Urban places

Please review each article prior to use: grade-level applicability and curricular alignment might not be obvious from the headline alone.

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Boulevard, greenway could be renamed by end of year

Maggie Macintosh 3 minute read Preview
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Boulevard, greenway could be renamed by end of year

Maggie Macintosh 3 minute read Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021

Bishop Grandin Boulevard and the greenway that runs parallel to it — both of which are named after an architect of the residential school system — could have new titles before the end of the year.

The volunteer board that oversees the greenway’s operations issued a notice this week to inform community members of its ongoing support for the City of Winnipeg’s efforts to explore cutting ties with Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin (1829-1902) as a namesake for local landmarks.

The board indicated renaming consultations are underway and it anticipates a report with a recommendation on the subject will be brought forward to city council this fall.

“I don’t want people to think we’re sitting on our hands and letting this fall by the wayside,” said Derick Young, president of Bishop Grandin Greenway Inc.

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Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021

New titles for the Bishop Grandin Boulevard and the greenway are expected in the coming weeks. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

New titles for the Bishop Grandin Boulevard and the greenway are expected in the coming weeks. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)
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City considering new name for park near former residential school to honour Indigenous leader

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview
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City considering new name for park near former residential school to honour Indigenous leader

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021

AS a residential high school student, the site now known as Wellington Park offered him rare moments of joy.

As an adult survivor of that system, it helped trigger both positive memories and quiet, disturbing flashbacks.

Theodore Fontaine, who died in May, found more than a chance to play hockey and baseball at the Assiniboia Indian Residential School, according to his wife Morgan Fontaine.

“These fields, this was just for him a time of that little taste of freedom that he longed for.… It was just before his seventh birthday (that) he lost his freedom,” she said.

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Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021

CAROL SANDERS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Morgan Fontaine (nee Sizeland), left, grew up blocks from the rez school in River Heights and first met Ted Fontaine, right, when he was one of the "Indian" boys who came to shovel the walk at her house on Renfrew Street. They met again 20 years later and got married.

CAROL SANDERS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Morgan Fontaine (nee Sizeland), left, grew up blocks from the rez school in River Heights and first met Ted Fontaine, right, when he was one of the
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Pit bulls legal, ball pythons banned?

Gabrielle Piché 6 minute read Preview
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Pit bulls legal, ball pythons banned?

Gabrielle Piché 6 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021

Laura Baker has wanted a pit bull for 20 years, but hasn’t bought one because of the city’s ban.

“I just feel like the whole breed has been so misrepresented, misunderstood and given a raw deal in terms of being able to find loving homes,” the St. James resident said.

If proposed changes to a city bylaw pass, Baker will legally be able to own a pit bull, while it could become illegal to feed wildlife and to leave pets in vehicles at certain temperatures.

The city is looking for feedback on suggestions to its Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw. Winnipeg Public Service reviewed the rules this summer and came back with a number of ideas, including a removal of breed-specific bans.

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Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021

Tim Smith / Brandon Sun files
If proposed changes to a city bylaw pass, Winnipeggers will legally be able to own a pit bull.

Tim Smith / Brandon Sun files
If proposed changes to a city bylaw pass, Winnipeggers will legally be able to own a pit bull.
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Charleswood residents fume over destroyed trees

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview
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Charleswood residents fume over destroyed trees

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Monday, Aug. 9, 2021

Frustrated residents are calling on the city and province to get to the root of the problem that led to the destruction of nearly two dozen mature trees in Charleswood on the weekend.

Early Saturday morning, a building moving company began to move a display home near the corner of Roblin Boulevard and Scotswood Drive. The home was too wide to clear mature trees along Roblin’s median.

When Winnipeg Police Service officers arrived to provide a previously scheduled escort for the movers at about 7 a.m. they discovered 17 trees had been cut down, allegedly by the driver of the vehicle hauling the house, police spokesman Const. Rob Carver said.

“Immediately, upon determining that the trees had been cut and linking it to this move, the move was halted and, ultimately, the driver (was) arrested,” said Carver.

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Monday, Aug. 9, 2021

Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press. Felled trees line the median on Roblin Blvd from Scotswood Drive almost all the way to perimeter highway. The destruction is the aftermath of a house that was being moved from the Roblin Grove development in Charleswood on Saturday morning. August 7, 2021.

Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press. Felled trees line the median on Roblin Blvd from Scotswood Drive almost all the way to perimeter highway. The destruction is the aftermath of a house that was being moved from the Roblin Grove development in Charleswood on Saturday morning. August 7, 2021.
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Canadian demographics impact cultural shifts

Reviewed by Scott MacKay 3 minute read Preview
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Canadian demographics impact cultural shifts

Reviewed by Scott MacKay 3 minute read Saturday, May. 2, 2020

‘Here we go again” was the first thought while unsealing Darrell Bricker’s newest study from the envelope the Winnipeg Free Press had sent to my isolated home. Surely this new work — Next: Where to Live, What to Buy and Who Will Lead Canada’s Future — would suffer the same cruel invalidation that every other pre-pandemic prognostication must experience in these strange times.

But in a sense, Bricker has dodged a COVID-19 bullet, as his focus throughout this volume is on Canadian demographics, complete with its recurrent reminder of how these mighty, slow-moving and mostly irreversible forces affect society today and tomorrow. Take that, pandemic.

Bricker is CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, a global marketing research company. This is Bricker’s third book on population trends and follows Empty Planet and The Big Shift, both of which he co-authored with the Globe and Mail’s former chief political writer John Ibbitson. (Disclosure: This reviewer crossed paths with Bricker in the early ’90s while working at what was then the Angus Reid Group.)

Much of the focus of Bricker’s new solo work is on generational groups, particularly on what he maintains are the miscalculated “Perennials” (basically anyone over 55). It is these comfortable silver-haired boomers who continue to dominate and shape our social values and consumer trends, mostly by the sheer potency of their numbers and their relative prosperity.

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Saturday, May. 2, 2020

Winnipeg and ground squirrels

Jessica Scott-Reid 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg and ground squirrels

Jessica Scott-Reid 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

In a move shocking to many local animal lovers, the City of Winnipeg has opted to go ahead with its plan to kill ground squirrels at nine city parks and fields via methods that animal advocates say will cause prolonged pain and suffering.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun

A ground squirrel peers out of a burrow. Winnipeg’s ground squirrels are the target of a new city plan for population control.

Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun
                                A ground squirrel peers out of a burrow. Winnipeg’s ground squirrels are the target of a new city plan for population control.

Downtown mulls uncertain impact of Fairmont downtime

Malak Abas 4 minute read Preview

Downtown mulls uncertain impact of Fairmont downtime

Malak Abas 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

As the Fairmont Winnipeg hotel prepares to close its doors this summer for a months-long renovation project, surrounding businesses say they’re waiting to see what the impact will be on Winnipeg’s downtown.

Any time Palomino Club owner Christian Stringer books an act outside of the province, he’ll set them up at the Fairmont — most recently, DJ Pauly D of Jersey Shore fame — and a chunk of his customer base is out-of-towners staying at the nearby hotel looking for a bit of fun.

“(The Fairmont) has always been the five-star (hotel) for us,” Stringer said Thursday.

He said he’s not sure how much the hotel closing from July until spring of 2027 will affect business. He worries it might complicate bringing in performers from outside of Canada — a practice he’s already had to cut back on as the Canadian dollar has made it harder to meet the asking price of U.S. acts.

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

The Fairmont Winnipeg hotel will be closed from July 1 until spring of 2027 while it undergoes a complete remodelling of all 340 guest rooms, the Fairmont Gold lounge, the top-floor indoor pool, gym and sauna.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
                                The Fairmont Winnipeg hotel will be closed from July 1 until spring of 2027 while it undergoes a complete remodelling of all 340 guest rooms, the Fairmont Gold lounge, the top-floor indoor pool, gym and sauna.

Residents pigeonhole hobbyist’s backyard aviary as health risk, nuisance

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Residents pigeonhole hobbyist’s backyard aviary as health risk, nuisance

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

Some Winnipeg residents will flock to city hall next week, aiming to oppose a racing-pigeon aviary in their neighbourhood.

However, supporters of the practice say the birds should ruffle few feathers.

The city’s urban planning and design division approved the construction of a 3.9-square-metre (42-square-foot) structure to house racing pigeons in a Strathcona Street backyard.

“The relatively small structure is significantly smaller than a vehicle garage, and would not be out of character on the lot,” writes city planner Dylan Chyz-Lund, in a city report.

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

Bill Voulgaris, president of the Winnipeg Pigeon Flyers club, said the breed’s intense desire to return home makes it extremely unlikely the birds would linger in neighbouring yards or properties or leave droppings in them. (Francisco Seco / The Associated Press files)

Bill Voulgaris, president of the Winnipeg Pigeon Flyers club, said the breed’s intense desire to return home makes it extremely unlikely the birds would linger in neighbouring yards or properties or leave droppings in them. (Francisco Seco / The Associated Press files)

Friends’ infill complexes ensure designs fit, respect older neighbourhoods

Nicole Buffie 3 minute read Preview

Friends’ infill complexes ensure designs fit, respect older neighbourhoods

Nicole Buffie 3 minute read Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

A couple of childhood friends are taking a sensitive approach to infill housing, including a recently completed fourplex in Norwood they say fits the mature neighbourhood.

B2K Builders, co-founded by Matt Vis and Brandon Bunkowsky, incorporated their company in 2024, but are already in the process of breaking ground on their third project.

“It takes so much time for neighbourhoods to really come alive. And so we really see the value in infill in these more centralized, mature neighbourhoods,” Bunkowsky said.

A fourplex on Des Meurons Street is a new build in the established Norwood area, but Bunkowsky believes infill housing is the best way to densify neighbourhoods, increase property values and address Winnipeg’s urban sprawl.

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

A fourplex on Des Meurons is among a few infill projects taking off in the area.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
                                A fourplex on Des Meurons is among a few infill projects taking off in the area.

Proactive planning for a future with more seniors

Editorial 4 minute read Preview

Proactive planning for a future with more seniors

Editorial 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

They’re supposed to be “the golden years.” But for many Manitobans in the ever-expanding 65-plus age bracket, life is anything but a warm and gentle journey toward a tranquil, glowing sunset.

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

Winnipeg Free Press files

Manitoba Seniors’ Advocate Leigh Anne Caron

Winnipeg Free Press files
                                Manitoba Seniors’ Advocate Leigh Anne Caron

A sanctuary for the city — and its future

Stephen Borys 6 minute read Preview

A sanctuary for the city — and its future

Stephen Borys 6 minute read Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

On Saturday mornings during my Grade 12 year, I would head downtown to the Eaton’s department store on Portage Avenue.

I was part of the Eaton’s Junior Executive program, which brought together students from high schools across Winnipeg to host events and represent Eaton’s at community gatherings.

I also had a part-time job in the store’s sporting goods department.

Downtown Winnipeg in those days felt like the centre of my universe. Eaton’s — now the site of Canada Life Centre — was a bustling hub, and on my lunch breaks I would wander outside to explore the neighbourhood.

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

Submitted/Winnipeg Architecture Foundation

Holy Trinity Church

Submitted/Winnipeg Architecture Foundation
                                Holy Trinity Church

Squirrel skirmish: animal groups fight province’s pesticide approval

Kevin Rollason 4 minute read Preview

Squirrel skirmish: animal groups fight province’s pesticide approval

Kevin Rollason 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

Animal rights groups are protesting a decision by the province to allow the city to use two chemicals to control its ground squirrel populations at some parks.

The city received permission from the province to use Rozol RTU field rodent bait and RoCon concentrate rodenticide for a year in an effort to control squirrels at nine parks.

“It’s disappointing,” said Danae Tonge of Manitoba Animal Save. “The city had a year to come up with something else but they didn’t. Why would the province have approved this?”

The group is set to hold a noon-hour rally outside city hall on Thursday followed by a protest at the Legislature starting at 1:15 p.m.

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Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Rozol RTU field rodent bait and RoCon concentrate rodenticide will be used for a year in an effort to control squirrels.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
                                Rozol RTU field rodent bait and RoCon concentrate rodenticide will be used for a year in an effort to control squirrels.

Councillors brace for impact when provincial education property tax hikes crash into Winnipeggers’ mailboxes

Dan Lett 5 minute read Preview

Councillors brace for impact when provincial education property tax hikes crash into Winnipeggers’ mailboxes

Dan Lett 5 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

The despondency in the voices of Winnipeg city councillors Jeff Browaty and Evan Duncan was palpable.

The two suburban councillors took the opportunity this week to slam the provincial NDP government for increases in the education portion of property taxes that many Winnipeg property owners will see later this spring when they receive their tax bills.

According to Browaty (North Kildonan) and Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood), even though the tax increases are mostly due to provincial policies and school division decisions, the city will end up bearing the brunt of criticism.

“I’d like to see them take accountability and ownership of it,” said Duncan, pointing south from city hall to the Manitoba legislature.

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Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

According to councillors Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) and Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood), the city will end up bearing the brunt of criticism for tax increases even though they’re mostly the result of provincial policies and school division decisions.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
                                According to councillors Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) and Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood), the city will end up bearing the brunt of criticism for tax increases even though they’re mostly the result of provincial policies and school division decisions.

Ottawa contributes $91M to 10-storey Naawi-Oodena apartment block

Tyler Searle 4 minute read Preview

Ottawa contributes $91M to 10-storey Naawi-Oodena apartment block

Tyler Searle 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

The federal government has announced $91 million to support the development of a 10-storey apartment building that’s under construction at the former Kapyong Barracks site.

“This is an exciting day, but it really marks the doors opening for future with a lot more affordable homes for people who need them the most,” said federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson.

The project — named Endayaan Omaa, meaning “home is here” in the Anishinaabemowin language — will create 260 housing units in southwest Winnipeg; 109 units will offer affordable rents below median market value.

It is part of the larger plan to transform the former military site into Canada’s largest urban reserve. The overall project, led by a consortium of seven Treaty One Nations and dubbed Naawi-Oodena, is expected to provide about 5,000 homes.

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Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026

SUPPLIED

Endayaan Omaa

- NW corner

SUPPLIED

Endayaan Omaa

- NW corner

Canada’s population has dropped for the first time since Confederation: StatCan

David Baxter, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canada’s population has dropped for the first time since Confederation: StatCan

David Baxter, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

OTTAWA - Statistics Canada's latest estimates suggest Canada's population declined last year for the first time since Confederation, due primarily to a drop in the number of non-permanent immigrants.

The estimates suggest Canada's population lost about 102,000 people in 2025.

That loss came after the non-permanent resident population fell by more than 171,000 individuals between Oct. 1, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026.

Cristobal D'Alessio, a spokesperson for Statistics Canada, said 2025 was the first calendar year to see an estimated decrease in the population since Confederation.

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Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026

Some of the nearly 400 new Canadians from 65 countries take an oath of citizenship at a ceremony in Toronto on Friday, July 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Some of the nearly 400 new Canadians from 65 countries take an oath of citizenship at a ceremony in Toronto on Friday, July 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

NDP bill aims to strengthen renters’ protection

Gabrielle Piché 3 minute read Preview

NDP bill aims to strengthen renters’ protection

Gabrielle Piché 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

The Manitoba government says it will carry out the largest expansion of rent control in decades.

Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu called the measure “historical action” that will affect thousands of units in the province.

Under the proposed legislation, which was introduced by the NDP Thursday, suites that rent for at least $2,000 a month won’t be subject to rent control. Currently the threshold is $1,670 a month.

The proposed law leaves intact the exemption for complexes that are less than 20 years old.

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Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

A for rent sign is displayed on a house in Ottawa on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. A new report says Canada’s average asking rent reached a new record in July. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A for rent sign is displayed on a house in Ottawa on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. A new report says Canada’s average asking rent reached a new record in July. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Union coalition demanding government action on downtown safety

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Preview

Union coalition demanding government action on downtown safety

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026

Eight unions have joined forces to create urgency around worker concerns about safety — on the job and on their commutes — in downtown Winnipeg.

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Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS

Keri D’Avignon-Nault, national vice-president of Manitoba and Saskatchewan for the Canada Employment and Immigration Union - Public Service Alliance, and Gord Delbridge, president of CUPE 500, at Portage Place Tuesday. Several unions have joined forces to call on the city to improve safety measures downtown.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
                                Keri D’Avignon-Nault, national vice-president of Manitoba and Saskatchewan for the Canada Employment and Immigration Union - Public Service Alliance, and Gord Delbridge, president of CUPE 500, at Portage Place Tuesday. Several unions have joined forces to call on the city to improve safety measures downtown.

Marc Miller says Musqueam deal has ‘nothing to do with’ private property

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Marc Miller says Musqueam deal has ‘nothing to do with’ private property

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026

OTTAWA - Culture Minister Marc Miller says a rights acknowledgment agreement between the federal government and the Musqueam First Nation has "nothing to do with" private property.

He says instead that the agreement signed last month is a small step forward for a First Nation that has been fighting for its rights ever since British Columbia was settled.

The government says the agreement recognizes Musqueam Aboriginal rights "including title within their traditional territory," which the nation asserts is an area encompassing much of Metro Vancouver.

Critics have suggested the agreement could affect private property ownership, but Miller says right-wing parties have been using the issue in a "cynical attempt to try to whip up votes."

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Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026

Minister Marc Miller speaks at the Prime Time screen and media industry conference in Ottawa, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle

Minister Marc Miller speaks at the Prime Time screen and media industry conference in Ottawa, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle

Newcomer school to close amid immigration clampdown

Maggie Macintosh 7 minute read Preview

Newcomer school to close amid immigration clampdown

Maggie Macintosh 7 minute read Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

English-language teachers are warning the consequences will be far-reaching when a school for newcomers — called “a beacon of hope”— closes its doors.

Winnipeg’s Enhanced English Skills for Employment is shutting down March 31.

“It’s sad for the students. It’s sad for the teachers, but it’s also sad for the community, Manitoba at large,” said Allyn Franc, a longtime teacher at the school that rents space on the Canadian Mennonite University campus at 500 Shaftesbury Blvd.

For more than 20 years, the school has been running free intermediate-level language classes on literacy and workplace etiquette.

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Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

MAGGIE MACINTOSH / FREE PRESS

Winnipeg’s Enhanced English Skills for Employment is closing its doors at the end of the month after losing the bulk of its funding.

MAGGIE MACINTOSH / FREE PRESS
                                Winnipeg’s Enhanced English Skills for Employment is closing its doors at the end of the month after losing the bulk of its funding.

‘Free advertising for Winnipeg:’ stars put spotlight on city

Tyler Searle 5 minute read Preview

‘Free advertising for Winnipeg:’ stars put spotlight on city

Tyler Searle 5 minute read Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026

Movie stars' unsolicited endorsements are among the most effective ways to build the reputation of Manitoba, which is increasingly becoming a destination for the film and travel industries.

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Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026

SUPPLIED

Jon Hamm at Vera Pizza

SUPPLIED
                                Jon Hamm at Vera Pizza

Bus driver’s assault sparks calls for better protection, possible transit police unit

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Bus driver’s assault sparks calls for better protection, possible transit police unit

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 president James Van Gerwen said the attack happened near Polo Park mall at about 9 p.m. Tuesday. The investigation remains open, police say.

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Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 president James Van Gerwen said the attack could have been avoided if Winnipeg Transit had installed full protective shields around drivers’ seats.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
                                Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 president James Van Gerwen said the attack could have been avoided if Winnipeg Transit had installed full protective shields around drivers’ seats.

Tories say high-earners could flee if NDP targets province’s wealthiest in upcoming budget

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Preview

Tories say high-earners could flee if NDP targets province’s wealthiest in upcoming budget

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

Premier Wab Kinew’s suggestion that the provincial budget on March 24 may squeeze the the “top one per cent” — the richest Manitobans — was met with both positive and negative responses Friday.

Kinew, who dropped the hint in a local radio interview without providing more details, wasn’t made available Friday to clarify who or how, “We’re going to have some help in the budget on the education property tax front, and we might be asking the top one per cent to help us out with that.”

The NDP government is staring down a $1.6-billion deficit while vowing to balance the province’s books in its first term. If the plan is to lean on some of Manitoba’s top earners, how big are those incomes, and will that drive those people away?

To get into Manitoba’s top one per cent of income earners in 2023 required an income of $235,100 or about $244,000 in inflation-adjusted terms, University of Manitoba economics professor Jesse Hajer said Friday.

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Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

PC finance critic Lauren Stone: “This is the opposite direction for what Manitoba needs right now.”

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
                                PC finance critic Lauren Stone: “This is the opposite direction for what Manitoba needs right now.”

Supreme Court says asylum seekers entitled to subsidized Quebec daycare

Pierre Saint-Arnaud, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Supreme Court says asylum seekers entitled to subsidized Quebec daycare

Pierre Saint-Arnaud, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

OTTAWA - Quebec discriminated against female refugee claimants by introducing regulations that denied them access to subsidized daycare spaces, Canada's highest court said on Friday, leading to strong rebukes from members of the provincial government.

In an 8-1 ruling, the court said that blocking female refugee claimants from subsidized daycare threatens to marginalize them from society, violating equality rights guaranteed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"While all refugee claimants are denied access to subsidized daycare under the scheme, the discriminatory impact on women is unique because they carry a greater share of childcare responsibilities and the availability of affordable daycare is directly linked to their ability to work," Justice Andromache Karakatsanis wrote on behalf of the majority.

The ruling was hailed by the UN Refugee Agency, saying the court has recognized "that access to childcare is not just a family issue, but a vital part of a woman's right to economic independence and dignity."

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Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

People take a break in front of the Supreme Court of Canada building in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick.

People take a break in front of the Supreme Court of Canada building in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick.

Temporary supervised drug consumption site could open within weeks, addictions minister says

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Preview

Temporary supervised drug consumption site could open within weeks, addictions minister says

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026

Facility is initially expected to be run out of a mobile home or trailer parked at Henry Avenue warehouse provincial government purchased for a permanent facility

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Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES
                                Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith.