The Wrap: Machete sale rules, billion-dollar typo, Oakview Place lawsuit, fire fees
Plus: What's up with the Cambridge Hotel

The provincial government has introduced legislation that would regulate the sale of machetes, swords and other long-bladed weapons.

Bill 39 requires retailers to securely store the weapons when on display, check buyers’ IDs and keep transaction details for at least two years.

The bill also prohibits minors from buying such weapons and it applies to online retailers who ship to Manitoba.

Malak Abas gets reaction to the proposed rules.

The government’s public website incorrectly disclosed a $1.4-billion contract to a local law firm from the Families Department for legal services. The typo was not caught or corrected for weeks.

It was a clerical error; the actual value of the contract was close to $109,000.

The firm listed as the vendor was surprised to learn about the 10-figure payout.

“We’re going to have quite a year-end party this year,” quipped Stuart Blake of Fillmore Riley LLP in a voicemail message. He said it was “obviously” an error.

Carol Sanders has the story.

After criminal charges were dropped against two health-care aides accused of sexually assaulting an elderly man in their care, the man’s daughters are suing the aides, the personal care home where they worked, and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the family of the late Ronald Fetterly, claims Extendicare and the WRHA are liable for Fetterly’s treatment because they owe a duty of care to residents of Oakview Place.

Nicole Buffie reports.

The City of Winnipeg could reduce fees charged to property owners when crews battle fires at their vacant buildings, in hopes of ensuring more bills are paid and fewer blazes take place.

But some advocates fear the diminished fees will weaken the city’s ability to crack down on neglected properties. Billing property owners for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s full cost of fighting fires failed to reduce the number of blazes.

City hall reporter Joyanne Pursaga has the story.

The Cambridge Hotel on Pembina Highway is closing next month after 86 years in business.

The building is set to be demolished to make way for a planned mixed-use apartment complex. The hotel’s last day open will be Nov. 5. Roughly 15 employees are looking for new jobs.

Business reporter Gabrielle Piché spoke with the Cambridge Hotel’s general manager and tavern regulars about what it will mean to see the place shut down.