statement.

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Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Repairs to purple street lights held up

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Repairs to purple street lights held up

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Purple street lights can be seen at the same time as white street lights on Wellington Crescent and Hugo Street in January.

Owners billed after vacant property fires

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Owners billed after vacant property fires

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, May. 1, 2023

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.”

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Monday, May. 1, 2023

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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.

Councillor pushes for Portage, Main plebiscite policy

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Councillor pushes for Portage, Main plebiscite policy

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

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.

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Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Councillor Russ Wyatt will push for a policy that requires a plebiscite “prior to any opening” to street-level foot traffic at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

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.

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Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

(Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Mayor Scott Gillingham said he will consider the idea to cut the use of fossil fuels through retrofits as it moves forward for debate at the environment committee next month.

Nitrogen under sewage treatment plant plan microscope

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Nitrogen under sewage treatment plant plan microscope

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

There is no clear funding agreement or timeline for Phase 3 of the upgrade at the north end sewage treatment plant, while the city hopes to begin construction on Phase 2 in 2025.

Circular ‘sky garden’ walkway among ideas floated for re-imagined Portage & Main

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Preview

Circular ‘sky garden’ walkway among ideas floated for re-imagined Portage & Main

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

There’s a chance Winnipeggers could finally be able to cross the street again at the city’s most famous intersection… but they’d be doing it six storeys above the traffic.

A “sky garden,” with a plant-adorned circular walkway, potential bridge connections to adjacent buildings and glass elevators connecting the street, plaza and underground concourse, as well as an option to add a set of four lookout towers with viewing platforms (one at each corner), are among several ideas to revitalize Portage and Main the city is now seeking public feedback on.

“The City of Winnipeg sees Portage and Main as an iconic, historic destination and worthy of a little bit of extra attention… and that’s why we’ve looked at ideas that are somewhat conventional as well as some that are more bold,” said Kurtis Kowalke, a principal planner for the city.

The changes — advanced by a city consultant — could allow for temporary pedestrian access at ground level, such as for special events. However, the vision doesn’t pursue a long-debated call to permanently restore surface-level pedestrian crossing. The intersection has been closed to pedestrians since 1979, and Winnipeggers voted down a non-binding plebiscite to reopen the corners in 2018.

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Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

New site for Transit garage elusive: city report

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

New site for Transit garage elusive: city report

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

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. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files)

New vision for Portage and Main coming next week

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

New vision for Portage and Main coming next week

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 21, 2023

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.

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Friday, Apr. 21, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The city wants to improve the ‘pedestrian environment’ at Portage and Main.

Plan to lure residential sites called sweeping

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Plan to lure residential sites called sweeping

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 21, 2023

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.

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Friday, Apr. 21, 2023

A three-building apartment complex was approved by a city council committee over the objections of some neighbours. (Supplied)

City hall approves three apartment blocks for Northgate mall

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City hall approves three apartment blocks for Northgate mall

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

CITY OF WINNIPEG

The development proposes to add three apartment buildings, with 204 housing units, and preserve the shopping centre.

Mayor’s cabinet backs essential-services talks with union

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayor’s cabinet backs essential-services talks with union

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

On Tuesday, the executive policy committee directed city officials to return to contract negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 to create an essential services agreement.

Winnipeg eyes signing Montreal Pledge

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Winnipeg eyes signing Montreal Pledge

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 17, 2023

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.

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Monday, Apr. 17, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Erna Buffie, a member of advocacy group Trees Please Winnipeg, said the public pledge would support decisive, prompt action on Winnipeg’s upcoming municipal green space master plan and biodiversity policy.

Council to consider sidewalk snow-clearing cost study

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Council to consider sidewalk snow-clearing cost study

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

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

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Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The city may study an option to speed up sidewalk snow-clearing after repeated complaints they aren’t cleared off quickly enough.

Graffiti paints negative picture for historic sites, business community

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Graffiti paints negative picture for historic sites, business community

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

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.

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Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Seven Oaks Museum was vandalized with spray paint on the side and rear of the building, as well as some outbuildings.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 13, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Apr. 13, 2023

City of Winnipeg

The proposed development would add three apartment buildings with a combined 204 housing units.

City report backs adults-only board volunteers

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

City report backs adults-only board volunteers

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Thursday, Apr. 13, 2023

THE City of Winnipeg doesn’t appear set to roll out the welcome mat for volunteers under age 18 to serve on all of its boards and commissions.

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Thursday, Apr. 13, 2023

THE City of Winnipeg doesn’t appear set to roll out the welcome mat for volunteers under age 18 to serve on all of its boards and commissions.

Few details about fewer calls to city fraud, waste hotline

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Few details about fewer calls to city fraud, waste hotline

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

The City of Winnipeg’s fraud and waste hotline received 79 calls of alleged wrongdoing that included 110 specific allegations in 2022, down from 139 reports and 182 allegations in 2020, according to a city report released Wednesday.

Icy sidewalks create shut-ins, city told

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Icy sidewalks create shut-ins, city told

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 11, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Apr. 11, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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.

City tilts eye to sun for potential Transit bus power

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City tilts eye to sun for potential Transit bus power

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 10, 2023

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

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Monday, Apr. 10, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Transit expects its first round of 16 emission-free vehicles to arrive around mid-2024, including eight battery-electric and eight hydrogen fuel cell battery-electric models.

Winter uses of city golf courses debated

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Winter uses of city golf courses debated

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Windsor Park Nordic Centre is located at the Windsor Park Golf Course.

City report leans away from possible cosmetic spray pesticide program

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City report leans away from possible cosmetic spray pesticide program

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Coun. Jeff Browaty called last year for the city to report on potentially phasing in cosmetic pesticide use to rid green spaces of “noxious weeds,” such as dandelions, as the province prepared to remove its ban.

City sewage plant meets pollution targets

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

City sewage plant meets pollution targets

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A city report notes effluent from the South End plant now consistently meets a provincial directive to contain less than 1 milligram per litre of phosphorous and less than 15 mg/L of nitrogen.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

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

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Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A Winnipeg city councilor wants the city to send fire trucks that have been deemed too old to use by WFPS, to Ukraine.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

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.

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Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

ALEX LUPUL / FREE PRESS FILES

A new motion calls for city staff to study how traffic-calming measures could be added during the local street-renewal process.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

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.

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Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

GABRIELLE PICHÉ / CANSTAR FILES

Among the most significant and controversial options, is a suggestion that the city could give up ownership of Blumberg, a 200-acre city-owned golf course located in the Rural Municipality of Headingley.

Canstar Community News Headingley was unsuccessful in its bid for John Blumberg Golf Course. (GABRIELLE PICHÉ/CANSTAR COMMUNITY NEWS/HEADLINER)

Province tabs new $7.5M for Winnipeg road repair

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Province tabs new $7.5M for Winnipeg road repair

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

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

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Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

As of Friday, the city has already filled 17,683 potholes in 2023, according to public works data. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

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

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Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) Station 9 on Marion Street.

Group backs out of buying heritage buildings

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Group backs out of buying heritage buildings

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

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

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Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

WAYNE GLOWACKI/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The St. Boniface City Hall building at 219 Provencher Blvd.

Design for Osborne Village cycling route unveiled

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Design for Osborne Village cycling route unveiled

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

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

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Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
This June, the city will begin building protected bike lanes on River and Stradbrook avenues (from Harkness Avenue to Wellington Crescent), and Wellington Crescent (between River and Stradbrook), as part of a larger road renewal project.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 30, 2023

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

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Thursday, Mar. 30, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Shannon Shields, whose son attends school in Bourkevale, said the reduced speed appears to be a good fit for the neighbourhood.

‘It’s like you can’t win’: 11K on city-run swim lesson wait lists

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

‘It’s like you can’t win’: 11K on city-run swim lesson wait lists

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

A lifeguard shortage that forced the city to offer far fewer swimming lessons this spring has left many Winnipeggers waiting for even a chance to dive into a program.

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Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Kaitlin Bialek and her kids, Emma (seven) and Emmett (four), pose for a photo in their home in Winnipeg on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The Bialeks were once again unable to get spots in swimming lessons, and city data shows there are 11,604 wait list entries for City of Winnipeg swimming lessons and 967 learn to swim activities with wait lists. For Joyanne story. Winnipeg Free Press 2023.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Chris Garrick, left, president of Jackson Springs Water Corporation, photographed with production staffer Mark in his water bottling facility.

Residents split on value of city’s Crescentwood conservation designation

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Residents split on value of city’s Crescentwood conservation designation

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

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.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

The Crescentwood-Enderton Park area is the second heritage conservation district in Winnipeg. (City of Winnipeg)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

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

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Council voted 15-1 Thursday to give True North Real Estate Development an option to purchase the beleaguered Portage Place mall.

Council votes yes on police HQ lawsuits settlement

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Council votes yes on police HQ lawsuits settlement

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Serious concerns surrounding the WPS downtown headquarters project, which included the purchase and renovation of a former Canada Post facility, have plagued city council for years.

Majority of councillors vote to pass 2023 city budget

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Majority of councillors vote to pass 2023 city budget

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayor Scott Gillingham said the financial plan funds both social services and economic initiatives.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“The total cost for the citywide (bus rapid transit) infrastructure would be less than the cost of a single LRT line,” Kevin Sturgeon told the Riel community committee on Tuesday.

EPC sends budget tweaks on to council final vote

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

EPC sends budget tweaks on to council final vote

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES

“I believe that this budget really shows an investment in key services in the City of Winnipeg, services that the citizens of Winnipeg have articulated are priorities for them,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

City’s 311 wait times remain high, but heading in ‘positive direction’

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City’s 311 wait times remain high, but heading in ‘positive direction’

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

WAIT times for the city’s 311 service remained stubbornly long last year, though hope for quicker service may be on the horizon.

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Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

WAIT times for the city’s 311 service remained stubbornly long last year, though hope for quicker service may be on the horizon.

City to pay more than $1M to cover convention centre loan payment

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

City to pay more than $1M to cover convention centre loan payment

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

THE City of Winnipeg will pay more than $1 million this year to cover an annual loan payment for the downtown convention centre.

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Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

THE City of Winnipeg will pay more than $1 million this year to cover an annual loan payment for the downtown convention centre.

Affordable, supportive housing proposed for Osborne Village

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Affordable, supportive housing proposed for Osborne Village

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

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

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Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

Two four-storey buildings would be constructed at 90 Wellington Cres. and 586/588 River Ave. if approved by city council. (Supplied)

Library, transit top budget discussion at EPC

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Library, transit top budget discussion at EPC

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

More social support staff in an effort to make Millennium Library safer was one of the requests made of city council’s executive policy committee, Thursday.

Tax credit for Winnipeggers without water on chopping block

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Tax credit for Winnipeggers without water on chopping block

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

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.

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Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

Mike Maskell, who lives on Liberty Street, is urging the city to keep an annual $250 tax credit, which is given to households that lack municipal water and sewer services. (Brook Jones / Winnipeg Free Press)

Council to consider settlement offer for police HQ lawsuits

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Council to consider settlement offer for police HQ lawsuits

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

City council may soon accept a multimillion-dollar settlement offer in lawsuits it launched for cost overruns linked to the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters project.

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Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

City council will consider a multi million-dollar settlement in a lawsuit the city launched over cost overruns linked to the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters project.

Police parking compromise foiled by lack of interest

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Police parking compromise foiled by lack of interest

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

EPC seeks to float $38K to downtown public washroom

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

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

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Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A motion has been passed to seek $38,000 within the 2023 budget to keep Amoowigamig at 715 Main St. open, and allow Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre to offer social services for 10 hours per day at the site for the rest of the year.

Final vote to rename Bishop Grandin Boulevard on horizon

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Final vote to rename Bishop Grandin Boulevard on horizon

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

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

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Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Bishop Grandin Boulevard may soon be known as Abinojii Mikanah.

EPC votes down Tartan Towing settlement

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

EPC votes down Tartan Towing settlement

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

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.

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Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

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.

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Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Gord Delbridge, 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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

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.

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Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Chief Danny Smyth said police volunteers would answer the calls and direct them to the best reporting option.

Service-driven space remains closed

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Service-driven space remains closed

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

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.

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Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Al Wiebe, anti-poverty advocate and member of the Millennium Library’s community advisory board, believes the community space should remain where it is.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

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

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Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

On Tuesday, the province released a 2023 preliminary budget in which, it proposes to cut personal income taxes by $311 million and increase spending by an average of 12 per cent across all 19 government departments.

City overpaid $1M for towing

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

City overpaid $1M for towing

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The agreement would involve Tartan Towing paying the municipal government $15,000 per month “to start” and ultimately repaying $446,250.40 within two years, if council approves it.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

A petition on change.org calls for the city to fund 24/7 operations of the washroom.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Monday, Mar. 6, 2023

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.

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Monday, Mar. 6, 2023

DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

An aerial view of Kenaston Boulevard and Bishop Grandin Boulevard.

True North considering transformation of Portage Place to ‘mixed-use community’

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

True North considering transformation of Portage Place to ‘mixed-use community’

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Monday, Mar. 6, 2023

The company that owns the Winnipeg Jets is considering the purchase of Portage Place to transform the rundown downtown shopping mall into a “mixed-used community” with housing, services and programs to better fit the area’s social and economic needs.

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Monday, Mar. 6, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A report headed to council’s executive policy committee seeks council approval to give True North Real Estate Development, part of the larger company that owns the Winnipeg Jets, an option to buy the mall.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

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).

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Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Canstar Community News

The original 2016 plan, which focused on reducing vehicle traffic congestion from the east limit of Marion to Goulet Street, would have required the city to acquire more than 140 properties. But it was cancelled following significant community backlash, over complaints it would be far too expensive and intrusive to the area.

City plans to hire, train security team ‘as soon as possible’ to quell transit violence, mayor says

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

City plans to hire, train security team ‘as soon as possible’ to quell transit violence, mayor says

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

The City of Winnipeg wants to hire and train 24 peace officers to patrol buses and bus stops this year to combat rising violence on the public transit system.

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Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayor Scott Gillingham said a plan is coming together to put a promised Transit security team in place.

City report urges permanently reduced speed limits on some streets

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City report urges permanently reduced speed limits on some streets

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

City staff believe the current pace of life on 14 Winnipeg streets should be reduced permanently.

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Ian Walker, chair of safe speeds Winnipeg, poses for a portrait on Talbot (in an area where many photo radar tickets are given out) in Winnipeg on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. For Katrina story. Winnipeg Free Press 2022.

City eyes Broadway tree canopy support plan

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

City eyes Broadway tree canopy support plan

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

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

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

The $5.4-million Trees on Broadway project aims to protect iconic American elms planted along the street in the early 1900s. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press Files)

Fire, paramedic staff skip breaks to keep up with demand

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Fire, paramedic staff skip breaks to keep up with demand

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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.

Civic report question continuation of portable public washroom program

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Civic report question continuation of portable public washroom program

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Community services director Cindy Fernandes said ending the portable public washroom program could free up cash to prevent a planned reduction in the hours of the city’s permanent public washroom, named Amoowigamig, at 715 Main St.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

Estimates from Environment Canada project the chimney swift population has declined by as much as 95 per cent since the 1960s. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Winnipeg to study how other cities regulate hookah lounges

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

Winnipeg to study how other cities regulate hookah lounges

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

While the Manitoba government has banned smoking and vaping tobacco in indoor public places, Winnipeg restaurants are able to operate as hookah lounges by offering customers the ability to smoke tobacco-free shisha.

City looks at raising dog adoption fees

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

City looks at raising dog adoption fees

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

A Winnipeg Animal Services business plan proposes to raise the fee to adopt a dog between four months and eight years old, to $245 in 2023, up from $183. The cost to adopt a dog under four months old is expected to jump to $280 from $219. (Supplied)

City eyes business waste collection service inspections

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City eyes business waste collection service inspections

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Feb. 27, 2023

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.

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Monday, Feb. 27, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A large pile of rubbish appeared at a dumpster behind an apartment block at 270 St. John’s Ave. (next to Holy Ghost’s parking lot). The debris sparked multiple media reports, with one resident labelling it a “trash volcano,” as garbage spilled into a back alley and nearby street.

Winnipeg funding bump welcome but new model needed: mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Winnipeg funding bump welcome but new model needed: mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

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.

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Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham: ‘I really can’t stress enough the importance of establishing a new funding formula for the City of Winnipeg, one that is based on economic activity, revenues generated.’

City to regulate, tax short-term rentals

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

City to regulate, tax short-term rentals

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

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

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Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Short-term rentals in Winnipeg, such as those listed on Airbnb, will pay a five per cent accommodation tax and be subject to new limits on the number of properties they can own.

Hours to be cut at Main Street washroom despite its success

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Hours to be cut at Main Street washroom despite its success

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

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

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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Council approved $200,000 in each of 2022 and 2023 for the support services, to enable Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre to run the facility for 10 hours per day, seven days a week. Current city funding falls short of covering those hours, the report says.

Millennium Library security uncovers knives, screwdrivers, bullets

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Millennium Library security uncovers knives, screwdrivers, bullets

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

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. 

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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES

The January reopening of the Millennium Library was paired with a series of added security measures, including a walk-through metal detector, four additional security guards and two on-site uniformed police officers.

City eyes sharing inflation risks in sewage contracts

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City eyes sharing inflation risks in sewage contracts

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Phase one construction for the north end sewage treatment plant in Winnipeg.

Councillor pushes city to target illegally modified mufflers

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Councillor pushes city to target illegally modified mufflers

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

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

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Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Coun. Markus Chambers’ new motion calls for council to ask the provincial government for “stronger fines and penalties” for vehicle owners who have altered their mufflers to create excessive noise, which violates Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

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.

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Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

SUPPLIED

The city’s draft 2023 budget proposes $2 million for preliminary design work on the 92,000-square-foot multi-use complex, which would be attached to the library at 1 Transcona Blvd.

Wellington Crescent condos get green light

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Wellington Crescent condos get green light

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

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

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Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The house at 514 Wellington Crescent was torn down in November 2020 after a long battle with area residents and heritage advocates who wanted it saved.

Short-term rental rules blueprint revised ahead of final vote

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Short-term rental rules blueprint revised ahead of final vote

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Proposed new rules for short-term rental units triggered a mixed response at Winnipeg city hall, including from Melanie Mitchell, President of the Manitoba Association of Short Term Rental Owners.

City to consider appeal on Wellington Crescent development

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City to consider appeal on Wellington Crescent development

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

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

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Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The house at 514 Wellington Crescent was torn down in 2020 after a long battle with area residents and heritage advocates who wanted to save it.

Blockade at landfill cost city nearly $1 million

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Blockade at landfill cost city nearly $1 million

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

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.

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Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

Protesters began demonstrating at the Brady Road landfill in December, to back their demand for a search of the south Winnipeg site for the remains of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

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.

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Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The vacancy rate for all city libraries combined was 7.8 per cent, with 28 unfilled positions, as of Jan. 17, down from 22.8 per cent vacancy and 92 unfilled positions on July 23, 2021, according to data from the city.

Thou shalt share views on Ten Commandments monument

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Thou shalt share views on Ten Commandments monument

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

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.

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Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

CITY OF WINNIPEG

Ten Commandments commemorative monument Assiniboine Park

Developer tweaks plan for homes near Red

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Developer tweaks plan for homes near Red

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

During the Riel committee meeting, John Wintrup, a planning consultant for the developer, said the city’s concerns about the plan have been addressed.

Leacock House heritage de-listing vote splits committee

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Leacock House heritage de-listing vote splits committee

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

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

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Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Social services organization Marymound, which owns Leacock House (442 Scotia St.), is asking the city to remove the structure from its list of historical resources, so it can be torn down to make room for a long-planned transition home.

City reducing parking requirements for affordable-housing projects

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

City reducing parking requirements for affordable-housing projects

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

The City of Winnipeg hopes to make it easier to create affordable housing by letting developers provide fewer parking spaces.

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Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

The City of Winnipeg hopes to make it easier to create affordable housing by letting developers provide fewer parking spaces.

Bigger park, plaza considered for Burton Cummings Theatre

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Bigger park, plaza considered for Burton Cummings Theatre

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

A larger park, and possibly a plaza, could become a reality if a small part of Smith Street is moved — something supporters expect would add vibrancy to downtown.

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Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A new proposal aims to revamp Smith Street, realigning some of its lanes that lead to Notre Dame Avenue to make room for a much bigger Odeon Park and potential plaza.

Councillor seeks first step to bare winter sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Councillor seeks first step to bare winter sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

If the city cleared sidewalks down to the pavement, getting around independently would be much easier for Tom Jones, he says. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Clan Mothers transitional housing plan a no-brainer

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Clan Mothers transitional housing plan a no-brainer

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

Clan Mothers Healing Village hopes to have a safe place for Indigenous women, two-spirit and trans people downtown, says Jamie Goulet, a co-founder of the organization. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

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.

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Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

In a letter to the premier, Mayor Scott Gillingham recently asked for several changes to the provincially controlled City of Winnipeg Charter.

Vacant building owners to pay if firefighting required

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

Vacant building owners to pay if firefighting required

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023

The owners of vacant buildings in Winnipeg will be charged the cost to battle fires at their properties.

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Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023

The owners of vacant buildings in Winnipeg will be charged the cost to battle fires at their properties.

Premier touts good news for future city funding

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Premier touts good news for future city funding

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

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

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Premier Heather Stefanson and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Council motion seeks to reopen district police stations to public

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Council motion seeks to reopen district police stations to public

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The motion aims to switch the downtown WPS headquarters on Smith Street, the west district station on Grant Avenue (pictured), the north district facility on Hartford Avenue, and the east district station on Dugald Road to round-the-clock service.

New safety standards needed for hookah lounges, councillor says

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

New safety standards needed for hookah lounges, councillor says

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

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

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

In traditional hookah use, the multi-pronged water pipe can be used to smoke shisha, a mixture of tobacco and molasses, sugar or fruit. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Millennium Library reopened to patrons Monday, with airport-style security measures, including a walk-through metal detector, two on-site police officers and four extra security guards.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

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

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The money should lead to 400 or more trees to be planted, with funding prioritized for projects that plant in “underserved” communities or areas with higher poverty rates, said Kerienne La France, the city’s supervisor of forestry technical services.

City ponders letting employees pick own stat holidays to reflect culture

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City ponders letting employees pick own stat holidays to reflect culture

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

The city will look at matching statutory holiday time with workers’ own cultural and religious priorities, but some warn the proposed change falls short of what’s needed.

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

WAYNE GLOWACKI/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Winnipeg City Hall.

Millennium Library reopens services with increased security measures

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Millennium Library reopens services with increased security measures

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

Patrons walked through a metal detector Monday for their first chance in more than a month to freely explore Millennium Library.

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Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

Security personal check for dangerous metal objects being carried by library users on the first day of the Millennium Library opening Monday. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

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.

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Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

TWITTER

Andrew Tod posted this photo on Twitter Friday: “I’ve never understood why people who clear the streets think that sidewalks are the place to leave the snow. @cindygilroy any chance you could deal with this? St Matthews at Garfield. “

New library borrowing rules sets suspension at 10 overdue items

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

New library borrowing rules sets suspension at 10 overdue items

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

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.

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Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Public Library patrons who have borrowed 10 or more overdue items “will have their memberships suspended until overdue items are returned,” effective Feb. 1, according to a new policy announced by the library this week.

Staff shortages plague city services

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Staff shortages plague city services

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023

The City of Winnipeg is struggling with a labour shortage that has already reduced access to some public services and threatens to hinder others.

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Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

After a record high 130 assaults on bus operators in 2022 (including verbal threats), the union that represents Winnipeg Transit drivers said a lack of safety on buses is the top obstacle to hiring.

Millennium Library reopening next week with on-site police, metal detector

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Millennium Library reopening next week with on-site police, metal detector

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

The Millennium Library will fully reopen Monday with enhanced safety measures including police on the ground, more security staff and a metal detector, after closing last month in response to the slaying of a 28-year-old man.

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Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

The Millennium Library has been closed since Dec. 11 when 28-year-old Tyree Cayer died after being stabbed in the facility. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

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

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Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Earlier this month, city staff told the public works committee the bylaw doesn’t prohibit Winnipeggers from clearing public sidewalks.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Millennium Library, temporarily closed after a fatal stabbing, in Winnipeg on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. For Joyanne story. Winnipeg Free Press 2022.

City upholds Sherbrook Street rubble pile clean-up deadline

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City upholds Sherbrook Street rubble pile clean-up deadline

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

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.

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Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

Tyler Searle / Winnipeg Free Press Files

The remains of a former apartment building at 694 Sherbrook St. that burned in a fire last February. Monday, the City of Winnipeg’s property and development committee denied the appeal of a city order to get the site cleaned up by Feb. 15, leaving in place that deadline to remove all remains of the building’s structure and foundation.

City hires security consultant for safety audit of downtown library

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City hires security consultant for safety audit of downtown library

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

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.

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Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Millennium Library has been closed since Dec. 11, when 28-year-old Tyree Cayer was stabbed to death inside the building.

Council looks to clean up jargon in city reports

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Council looks to clean up jargon in city reports

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

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.

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Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

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.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A group of Waverley West residents say they want a new $3-million temporary fire hall placed elsewhere.

Mayor, councillor hope downtown library can resume services next week

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayor, councillor hope downtown library can resume services next week

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayor Scott Gillingham said progress has been made in meetings among elected officials, library staff, the city’s chief administrative officer and others.

Rollins to stay on EPC amid federal candidate bid: mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Rollins to stay on EPC amid federal candidate bid: mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

City councillor Sherri Rollins announced Tuesday that she is seeking the federal Liberal nomination in the Winnipeg South Centre byelection (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Insurance dispute delays cleanup of Sherbrook Street fire rubble

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Insurance dispute delays cleanup of Sherbrook Street fire rubble

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

Tyler Searle / Winnipeg Free Press Files

The remains of a former apartment building at 694 Sherbrook St. that burned in a fire last February. The City of Winnipeg issued an order in December to multiple parties that appear to own the site requiring “all the remains of the building’s structure and foundation” be removed no later than Feb. 15, 2023.

No bylaw changes needed, no fines for clearing public sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

No bylaw changes needed, no fines for clearing public sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

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.

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Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

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. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press Files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

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.

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Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

On Sunday, a vacant two-storey home in the 600 block of Furby Street was destroyed by fire, forcing neighbouring homes to be evacuated.

City explores solar energy for civic properties

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

City explores solar energy for civic properties

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023

The City of Winnipeg will take a look at its properties to determine if any are suited to generate solar power.

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Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023

The City of Winnipeg will take a look at its properties to determine if any are suited to generate solar power.

Snowfall, pandemic add to massive city deficit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Snowfall, pandemic add to massive city deficit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

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

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Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

Landfill blockade costs city at least $400K

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Landfill blockade costs city at least $400K

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

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.

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Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Vacant block that poses fire hazard approved for quick demolition

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

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

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Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The three-storey, 25-unit Saigon apartment building at 51 Roslyn Rd. became vacant last June.

City looks at dabbling in solar energy

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City looks at dabbling in solar energy

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

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.

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Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

SUPPLIED

Lorena Mitchell, chairwoman of the Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association, said the city should become a leader in seeking out green energy sources.

Residential-street reduced-speed pilot expected to start in March

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

Residential-street reduced-speed pilot expected to start in March

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

A pilot project that would reduce the speed limit on residential streets in four Winnipeg neighbourhoods is now expected to begin in March.

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Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

A pilot project that would reduce the speed limit on residential streets in four Winnipeg neighbourhoods is now expected to begin in March.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FLES

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.

Millennium Library reopens Friday with limited service

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Millennium Library reopens Friday with limited service

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

The Millennium Library will reopen to limited services Friday, but full access is still weeks away in the wake of a stabbing death this month in the downtown building.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Millennium Library, which has been closed since Dec. 11, will begin a phased reopening Friday morning.

Gradual reopening on table for Millennium Library: union

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Gradual reopening on table for Millennium Library: union

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Millennium Library has been closed since Dec. 11 when 28-year-old Tyree Cayer was stabbed to death inside the building.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

On Tuesday, Mayor Scott Gillingham told reporters it’s not yet clear if the library will remain closed to the public through Christmas or into the new year, stressing meetings continue on how best to safely reopen the facility.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

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.

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Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

The Crescentwood-Enderton Park Heritage Conservation District is a suburban residential neighbourhood in central Winnipeg, Manitoba that was developed primarily between 1900-1929. (City of Winnipeg)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

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.

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Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Millennium Library, temporarily closed after a fatal stabbing, in Winnipeg on Friday, Dec. 16.

Wyatt wants councillors’ ward budgets hiked

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Wyatt wants councillors’ ward budgets hiked

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Coun. Russ Wyatt’s call to raise the annual office budget to $159,000 from $84,924 is set for debate in January.

Mayor vows increased security at downtown library

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Mayor vows increased security at downtown library

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Mayor Scott Gillingham says the Millennium Library won’t reopen until at least some security changes are in place, after a man was stabbed to death inside the building on Sunday.

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Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

City clears fire-plagued Higgins Avenue homeless camp

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

City clears fire-plagued Higgins Avenue homeless camp

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

City crews have dismantled a homeless camp on Higgins Avenue after it was damaged by multiple fires.

Airport-style security at downtown library a necessary evil, former staffer says

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Airport-style security at downtown library a necessary evil, former staffer says

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Calls are growing to ramp up security at the Millennium Library after a man was stabbed to death inside the community hub, which remains closed as city officials grapple with how to make it safer.

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Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Aiyana McKenzie, a former library employee, is photographed outside the Millenium Library Tuesday, December 13, 2022. A person was killed at the library on the weekend.

City warned about safety concerns at library days before slaying

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

City warned about safety concerns at library days before slaying

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

The Millennium Library remains closed to visitors following a fatal stabbing there Sunday, just days after a union’s plea for immediate safety improvements at the public facility.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Millennium Library remains closed to visitors following a fatal stabbing there Sunday.

Landfill pauses operations amid calls to search for slain women’s remains

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Preview

Landfill pauses operations amid calls to search for slain women’s remains

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

Prairie Green Landfill north of the city is pausing operations after a request from the province, as calls to search the site where police believe the remains of two slain women are located grow louder by the day.

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Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Prairie Green Landfill, north of Winnipeg, was identified by police that the landfill may be one of the search sites for victims of alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki.

Councillor seeks to dump threat of snow-clearing fines

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Councillor seeks to dump threat of snow-clearing fines

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

Calls to eliminate potential fines for citizens who opt to shovel snow off Winnipeg public sidewalks and bike paths are gaining traction at city hall.

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Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Calls to eliminate potential fines for citizens who opt to shovel snow off Winnipeg public sidewalks and bike paths are gaining traction at city hall.

City sets up temporary shelter after death in bus shack

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City sets up temporary shelter after death in bus shack

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Marion Willis, Street Links’ executive director, said she was impressed by the city’s quick response.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Emterra Environmental, the former garbage and recycling collector for the City of Winnipeg, is seeking roughly $6 million in damages, alleging the city unfairly deducted some payments to the company, failed to provide compensation for extra work and failed to provide applicable bonuses.

Police chief no longer expecting provincial photo-radar system review

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Police chief no longer expecting provincial photo-radar system review

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

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.

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Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth said he had hoped the province’s assessment could clear the way to upgrade the enforcement system.

Resident sees holes in summer bike route survey

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Resident sees holes in summer bike route survey

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022

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.

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Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Ray Hignell says the city’s surveys are in worded in favour of bike lanes with no way to reject them.

Winnipeg police won’t meet budget savings target

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Winnipeg police won’t meet budget savings target

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

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

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Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

Any cuts to the police budget this year would come from staffing cuts, police Chief Danny Smyth said. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

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

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Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Transit is short about 50 drivers from a full complement of approximately 1,100 to operate its current schedule, and is already using overtime to fill the gaps, said Winnipeg Transit director Greg Ewankiw.

Committee wants staff to find sites for supportive housing

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Committee wants staff to find sites for supportive housing

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

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

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Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

Municipal costs for the project, including tax breaks and fee exemptions, won’t be known until more details are sorted out, says Coun. Sherri Rollins. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

Civic union opens door for private snow clearing

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Civic union opens door for private snow clearing

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

The head of the city’s largest union said a long-debated option to seek private help to clear more walkways should be considered to speed up the service. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“Naloxone will be distributed to front-facing city facilities in the coming weeks,” Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief Christian Schmidt told council’s community services committee Monday.

Rising anti-government, anti-authority attitudes affecting city police: report

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Rising anti-government, anti-authority attitudes affecting city police: report

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

The Winnipeg Police Service is facing an increase in anti-government and anti-authority sentiment, which poses a growing challenge for operations, according to a new report.

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Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

The Winnipeg Police Service is facing an increase in anti-government and anti-authority sentiment, which poses a growing challenge for operations, according to a new report.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The municipal government will offer a six-course, 14-week certification program without charge to 60 successful applicants to become an “instructor guard,” a position for lifeguards who teach swimming lessons.

Transit Plus wait times ‘getting ridiculous’

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Transit Plus wait times ‘getting ridiculous’

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

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

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Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

Transit Plus users Terry McIntosh (left) and Lori Ross have cancelled plans in the past because of how unreliable the service is. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Nov. 25, 2022

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.

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Friday, Nov. 25, 2022

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

Snow and ice control is expected to exceed its $35-million budget by $40.9 million.

Affordable housing takes slow steps: city report

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Affordable housing takes slow steps: city report

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Nov. 25, 2022

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

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Friday, Nov. 25, 2022

Coun. Sherri Rollins estimates Winnipeg needs about 1,300-1,500 more affordable housing units per year, while ensuring existing units aren’t lost. (Ethan Cairns / Winnipeg Free Press files)

City to plow residential streets amid complaints

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City to plow residential streets amid complaints

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Many Winnipeggers have recently turned to social media to complain about snow clearing, with some posting pictures of snow-filled sidewalks or complaining about cars getting stuck.

City eyes automated green lights for emergency vehicles

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City eyes automated green lights for emergency vehicles

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 21, 2022

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.

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Monday, Nov. 21, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mel Marginet, who commutes by bike and relies on a mixture of roads, back lanes and active transportation paths to do so, said snow-clearing has been slow thus far, making her travels difficult.

Councillor seeks to speed up demolition of vacant, derelict buildings

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Councillor seeks to speed up demolition of vacant, derelict buildings

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Nov. 18, 2022

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.

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Friday, Nov. 18, 2022

The remains of a former apartment building at 694 Sherbrook St. have been untouched since a fire destroyed the block in February. (Tyler Searle / Winnipeg Free Press)

Staff shortage sinks pool reopening; other rec services threatened

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Staff shortage sinks pool reopening; other rec services threatened

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

Winnipeggers won’t be diving into the pool at Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex until next spring, as concerns grow that staffing shortages will hinder recreation services citywide.

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Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

(MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Janice Lukes will join Scott Gillingham’s budget working group.

Effort to rename city places, markers proves popular

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Effort to rename city places, markers proves popular

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

Wellington Park has been renamed Theodore Niizhotay Fontaine Park, after the prominent Indigenous leader and educator. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

Delayed snow dump site development back on horizon

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Delayed snow dump site development back on horizon

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - A single cat pushes snow up the Kenaston St Snow Dump Tuesday morning after the city’s latest blizzard cleared.Often dubber "Mount Manitoba" the site is filling up fast with this year’s snow accumulation. At one point over 100 pieces of equipment were clearing streets for the morning rush hour….January 3 ,2017

Demand for changes to Indigenous-affecting place names overwhelming

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Demand for changes to Indigenous-affecting place names overwhelming

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

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

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Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

The city should explore a budget for the committee due to the extensive public consultations its members must complete, says Coun. Sherri Rollins. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Partnership takes steps to ensure safe taxi rides

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Partnership takes steps to ensure safe taxi rides

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

Hailed by its proponents as a “first-of-its-kind” agreement, a new partnership promises to help ensure safe taxi rides for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people.

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Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“All of us, over the years, have somehow had negative experiences (during cab rides)… We are committed to (doing) our part to bring about real change,” said member Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais.

Wet road-construction season pushes projects into next year

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Wet road-construction season pushes projects into next year

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

Nearly three dozen Winnipeg road construction projects that should have ended this year are now delayed into 2023, and rain is being blamed as a key culprit.

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Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

A road construction crew lays asphalt on Canora Street on Thursday. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Curb your enthusiasm for city repairs

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Curb your enthusiasm for city repairs

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

It only took 28 years for a City of Winnipeg crew to repair a curb on Tyrone Bay.

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Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Calvin Hawley was told it would take 44 years to fix a curb on Tyrone Bay when he first reported it in 1993. It took 28 years. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Temporary fire paramedic station nears Waverley West home

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Temporary fire paramedic station nears Waverley West home

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Mayor Scott Gillingham welcomed the progress on the modular WFPS station.

Gillingham takes bus to work, commits to addressing safety issues

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Gillingham takes bus to work, commits to addressing safety issues

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Changes to construction projects eyed after spring sewage discharge

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

In March, a large volume of snow began to melt before a Portage Avenue interceptor sewer pipe replacement could be finished. The moisture combined with wastewater to exceed the capacity of the site’s temporary pumping system sending sewage flowing into the river. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

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

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Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

Gillingham follows through on vow to cut his cabinet

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Gillingham follows through on vow to cut his cabinet

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Scott Gillingham appointed Janice Lukes as deputy mayor and to EPC (public works).

New Mayor Scott Gillingham, council officially sworn in

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

New Mayor Scott Gillingham, council officially sworn in

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

Mayor Scott Gillingham welcomes Russ Wyatt back to council. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

Mynarski posts city’s lowest eligible voter response

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mynarski posts city’s lowest eligible voter response

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 28, 2022

While political experts are lamenting the dismal 37.5 per cent voter turnout in Wednesday’s municipal election, participation was even lower in some Winnipeg council wards.

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Friday, Oct. 28, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A voter heads into the voting station at the Youth for Christ building, 333 King Street, early Wednesday morning to take part in Winnipeg’s civic election. 221026 - Wednesday, October 26, 2022.

Police HQ on agenda as mayor, mayor-elect meet

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Police HQ on agenda as mayor, mayor-elect meet

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Oct. 28, 2022

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

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Friday, Oct. 28, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayor-elect Scott Gillingham met with Brian Bowman, Winnipeg’s outgoing mayor, at city hall on Friday.

Winnipeg low voter turnout ‘quite disappointing’

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Winnipeg low voter turnout ‘quite disappointing’

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 31, 2022

With a competitive race guaranteed to select a new mayor, Winnipeg voter turnout was widely expected to be strong Wednesday.

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Monday, Oct. 31, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Preliminary numbers show more than 60 per cent of eligible voters did not show up at the polls.

Broadcaster suffers bout of premature prognostication

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Broadcaster suffers bout of premature prognostication

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

SUPPLIED

Shortly before 9 p.m. — less than an hour after polls closed — CTV Winnipeg declared Glen Murray the winner on its live TV coverage and on its website.

Gillingham celebrates, Murray concedes, Klein and Loney round out top four

Carol Sanders, Joyanne Pursaga, Ryan Thorpe and Maggie Macintosh 9 minute read Preview

Gillingham celebrates, Murray concedes, Klein and Loney round out top four

Carol Sanders, Joyanne Pursaga, Ryan Thorpe and Maggie Macintosh 9 minute read Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

Scott Gillingham celebrates, Glen Murray concedes, Kevin Klein and Shaun Loney round out top four in mayor's race.

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Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

'I’m going to reflect a lot on this experience. Politics has changed… You are much more vulnerable as a public person (now),' Glen Murray said.

Leading candidates for mayor make final push for votes

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Leading candidates for mayor make final push for votes

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

During his time as mayor, Glen Murray put his stamp on the city with a series of high-profile infrastructure projects, including Red River College’s Princess Street campus and the downtown arena. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

City of Winnipeg workers ratify contract worth $56M

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City of Winnipeg workers ratify contract worth $56M

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

CUPE Local 500 / TWITTER

CUPE local 500’s president, Gord Delbridge, said the wages and bonus were a compromise considering the high rate of inflation.

Woodstock apologizes; lawsuit goes away

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Woodstock apologizes; lawsuit goes away

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

Mayoral candidate Don Woodstock was accused of damaging the reputations of John Motkaluk, Bayview Construction Ltd., Rocky Road Recycling and others related to the companies following comments he made during a Sept. 7 forum. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Gillingham comes out swinging against Murray

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Gillingham comes out swinging against Murray

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 24, 2022

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.

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Monday, Oct. 24, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Preview

Murray reverses course, charts business-sector taxes

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

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.

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Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Murray is proposing to raise the business tax to 5.84 per cent from 4.84 per cent.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

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.

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Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Following a candidates debate Friday, Glen Murray said that he was not made aware of complaints filed against him while he worked at Calgary’s Pembina Institute, a clean-energy think tank, in 2017-2018.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

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.

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Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

For the third question period in a row, the NDP or the Liberals asked about Kevin Klein’s time as an employee of Peter Nygard and his suitability to serve as MLA if elected in the Dec. 13 Kirkfield Park byelection. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press file)

‘Equate debate’ gets heated as mayoral hopefuls square off

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

‘Equate debate’ gets heated as mayoral hopefuls square off

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

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.

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Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidates who were not invited to the CBC debate Wednesday, took part in a debate Thursday in a home in the south end of the city. From left to right: Rick Shone, Don Woodstock, Chris Clacio, Idris Adelakun and Rana Bokhari.

Pledges, platforms and put-downs dominate CBC debate

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Pledges, platforms and put-downs dominate CBC debate

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

Mayoral candidates (from left) Scott Gillingham, Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Shaun Loney, Kevin Klein and Glen Murray took part in CBC's televised debate on Wednesday. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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’

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Former Long Plain First Nation Chief Peter Yellowquill has signed up to help mayoral candidate Don Woodstock deliver his latest campaign pledge.

City rail crossing repair launches new concerns

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City rail crossing repair launches new concerns

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“If a person’s flying over, they’re going to really land hard and I don’t know if there’s any damage to vehicles being done but… that could easily occur,” said Councillor Janice Lukes.

Mayoral candidates share ideas to deal with snowy sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 9 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidates share ideas to deal with snowy sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 9 minute read Monday, Oct. 17, 2022

Peter Tonge recalls the frustration of his wheelchair getting stuck in the snow while he attempted to travel down a sidewalk near his home at least once a week last winter.

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Monday, Oct. 17, 2022

KEN GIGLIOTTI / FREE PRESS FILES

Partly shovelled partly tramped path over a snow covered sidewalk JAN. 7 2014

Ouellette seeks to put spotlight on city anniversary

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Ouellette seeks to put spotlight on city anniversary

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Oct. 17, 2022

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

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Monday, Oct. 17, 2022

DANIEL CRUMP / FREE PRESS FILES

Robert-Falcon Ouellette plans to spearhead a summer full of “Winnipeg 150” events next year, marking 150 years since the city was incorporated in 1873.

City offers free menstrual products in some buildings

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Preview

City offers free menstrual products in some buildings

Joyanne Pursaga 1 minute read Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

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

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Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

DANIEL CRUMP / FREE PRESS FILES

Free pads and tampons are now available at Millennium Library.

Mayoral decided voter support gap closing: poll

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral decided voter support gap closing: poll

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/John Woods

‘Wake-up call’: city, union had no essential services agreement in place

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Preview

‘Wake-up call’: city, union had no essential services agreement in place

Joyanne Pursaga 6 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

Winnipeg’s top bureaucrat is taking aim at the union that represents 4,900 city workers — saying residents should be “shocked and outraged” — after the municipal government came within hours of a strike that could have put its critical services at risk.

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Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

WAYNE GLOWACKI / FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg City Hall August 26 2016

City, union cross announcements

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

City, union cross announcements

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

CUPE Local / TWITTER

The union is considering filing a complaint over the city’s claims, to determine if it constitutes “an unfair labour practice.”

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Ouellette banks on new tax to fund housing units

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Robert-Falcon Ouellette said the homes would be added within eight years, and offer a mix of transitional and affordable housing, depending on need, to ensure people no longer sleep in bus shelters and encampments.

Community safety, funding questions, civic wages: mayoral roundup

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Community safety, funding questions, civic wages: mayoral roundup

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

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.

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Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidate Glen Murray announces the second part of his safety strategy at the South Winnipeg Community Centre, Friday.

Murray moves to clarify work record comments

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Murray moves to clarify work record comments

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

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

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Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“I did not take my problems to work in my view… If I misspoke (initially) I apologize, but I get asked a lot of questions in a day. I hope that’s quite clear,” Glen Murray said Friday.

Construction bidding, campaign donations, transit rework: mayoral roundup

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Construction bidding, campaign donations, transit rework: mayoral roundup

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk said Thursday she would switch the city to a qualification-based selection process, which would ensure the best-suited company can complete the design phase for each routine capital project.

City puts new deal on table after CUPE sets strike deadline

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

City puts new deal on table after CUPE sets strike deadline

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

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

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Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

CUPE Local 500 / TWITTER

CUPE Local 500 represents about 4,900 City of Winnipeg workers, who staff key services at pools, libraries, 311, public works and water and waste.

Judge settles school divisions’ long-standing tax battle with city

Maggie Macintosh and Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Judge settles school divisions’ long-standing tax battle with city

Maggie Macintosh and Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

School divisions should be receiving tax exemptions on more of their facilities — even if traditional K-12 instruction is not taking place inside all of them, a Manitoba judge has ruled.

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Winnipeg School Division administration building in Winnipeg. The Winnipeg School Division, on behalf of all affected divisions, sought a definitive answer on the taxation status of approximately 23 buildings located both within and near city limits.

Work records in mayoral candidate debate spotlight

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Work records in mayoral candidate debate spotlight

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Four candidates for mayor (Kevin Klein, Scott Gillingham, Glen Murray, and Shaun Loney) attend the Mayoral Forum early Wednesday morning.

Murray commits to city tree canopy

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Murray commits to city tree canopy

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

Glen Murray wants to sell carbon offsets and credits and obtain funding from foundations and social-impact investment funds to help enhance the city’s tree canopy. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Motkaluk’s brother appears to donate to competitor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Motkaluk’s brother appears to donate to competitor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

It appears mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk’s brother John Motkaluk donated money to the campaign of fellow mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Gillingham touts 3.5 per cent tax hike

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Gillingham touts 3.5 per cent tax hike

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

Under mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham’s plan, property taxes would increase 3.5 per cent annually for the next four years and frontage levies would increase. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

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.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk says if she’s elected she’ll fire and replace appointees to The Forks North Portage Partnership board to ensure Canada Day is not “cancelled” again.

Ward candidate calls for St. B separation

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Ward candidate calls for St. B separation

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

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.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Marcel Boille is calling for “a new city of St. Boniface,” and vowing to ensure a referendum on having the ward leave the city is held within 18 months, if he’s elected to become the area’s councillor Oct. 26.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

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

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Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Sheldon Cote performs a pipe ceremony at the official opening of the Assiniboia Residential School commemorative monument and gathering place Friday.

Kevin Klein campaign sets sights on combating city crime

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Kevin Klein campaign sets sights on combating city crime

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

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.”

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Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

During his rookie term, Kevin Klein didn’t shy away from criticizing council decisions. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Motkaluk believes ability to overcome obstacles gives her mayoral cred

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Motkaluk believes ability to overcome obstacles gives her mayoral cred

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

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.

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Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

Jenny Motkaluk has prioritized conversations with residents and groups over policy announcements. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

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

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Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

Meeting residents in their communities has been the highlight of Scott Gillingham's mayoral bid. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

Motkaluk promises to celebrate Winnipeggers’ successes

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Motkaluk promises to celebrate Winnipeggers’ successes

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

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

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Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk says she would create an event called Winnipeg’s Own Awards, a “giant party” open to all that would celebrate the successes of residents from a wide variety of fields.

Mayor proud of work on reconciliation, human rights

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayor proud of work on reconciliation, human rights

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

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.

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Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Chief Gordon Bluesky from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation presents a Buffalo pelt to Mayor Brian Bowman. Indigenous sacred symbols were presented to the mayor and council earlier this month for display in the city council chamber.

Mayoral pledges put reconciliation in spotlight

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral pledges put reconciliation in spotlight

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral hopeful Shaun Loney shared a “reconciliation action plan” that aims to better support Indigenous women, boost the community’s economic prospects and remove barriers to employment.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Rana Bokhari says she would back a recent proposal to revamp the Portage Place mall if she’s elected Oct. 26.

Outgoing mayor Bowman cheeky about what comes next

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Outgoing mayor Bowman cheeky about what comes next

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

Brian Bowman has no intention of hitting the road.

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Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayor Brian Bowman, who was a privacy lawyer before getting into politics, called his career path “a topic for another day.”

Loney hopes voters warm to heat-pump plan

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Loney hopes voters warm to heat-pump plan

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Sep. 26, 2022

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.

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Monday, Sep. 26, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Shaun Loney promised to create a program that helps property owners obtain geothermal or cold climate air-source heat while still paying energy bills that are equal to or lower than what they’d pay for natural gas.

City letter about possible CUPE strike sent in error

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City letter about possible CUPE strike sent in error

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

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.

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Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

CUPE Local 500 / TWITTER

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500, the city’s largest union, recently set up a strike headquarters to prepare for possible job action.

Bowman bids adieu to city hall

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Bowman bids adieu to city hall

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

Mayor Brian Bowman attended his final city council meeting on Thursday. He is not running for re-election. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Osborne Village store owner to rebuild after council waives rezoning fee

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Osborne Village store owner to rebuild after council waives rezoning fee

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

Mike Sudoma/Winnipeg Free Press Files

E-Mart Groceries owner Hae-Kyung (Heather) Shin, outside the burned out shell of her Osborne Village convenience store, which she plans to rebuild now that city council has voted to waive a $20,242.67 rezoning fee.

Council votes to put police parking plan into action

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Council votes to put police parking plan into action

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Council’s approval of the plan clears the way to provide 264 parking stalls at the Millennium Library Parkade, for which WPS members would pay $275 per space per month to rent.

Councillor motions seek cleaner city

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Councillor motions seek cleaner city

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

City councillor Cindy Gilroy said she hopes new rules can allow some buildings to be removed without a redevelopment plan from their owners.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

City issues RFP for first round of green buses

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City issues RFP for first round of green buses

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Motkaluk takes aim at city permit process

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Under her leadership, Jenny Motkaluk said the city would hire a contractor to impose lean management practices, beginning with the property and development department, and eventually extending to all city departments.

Mayor’s cabinet divided on police parking deal

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayor’s cabinet divided on police parking deal

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

Mike Sudoma/Winnipeg Free Press E-Mart Groceries owner,

Hae-Kyung (Heather) Shin, stands outside of E-Mart Groceries.

Mayoral candidate Loney unveils plan to cut police calls for service

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Loney unveils plan to cut police calls for service

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Shaun Loney said he expects police would support the strategy because it would reduce demands on officers, freeing them up to respond more quickly to the remaining service calls.

Parking deal in works to protect staff at police HQ

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Parking deal in works to protect staff at police HQ

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Smith Street entrance to the Millennium Library Parkade. City council will consider a call to devote the bottom floor of the Millennium Library Parkade to personal vehicles of police officers and civilian staff who work at WPS headquarters at 245 Smith St.

Mayoral candidate Murray pledges quicker turn to green Transit fleet

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Murray pledges quicker turn to green Transit fleet

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

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.

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Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A mayoral candidate is promising 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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Gillingham’s billion-dollar promise

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

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.

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Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“If Winnipeg wants to make gains in trade and commerce, we need to invest in our trade infrastructure across the city,” said mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham.

E-vehicles suitable for some city operations: report

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

E-vehicles suitable for some city operations: report

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

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.

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Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

The report is based on a recent pilot program that tested two all-electric Chevrolet Bolts and two Level 3 (fastest possible) charging stations for use by the Winnipeg Parking Authority and the water and waste department.

Mayoral candidate Klein pushes to speed up school zone lights installations

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Klein pushes to speed up school zone lights installations

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

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.

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Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

Chuck Lewis of Expert Electric (left) and Coun. Kevin Klein hold a press conference in 2020 about Lewis’s proposed donations of flashing amber lights. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Property committee knocks down rezoning waiver fee exemption pitch

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Property committee knocks down rezoning waiver fee exemption pitch

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

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.

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Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

MIKE SUDOMA / FREE PRESS FILES

Hae-Kyung (Heather) Shin has lost her attempt to have the city waive a $20,242 rezoning bill.

Firing chief of police among list of latest mayoral promises

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Firing chief of police among list of latest mayoral promises

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

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.

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Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Rick Shone blamed WPS Chief Danny Smyth for low officer morale, rising crime rates and “waning public trust” in the ability of city police to keep people safe.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Rana Bokhari promised to impose a new annual levy to discourage surface parking lots.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“This plan is the product of everything that I’ve learned from (Winnipeggers)… It can be done right now and within our existing budgets,” said mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk.

Mayoral hopefuls focus on roads, housing, transit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral hopefuls focus on roads, housing, transit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Scott Gillingham, a two-term councillor who is running for mayor, has promised to add $50 million to the city’s road repair budget over the next four years.

Next Winnipeg city council to face $55-M deficit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Next Winnipeg city council to face $55-M deficit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

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.

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Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Council is expected to take measures to restore the fund as soon as possible, said Councillor Jeff Browaty, which he believes may require the civic government to “refocus on key priorities.”

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

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

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Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press

Councillor and mayoral candidate Kevin Klein says the city lost out on another Amazon warehouse in Transcona. Shown is Amazon’s hub on Plymouth Street.

Transit Plus to try vehicles for hire

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Transit Plus to try vehicles for hire

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Transit Plus plans to roll out a pilot program testing the viability of hiring private for-hire vehicles to handle surges in demand.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Russ Wyatt is back as councillor in Transcona.

Pushing for winter of clean-scraped sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Pushing for winter of clean-scraped sidewalks

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

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

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Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Unplowed and hard to navigate sidewalks were a regular feature in the city this past winter.

Mayoral candidate Klein vows to cut red tape for business

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Klein vows to cut red tape for business

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

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.

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Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein also promises to ensure demolition permits for derelict homes and buildings are provided within 90 days of an application.

Sick leave up for Winnipeg cops

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Sick leave up for Winnipeg cops

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

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

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Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

Winnipeg police officers claimed 11,470 sick days between January and June, compared to 16,829 for all of 2021. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Battling bike theft at top of Loney’s priority list

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Battling bike theft at top of Loney’s priority list

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022

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

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Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022

(Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Mayoral candidate Bokhari takes safe consumption stance

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Bokhari takes safe consumption stance

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Monday, Aug. 29, 2022

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

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Monday, Aug. 29, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“I hope the province sees the benefit of this (and helps fund it). If not, we can engage with the federal government, get the exemption we need and proceed in that way,” said mayoral candidate Rana Bokhari.

Mayoral hopeful Ouellette pledges to freeze police budget

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral hopeful Ouellette pledges to freeze police budget

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

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.

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Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Robert-Falcon Ouellette wants to free the police budget and invest in new community-based safety projects with the savings.

Bokhari promises age-friendly, accessible city

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Bokhari promises age-friendly, accessible city

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

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.

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Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

JESSICA LEE / FREE PRESS FILES

If elected Oct. 26, Rana Bokhari promises to make the city more age-friendly and accessible within her first four-year term.

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

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

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

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.

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Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Jordyn Reimer, 24, was killed at the intersection of Kildare Avenue West and Bond Street on May 1. The family now wants more stop signs added to the intersection to prevent further tragedy.

Let youth have seat at city’s table: advocate

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Let youth have seat at city’s table: advocate

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

Should volunteering for City of Winnipeg boards and commissions be restricted to adults?

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Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Nina Lam believes that allowing youth to participate on city boards and commissions would be a great step forward in including more views and encouraging lifelong political engagement.

Public works chairman beets drum for winter road juice

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Public works chairman beets drum for winter road juice

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022

It’s time to determine if using more beet juice can help Winnipeggers get a better grip on roads, lanes and sidewalks, one city councillor says.

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Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Councillor Matt Allard is calling on municipal staff to study the impact of applying beet juice de-icing mixtures throughout the city next winter.

Election wins in the bag?

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Election wins in the bag?

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

Five Winnipeg city councillors currently face zero competition in the October election with just under a month left for candidates to register.

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Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

Increased infill housing, improved standards a priority for Loney if elected mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Increased infill housing, improved standards a priority for Loney if elected mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

A mayoral candidate hopes a “major overhaul” of infill construction standards can help Winnipeg speed up its goal to add more new homes to existing neighbourhoods.

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Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

MAGGIE MACINTOSH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

If elected, mayoral candidate Shaun Loney would aim to speed up the city’s previously set target to increase infill construction to 50 per cent of all new homes built by 2030.

Staff shortage could mean delayed city arena openings, union says

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Staff shortage could mean delayed city arena openings, union says

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

Winnipeg’s largest civic employees’ union is concerned that a shortage of recreation department workers could delay the opening of some city arenas in the fall.

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Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Gord Delbridge, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500.

St. James Civic Centre reopening after two years of renovations, construction delays

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

St. James Civic Centre reopening after two years of renovations, construction delays

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

After closing for more than two years, the St. James Civic Centre will finally reopen in September, following construction delays that kept it shuttered about a year longer than expected.

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Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“We are extremely thrilled and excited to be back at home. We have our own room, the boys can leave their stuff and air it out in their lockers,” said Justin Steeves, President of the St. James Jr. Canucks.

Murray unveils extensive plan to increase safety on city buses

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Murray unveils extensive plan to increase safety on city buses

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

Glen Murray is promising to enact an extensive plan to make Winnipeg Transit buses safer during his first term of office if he’s elected mayor in October.

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Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidate Glen Murray: “Over the last decade, our buses have become more dangerous.”

Mayoral candidate sets sights on surface parking lots

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate sets sights on surface parking lots

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

A Winnipeg mayoral hopeful would try to force owners of surface parking lots to pay the same tax rates as those whose lots have been developed.

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Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Robert-Falcon Ouellette proposes to charge lot owners as though there is a four-storey commercial building on each of their properties, instead of just a parking lot, if he’s elected mayor.

Stefanson, Bowman announce $552-M tripartite deal for North End sewage plant upgrade

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Stefanson, Bowman announce $552-M tripartite deal for North End sewage plant upgrade

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022

The city, province and federal governments will provide more than a half-billion dollars for the second phase of Winnipeg’s North End sewage treatment plant upgrade, deeming the move a long overdue effort to tackle water pollution.

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Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Premier Heather Stefanson and Mayor Brian Bowman told media the potential cost hike is under discussion now but there is still plenty of time to fine-tune the exact amount of money needed for the project.

Mayoral candidate Motkaluk again takes aim at Murray’s missing files

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Motkaluk again takes aim at Murray’s missing files

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

Winnipeg mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk is again demanding answers from an election rival who failed to file campaign expenses for his previous Green Party of Canada leadership bid.

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Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral Candidate Jenny Motkaluk challenged Glen Murray to “proactively” reveal whether or not he is being investigated by federal authorities in the matter, repeatedly accusing him of “breaking the law.”

Mayoral candidate Murray dives into wading pool closures

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Murray dives into wading pool closures

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

Most City of Winnipeg wading pools will be drained for the season by Aug. 19, making waves among those who believe the cooling amenity should be available throughout the summer.

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Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Aurora, age seven (left) and Eva, nine, splash in the wading pool at Valour Community Centre in Winnipeg on Wednesday. It appears many wading pools are set to close by Aug. 19, which some complain is a few weeks ahead of schedule.

Powerful council committee should be elected, mayoral candidate says

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Powerful council committee should be elected, mayoral candidate says

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

Members of city council’s most powerful committee should be elected by their peers, not appointed by the mayor, according to mayoral candidate Robert-Falcon Ouellette.

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Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Robert Falcon-Ouellette is proposing to switch to an EPC that is elected by council, instead of appointed by the mayor, if he gets elected.

Mayoral candidate Gillingham calls for 311 boosts

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Gillingham calls for 311 boosts

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

The City of Winnipeg’s 311 service should receive $1.1 million more to its budget each year until soaring wait times drop to a quarterly average of less than three minutes each, says mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham.

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Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham promised, if elected Oct. 26, to begin the funding boost in 2023, which he says would allow the city to hire more staff, increase hourly pay rates and/or invest in additional training, depending on what’s most needed.

‘Habitual quitter’: Murray challenged to commit to full term as mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

‘Habitual quitter’: Murray challenged to commit to full term as mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

A political opponent is challenging mayoral candidate Glen Murray to commit in writing to serve a full term of office, should he be elected.

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Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Glen Murray previously served as Winnipeg’s mayor from 1998 to 2004. He cut his second four-year term short to make an unsuccessful run for the federal Liberals in the 2004 federal election.

Light rail transit pushed back into city conversation

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Light rail transit pushed back into city conversation

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 8, 2022

The decades-old debate on building light rail transit in Winnipeg may have some spark left in it.

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Monday, Aug. 8, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“(Light rail) would attract more people. I think some people who wouldn’t ride on a bus would ride on a train. You can use electric power and (Manitoba is) rich on electric power,” said Winnipeg City Councillor Brian Mayes.

Union raises alarm on 911 staffing

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Union raises alarm on 911 staffing

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

The city police union fears short staffing at 911 call centres is forcing some to wait minutes on hold — a situation, the Winnipeg Police Service says, that remains quite rare.

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Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Following reports of some call wait times that lasted at least two to three minutes, Winnipeg Police Association president Moe Sabourin blamed the issue on a lack of employees.

Mayoral candidate Thawani disputes 2017 workplace safety fine

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Thawani disputes 2017 workplace safety fine

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

A Winnipeg mayoral candidate who was convicted of workplace safety and health violations in 2017 says he disputes the ruling but deemed it too expensive to appeal.

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Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Govind Thawani is seen in 2011 on the site of the Sterling O & G International Corp.’s new building. The company, which Thawani now owns and then directed, was found guilty in 2017 of failing to provide appropriate equipment, failing to report an incident as soon as possible, and failing to comply with a stop work order on a specific boom truck.

Memorial to be built at former residential school on Academy Road

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Memorial to be built at former residential school on Academy Road

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022

When she left the Assiniboia Residential School decades ago, Betty Ross says she felt largely silenced, her own identity unclear.

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Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022

SUPPLIED

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday for the Assiniboia Residential School commemorative monument and gathering place.

Young teen girl stabbed, young teen girl charged

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Young teen girl stabbed, young teen girl charged

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

Winnipeggers in the area of a North End playground where a 13-year-old girl was stabbed Monday expressed fear and dismay over the incident.

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Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Police said officers were called to the 600 block of Alfred Avenue for a reported stabbing around 7 p.m. Monday. They found an injured girl and gave her emergency medical care before an ambulance arrived.

Mayoral candidate sets sights on protecting, rebuilding tree canopy

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate sets sights on protecting, rebuilding tree canopy

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

Urgent action is needed to keep Winnipeg’s existing trees standing and plant many more, according to one mayoral hopeful.

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Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“I think it’s really important for Winnipeggers to know just how quickly we could see some of our trees disappear… We’re fighting (an) almost losing battle unless we put more emphasis on protection,” said mayoral candidate Rick Shone.

Mayoral candidate ‘thinking like 50 years, 1,000 years into the future’

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate ‘thinking like 50 years, 1,000 years into the future’

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

A speedy update to public transportation should be a central priority for Winnipeg, mayoral candidate Chris Clacio says.

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Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Chris Clacio proposes to complete the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan by the end of 2030, if he’s elected.

City begins replacing trees lost in botched 2021 house move

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City begins replacing trees lost in botched 2021 house move

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

Almost two dozen mature trees were destroyed in Charleswood during the transport of a large display home nearly a year ago. Now, the City of Winnipeg has begun replanting.

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Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

Felled trees line the median on Roblin Boulevard last summer after the moving of a display home that was too wide to avoid hitting the trees. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press files)

City mulls potential price tag pivot in sewage plant overhaul

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City mulls potential price tag pivot in sewage plant overhaul

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

City of Winnipeg and provincial officials are pondering a change with the potential to shave hundreds of millions of dollars off the north end sewage treatment plant upgrades price tag.

The latest proposal would seek to reduce the amount of algae-promoting phosphorous in the plant’s effluent (a key contributor to algae blooms on Lake Winnipeg) to one milligram per litre or less in Phase 2 of the three-phase megaproject. That would meet a key target the province has set for the city.

The change would add $130 million to the Phase 2 price tag, which is facing $190 million of new inflation/project delays and $33 million for financing and other smaller costs.

Council’s previous upgrade plan presumed the city would reduce two algae-promoting nutrients, phosphorous and nitrogen, in an $828-million third phase, for which the city has yet to even seek funding.

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Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Phase one construction for the north end sewage treatment plant in Winnipeg.

Developments held up due to water-meter shortage

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

Developments held up due to water-meter shortage

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

A water meter shortage threatens to delay the completion of some Winnipeg apartment buildings.

City officials say a shortage of small-diameter water meters has interfered with its practice of providing the devices to developers. Developers install them to monitor water use within individual apartments or condo units.

Coun. John Orlikow said the issue appears to have delayed some projects, though the precise number is not known.

“The bottom line (is) there’s not enough of (the devices)… supply-chain issues have occurred and I suspect now (some developers will) have to either take a pause (or switch to another part),” said Orlikow.

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Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
“The bottom line (is) there’s not enough of (the devices)… supply-chain issues have occurred and I suspect now (some developers will) have to either take a pause (or switch to another part),” said Councillor John Orlikow.

Accelerating city sewage projects ‘obligation’ to communities: mayoral candidate Bokhari

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Accelerating city sewage projects ‘obligation’ to communities: mayoral candidate Bokhari

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 18, 2022

The City of Winnipeg needs to speed up two pricey projects to reduce water pollution — and finish one of them more than a decade sooner — according to mayoral candidate Rana Bokhari.

On Monday, Bokhari promised both a strategy to reduce combined sewer overflows and a major upgrade to the north end sewage treatment plant would be completed by 2033, if she’s elected in the October municipal vote.

Such a timeline would have the up-to-$2.3-billion sewer overflow strategy completed 12 years before its 2045 provincial deadline.

“We have an obligation to the people living on and around Lake Winnipeg to not pollute it. There are 30 communities, including First Nations, that live on or near the lake,” said Bokhari.

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Monday, Jul. 18, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Mayoral candidate Rana Bokhari promised a strategy to reduce combined sewer overflows and a major upgrade to the north end sewage treatment plant would be completed by 2033 if she’s elected in October.

Mayoral candidate seeks to boost city night-time potential

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate seeks to boost city night-time potential

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 18, 2022

If Shaun Loney is elected Winnipeg’s next mayor, another “mayor” would boost local nightlife.

Loney promises to create a new staff position of “nightlife mayor” to act as a liaison between the city and the arts and culture sector.

“It’s somebody that would be from (that) community who acts as a champion for the community to promote their success,” the 2022 mayoral candidate told the Free Press.

Loney admitted the inclusion of “mayor” in the title for an unelected position may appear unusual but said it simply echoes how other cities have labelled the role so far.

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Monday, Jul. 18, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
A new staff position of nightlife mayor would serve as a liaison between the city and the arts and culture sector, says mayoral candidate Shaun Loney.

City staff diversity report highlights ‘always room for improvement’

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

City staff diversity report highlights ‘always room for improvement’

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

The City of Winnipeg’s workforce is slowly becoming more diverse, a new civic report finds.

However, the study says staff diversity still lagged behind that of the community itself in 2021, especially for women and people with disabilities, while the median pay for those within “equity groups” was also lower that of all city employees.

A human resources expert said the data provides valuable insight.

“These diversity reports help remind the privileged among us that there are still barriers, there are still problems, there is still work to do,” said Katherine Breward, who teaches human resource management at the University of Winnipeg.

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Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press Files
A recent report found female employees only represented 28.2 per cent of the City of Winnipeg’s workforce but about 51 per cent of the total population.

Mayoral candidate seeks city strategy for new Indigenous residents in need

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate seeks city strategy for new Indigenous residents in need

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

A new “arrival strategy” would aim to help Indigenous folks who need some support after moving to Winnipeg settle in successfully — if Rick Shone is elected as the city’s next mayor.

Shone says his “Embracing Winnipeg” strategy would create two new full-time positions within the city’s Indigenous relations division. Those staff would provide a co-ordinated access point for local programs that provide training, education, scholarship, employment, literacy, nutrition, child care, housing and cultural supports.

Since Winnipeg’s population includes the largest percentage of Indigenous people of any major city in Canada — and that portion is expected to grow — it’s important to ensure supports for those least prepared for the move are easy to access, said Shone.

“We need to develop a strategy… (and) to be a willing partner to any organization that is offering supports to help streamline that transition so that it’s safe and (happens) in culturally appropriate ways,” the small-business owner said.

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Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

Candidates pledge to fight crime, boost public transit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Candidates pledge to fight crime, boost public transit

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 14, 2022

The City of Winnipeg would push for new peace officers to make risky places safer, create a broad crime-prevention plan and set skills targets for future police board members if Scott Gillingham becomes mayor.

One day after city police confirmed violent crime rose in 2021, the mayoral candidate released a strategy for policing and crime prevention.

“I believe it’s critical for Winnipeg to get ahead of our long-term crime challenges… We need a steady, reliable, effective, co-ordinated strategy to bring crime, especially violent crime, down, so that Winnipeg is a safer city,” Gillingham told reporters Thursday.

The Winnipeg Police Service reported Wednesday the number of violent crimes committed in 2021 was up five per cent from the previous year.

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Thursday, Jul. 14, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham releases his platform on policing and crime prevention at the Alt Hotel on Thursday.

City asked to delist mansion

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Preview

City asked to delist mansion

Joyanne Pursaga 3 minute read Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

A request to demolish a former mansion believed to be Winnipeg’s oldest protected heritage structure is headed for a council vote.

Marymound, which owns the Leacock House at 442 Scotia St., is asking the city to remove it from Winnipeg’s list of historical resources, so it can be demolished. The social-service organization had hoped to convert the building into a long-planned transition home but now believes that renovation would be far too expensive and ill-fitted for the intended program.

In a letter, the organization says an extensive planning process determined the home, built in 1878, can’t feasibly offer that housing, which would support young people who struggle with mental-health difficulties, substance misuse, trauma and other complex needs.

“Ultimately, Marymound determined that this approach not only poses significant risk in its incompatibility with the intended use, it also is cost prohibitive, with the cost-per-square-foot in extreme excess of what is felt to be a responsible use of donor money,” writes Lindsay Oster, principal architect for Prairie Architects, on behalf of Marymound.

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Friday, Jul. 15, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Leacock House at 442 Scotia St. is located behind the main Marymound building. The social services organization is seeking permission to tear the house down.

Twelfth candidate enters race for Winnipeg mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Preview

Twelfth candidate enters race for Winnipeg mayor

Joyanne Pursaga 2 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2022

A new mayoral candidate said she would use the post to help women who flee domestic violence.

Jessica Peebles became the 12th candidate to register a mayoral bid on Wednesday.

“I decided to run for mayor because I have experienced a lot of issues as a woman leaving a domestic violence relationship in the past,” Peebles told the Free Press.

The political hopeful said she has personally experienced psychological abuse and believes better support systems, including enhancing the police response to women in such situations, should be pursued.

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Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2022

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Jessica Peebles became the latest candidate to register a mayoral bid on Wednesday.