‘Disrespectful’

Several Winnipeggers attending a city development hearing on Thursday expressed frustration that one councillor arrived about an hour late, delaying the matter from being heard.

Coun. Russ Wyatt, who continues to attend city hall while facing criminal charges, began participating in the 9:30 a.m. East Kildonan-Transcona community committee meeting at 10:35 a.m.

A resident who hoped to speak at the meeting about a development plan in south Transcona noted the tardiness led the committee to bump the topic down on its agenda, while dozens waited to speak on it.

Christina Pyra eventually opted to leave city hall instead of waiting for her turn to make a presentation, to avoid missing a work commitment.

“I think there (are) a lot of residents that took time out of their day, took time off work to attend,” said Pyra. “In the corporate world, it’s unacceptable to delay a meeting an hour and say, ‘We’ll just reconvene.’”

She grew up in south Transcona and owns property in the area. She said it’s important city councillors ensure they are available to hear from residents in person about the “unique” community and the potential impact of any new development.

Guidelines for future development were the subject of a hearing at the committee Thursday, while city council will later cast the final vote.

Fred Horbaty said Wyatt’s late arrival to the session was disruptive.

“I think it’s just very disrespectful … There seemed to be a lot of disorganization by the other councillors because they didn’t know what to do … He’s the chairperson of this committee, why (couldn’t he) be here at 9:30, like the rest of us, who took days off work or took time away from their families?” he said.

Horbaty said Wyatt also arrived late for several advisory meetings related to the south Transcona development plan and missed at least two of those sessions entirely.

When asked if he thinks Wyatt should temporarily step aside, the resident said that’s up to the councillor.

“The councillor will do what the councillor is going to do. That’s his prerogative. He is innocent until proven guilty … That’s the law, right?”

“He’s the chairperson of this committee, why (couldn’t he) be here at 9:30, like the rest of us, who took days off work or took time away from their families?”

Other Winnipeggers attending the committee meeting also appeared frustrated by the delay. Many burst out laughing when Wyatt suggested the committee take a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said the complaints are valid.

“If any one of us … showed up an hour late to work repeatedly … there’d be consequences. Most Winnipeggers that are working jobs can’t roll in to work an hour late or miss meetings without a notice. And so why should council members be doing that?” said Gillingham.

Wyatt declined to speak to reporters.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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