The Wrap: Vacant housing, police body cams, Manitobans in the PWHL and helping a bluesman in need

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

'Simply isn’t in the budget'

More than 2,000 apartments and units owned by Manitoba Housing were sitting vacant as of the end of December, according to the provincial government — half of them in Winnipeg.

Meanwhile, Manitoba needs at least 10,000 new units of social housing to meet existing demand, according to a recent report.

Christina Maes Nino, executive director of the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association, says Manitoba Housing has been chronically underfunded, which means suites in need of refurbishment often sit vacant until funds become available to complete repairs prior to leasing the unit to a tenant.

Danielle Da Silva:

Two-thousand public rental suites vacant due to low repair budget

More than 2,000 publicly owned, subsidized rental units across Manitoba are unoccupied amid a housing and homelessness crisis, with advocates blaming measly repair budgets for the vacancies. As man... Read More

Three Savour Manitoba magazine covers promoting a food, drink, and lifestyle publication.

'That’s a conversation I would gladly have'

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and police board chair Coun. Markus Chambers are open to re-exploring the idea of officers wearing body cams in the wake of a police shooting that killed a 19-year-old university student.

The city has previously rejected body cams for budgetary reasons, but provincial Justice Minister Matt Wiebe told the Free Press Tuesday the province is ready to help municipalities with the cost and processes.

“The challenge for the City of Winnipeg has always been the cost,” said Gillingham. “We have budgets that are really limited.”

Chris Kitching:

City officials open to idea of police body cameras after province offers to help with costs in wake of fatal shootings

City councillors could once again find police body cameras on their agenda now that the province has announced a willingness to cover some costs after officers shot and killed suspects in separate inc... Read More

'It was absolutely electric'

Sports writer Mike Sawatzky talks to Kati Tabin, Ashton Bell and Jocelyne Larocque, three of five Manitobans helping the Professional Women’s Hockey League launch pro hockey in a big way.

Mike Sawatzky:

Manitobans making mark in PWHL

Huge crowds on hand to witness hockey history Read More

John Wawrow, The Associated Press:

The AP goes behind the scenes at PWHL opener to capture ‘the birth of women’s hockey’

TORONTO (AP) — An hour before one of the most significant faceoffs in the history of women's hockey, New York players were roused by a commotion at the entrance of their dressing room. ... Read More

'Our main job is to make the world a better place'

Billy Joe Green has every right to sing the blues after a fire ousted he and his roommate from their Main Street home on Dec. 13.

The Sakihiwe Festival and radio station NCI-FM have teamed up to host a fundraiser Friday night at the West End Cultural Centre for the three-time Juno Award nominee and residential school survivor.

Alan Small:

From the ashes: humour, generosity

Festival hosting fundraiser after bluesman Billy Joe Green loses home, most possessions, in Main Street fire Read More