News briefs for April 20, 2020

Winnipeg police have made a public appeal in their search for a suspect in a recent domestic homicide.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued Monday for the arrest of Wayne Leslie Melnychuk, 42, on the charge of manslaughter.

Police said the investigation began April 11, after the death of 34-year-old Julie Racette, who had been transported to hospital from a residence on the 500 block of Ottawa Avenue.

Melnychuk is described as Caucasian, 5-7, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a medium build.

The Winnipeg Police Service cautioned the public not to approach Melnychuk, and for anyone with information on his location to call 911. Members of the public with any other relevant information can call homicide unit investigators at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.

Roblin RCMP are asking for assistance in locating a Valley River First Nation woman last seen March 31.

Melinda Lynxleg, 40, is described as 5-5, 190 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information can call Roblin RCMP at 204-937-2164, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

A hotly debated plan to build homes closer to Winnipeg’s airport has left council’s property and development committee divided.

On Monday, the committee cast a 2-2 vote on the matter, which means it will head to the executive policy committee with no recommendation.

The Assiniboia community committee previously voted in favour of the idea.

The proposal would add multi-family buildings in a mixed-use Polo Park area development that includes the former Winnipeg Blue Bombers football stadium, residential construction that city rules currently don’t allow.

City staff and the Winnipeg Airports Authority oppose the change, over concerns residents would make noise complaints that threaten the airport’s 24-hour operations.

But developers Cadillac Fairview and Shindico Realty argue the development would create a major investment in Winnipeg and say noise concerns have been exaggerated.

Manitoba has recorded a sixth death due to the coronavirus, a woman in her 80s.

Public health officials identified one new case of COVID-19, bringing the total to 254. Eight persons are currently in hospital, with five in intensive care.

Premier Brian Pallister announced that the provincewide state of emergency declared on March 20 is being extended for another 30 days.

He also announced plans to boost COVID-19 testing to up to 2,000 a day in the next few weeks.

A 62-year-old Peguis First Nation man is in critical condition after being thrown from an ATV on Saturday.

Fisher Branch RCMP said on Monday that the man was driving an ATV on East Road  when he was thrown off when he drove into a ditch and it rolled on its side at about 11:05 p.m.

RCMP said the man was rushed to hospital with life threatening injuries and is still in critical condition.

RCMP said the man was wearing a helmet and visibility is believed to have contributed to the collision.

The WHL’s Winnipeg ICE have committed to donating 15 per cent of all season-ticket purchases for the 2020-21 season to local COVID-19 relief organizations.

The offer covers purchases made between April 20 and June 1.

In addition, the club said it will match every season ticket purchased and donate to health care heroes, COVID-19 relief organization employees and deserving youth in our community.

The typical sight of people sitting in a smoke-filled haze in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building will be largely absent this year as activities move online. 

Organizers of the annual event say it is meant to "protest unjust cannabis laws and a celebration of our community," and this year, instead of meeting in person, they will host a 12-hour livestream event with interviews with cannabis advocates, giveaways and so on.

Doors Open Winnipeg has rescheduled its 2020 city-wide event hosted by Heritage Winnipeg. 

The event, which celebrates Winnipeg’s historical and architectural buildings and sites, was originally scheduled for May 30 and 31 but has now been rescheduled for Sept. 12 and 13. 

"The safety of all our hosts, volunteers and guests is of the utmost importance and will always take top priority when planning Doors Open Winnipeg, making this postponement in the best interest of all," said Cindy Tugwell, the executive director of Heritage Winnipeg.

The Manito Ahbee Festival will be postponing its 15th annual event celebrating Indigenous arts, culture, and music. It was originally slated for the May long weekend. 

Tentatively, organizers have pushed the event date three months, now slated for Aug. 27 to 30 but these dates will be reevaluated if necessary based on how the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. 

“We are very concerned about the health of our nations and to ensure we are taking all the necessary precautions and proper measures, postponement of the festival is vital,” said Lisa Meeches, executive director of Manito Ahbee.