The Wrap: Arlington Bridge’s future, gas tax holiday, ‘Choose Downtown,’ and Nuit Blanche preview

Good evening. Here’s a look at what our newsroom has been working on today:

'Should be the No. 1 project for this city'

The city is considering its options to replace the decaying, decommissioned Arlington Bridge, which opened to traffic in 1912 and closed because of urgent safety concerns last fall.

Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) said a $171-million bridge option would involve closing Dufferin Avenue at Arlington Street, while a $180-million version would travel over Dufferin, leaving it open for vehicle traffic. Winnipeggers will need to wait at least another month to read the complete list of options; the final report is not yet finished.

Joyanne Pursaga has the story.

Joyanne Pursaga:

Replacing Arlington Bridge could come cheaper

New proposals tens of millions less than original $319-M estimate Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'In the name of affordability, this government needs to do more'

The extension of Manitoba’s gas tax holiday is prompting calls from various groups to either bring back or permanently axe the tax, which normally generates some $340 million a year in revenue.

Premier Wab Kinew said Wednesday the temporary 14-cents-per-litre break on gasoline and diesel will continue until Dec. 31. The provincial government has said it can afford the tax cut, but some community organizations say the tax revenue could be used to fund needed programs such as public transit.

Chris Kitching reports.

Chris Kitching:

Province extends gas tax holiday until end of year

Premier Wab Kinew’s decision to extend the provincial gas tax holiday is likely going to reinforce the popular support he currently enjoys with Manitoba voters nearly a year after the NDP’s election v... Read More

'We're actively flipping that narrative'

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ launched its latest positivity-focused marketing campaign, “Choose Downtown Winnipeg,” this morning.

The organization is looking to collect upbeat stories about downtown. Winnipeggers who share a positive experience in the city’s core with the BIZ — in-person or via an online submission — can enter a contest to win $5,000 and gift cards.

Gabrielle Piché reports.

Gabrielle Piché:

Downtown BIZ seeks to accentuate the positive

Advocate group’s newest marketing campaign ‘sharing those stories and amplifying their voices’ Read More

'Beautiful opportunity to showcase new creations'

This year’s Nuit Blanche party will include more than 80 free events taking place across the Exchange District, downtown, St. Boniface and The Forks. Organizers expect 30,000 people to attend.

“There’s some outstanding projects,” says Kurt Tittlemier, general manager of Culture Days Manitoba, which oversees the Nuit Blanche festivities. “The applications were quite high — big stack of applications, small stack of grants, unfortunately — but we had a big roster to choose from.”

Eva Wasney previews this year’s Nuit Blanche festival.

Eva Wasney:

A-maze-ing art

Nuit Blanche installation takes viewers down a winding path of shared stories Read More