Letters, May 31

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This article was published 31/05/2024 (851 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Policing priorities

Re: Province promises to chip in to curb shop lifting (May 30)

Police do not need money from the government to respond to the unacceptable increase in shoplifting. The WPS needs to assign police where they are needed.

I am a strong supporter of the police. I proudly possess a WPS official hat presented to me by Chief Keith McCaskill and on my wall is a certificate of appreciation given to me, and my late wife, by the WPS. Police regularly visited us in our kitchen to discuss strategy.

Winnipeg has one of the highest numbers of police officers per capita. However, it is probably the least efficiently managed police force. Well-trained police are highly effective in solving and preventing crime. It was quite a shock last summer to see five police force members wandering around the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, an area with a near-zero crime rate. Meanwhile the inner city had hundreds of outstanding arrest warrants that had not been enforced.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe and Mayor Scott Gillingham need to implement an investigation of the inefficient assignment of police officers and break down the silos that are barriers to having more police where they are needed.

In the long term, the province and the city need to undertake an in-depth analysis off the structures and policies of the WPS. Such a study should involve police officers, outside experts and community representatives. Mayor Gillingham needs to implement recommendations of the tri-government task force on illicit drugs and immediately increase recreation spending in the inner city, one example of effective crime prevention.

Sel Burrows

Winnipeg

Bigger problems on Burrows

Re: No-parking zones on Burrows panned by committee (May 28)

In regards to Burrows parking issue. Don’t take away any parking spaces, just have a sign saying larger vehicles are not allowed to park in the 20-foot area before the intersection.This would probably solve the poor visibility problem.

Worry more about the 12-inch-deep potholes that are there every year.

Gary Brock

Winnipeg

Peeved about potholes

I have submitted a letter to the mayor’s office indicating the need to fix pot-holes on our streets. I received a reply that they would forward to the public works department.

That’s very nice of them, but we continue to experience the most vivid and dangerous road conditions in the history of our city. Our gravel and mud roads were in better condition. We do not need street cleaning, or barricades for large concrete repairs, we need pot holes filled.

I’m embarrassed to invite anyone to our city. I’m sure the citizens of Winnipeg share in my concerns.

Bud Ulrich

Winnipeg

Familiar faces in health care

Having been in both sides of health care (as both a retired health-care worker and a patient), I see a need for continuity of care.

If a nurse is going to care for myself or my family member, I would wish to have the same person care for me over a course of days. It makes it difficult, as a patient who isn’t feeling well, to explain my health history to a new nurse everyday, let alone every shift, and some shifts are four hours in length.

In my opinion, regular hired staff would prevent this. However, there is something to be said for choosing your own rotation in terms of work-life balance; something nurses struggle to create while working shift work and overtime.

Perhaps asking what it is nurses would like to work and allowing some flexibility, along with more staff, might be a place to start?

Rossana De Luca

Winnipeg

Directing the flow

Re: Resolve needed on church repair (Letters, May 29)

The letter from Richard Ditchburn on May 29 hit the irony right on. I also was struck by the discrepancy of values on reading the story about the $7 million in repairs required by Holy Trinity, compared to the $90 million plus for The Bay building,which has been gladly dished out by the government.

No mention that the church could be eligible for similar treatment. Let there be no mistake about the source of this money — it is not from some magical money tree that the federal government planted and nurtured. That is what every working Canadian has paid into their whole lives.

So why cannot a valued and historic church also be looked after properly? Who decides to open the money floodgates for certain projects only? And not only that, the flow is endless.

Patricia Gagnon

Winnipeg

Sewage solution

Re: Status quo a lousy option (Editorial, May 29)

Here is an idea to solve the sewage overflow problem. In the areas of the city with combined sewers, reduce the volume of sewage.

The simplest approach is for home owners to direct their downspouts to grass or gravel, so the rainwater sinks into the ground instead of flowing to the sewer. Check out “Rain Ready Ottawa” for a program to reimburse homeowners for their expenses in this regard.

Winnipeg could do this!

Allison Atkey

Gimli

City has unique opportunity

Winnipeg is at a critical point in its growth, and it’s essential to adopt strategies that promote connectivity, sustainability, and resilience. Reopening the iconic Portage and Main intersection to pedestrian traffic is a forward-thinking move. This change can significantly improve connectivity between key urban areas, boost local businesses, and foster a sense of community. Effective traffic management systems, including clear signage and well-timed traffic lights, will be essential to ensure safety and efficiency. Making our city more walkable will bring new life into our downtown core and encourage more people to explore and invest in these areas.

As we work on making downtown more pedestrian-friendly, we must also tackle the broader issue of urban sprawl. Our city’s infrastructure has expanded faster than our population growth, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs. Prioritizing higher-density developments and residential infill housing can help. These strategies make better use of existing infrastructure and support more sustainable and accessible urban living. By focusing on building up rather than out, we can create a more cohesive urban landscape that supports our growing population without compromising sustainability.

Addressing urban sprawl ties directly into the need for a robust public transit system. Winnipeg’s transition from a historic streetcar system to buses and automobiles offers important lessons. The streetcar lines once fostered development and efficient urban transit. Revisiting and possibly reintegrating electric transit options could address contemporary transportation challenges. Modernizing public transit to include eco-friendly options can reduce carbon emissions, decrease traffic congestion, and provide equitable transportation for all residents. A well-planned public transit system is crucial for our city’s sustainable growth and environmental resilience.

Winnipeg stands at a critical juncture in its urban development. By reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians, combating urban sprawl through increased density, and revitalizing public transit with a nod to its electric past, we can create a more connected, sustainable, and livable urban environment. These strategies require thoughtful implementation and community engagement to ensure they meet the needs of all residents while fostering long-term growth and resilience.

Our city has a unique opportunity to set a precedent for other cities facing similar issues. As we move forward, it’s essential to keep in mind the lessons of the past while innovating for a better future. Let’s work together to create a Winnipeg that we can all be proud of — a city that embraces change and sustainability while preserving its rich heritage.

Rifat Rupok

Winnipeg