A life in pictures: Hon. Murray Sinclair By: Staff Posted: 12:59 PM CST Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 Last Modified: 11:01 AM CST Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024

Mayoralty race off to glacial start

Just a few months before voters select their next city council, Winnipeg’s mayoral race has barely begun.

Mayor Scott Gillingham, who registered his re-election bid May 1, has yet to share a single promise about what he would do if re-elected.

That decision could reflect several circumstances of this particular race, including the current slate of mayoral candidates, according to a local political expert.

“It could be (Gillingham’s) just keeping his powder dry … I think he’s likely waiting to see what shakes out for his opponents, if there will be somebody of a higher profile, like a Kevin Klein, or somebody from the right or left of him (entering the race),” said Christopher Adams, an adjunct professor of political science at the University of Manitoba.

Convicted arsonist accused in Walmart blaze, caused $10M in damage

A convicted arsonist on probation is accused of setting a blaze inside the Walmart at St. Vital Centre on Monday that’s believed to have caused more than $10 million in damage.

“A fire was set in the middle of a busy place,” said Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Claude Chancy.

“It’s a pretty rare incident. We don’t know what the motives were for the suspect committing this act, but (it’s) very lucky that no one was injured or hurt.”

Ronald Marmito Amigo, 47, was arrested by police bail compliance officers on the 300 block of Furby Street on Thursday. He had a small amount of methamphetamine and a lighter on him, police said.

Indigenous theatre founder gets nod for prestigious prize

For her work as the founding artistic director of Oshkagoojin Indigenous Theatre for Youth, Winnipeg’s Nova Courchene has been named the recipient of one of Manitoba theatre’s highest honours for emerging arts leaders.

Since 2023, the Cherry Karpyshin Arts Management Prize has been given out by Prairie Theatre Exchange to early-career or aspiring arts managers. Named for PTE’s longtime general manager, for whom the company’s mainstage is also named, the Cherry Prize is accompanied by professional supports and a $2,500 cash award.

Meaning “new moon” in Anishinaabemowin, Oshkagoojin runs a variety of initiatives in Winnipeg, including the teen-focused Rising Voices, the middle years Growing Voices, and the early years Young Voices programs. Through storytelling, movement, narrative games and guided play, the Young Voices program introduces Indigenous children aged five through nine to the fundamentals of collaborative and co-operative theatre with a curriculum devised through a cultural lens.

“As I continue to grow Oshkagoojin Indigenous Theatre for Youth, I look forward to strengthening the organization’s capacity, sustainability, and national reach so that more Indigenous young people can access theatre, cultural learning, and artistic leadership opportunities in their own communities,” says Courchene in a release. “I believe that when Indigenous youth are empowered to tell their stories, entire communities benefit, and I am excited to continue building these pathways for future generations.

Apartment rents continue to climb in Manitoba

Winnipeg saw a marginal increase — 0.9 per cent — to $1,678, according to a July 2026 Rentals.ca report, which shows June data.