Letters, Aug. 1

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/08/2024 (760 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rough roads

I recently returned home for a couple weeks and was not only shocked but appalled at the human interaction between motorists and cyclists in Winnipeg.

Having once been hit by a vehicle running a stop sign, I can certainly attest to the challenges cyclists face at any time on a public thoroughfare. In my case, it was merely a case of a distracted driver.

Living on Wellington Crescent has proven to be a real eye opener. Several times, while pulling out of my driveway or returning via the shortest possible route, I am greeted with stares, vulgar comments and of course the international sign for love in the form of a middle finger. In each case, I stop, and ask, what’s up with that? Ironically, on more than one occasion, the cyclist actually came onto my driveway.

I wonder, do you treat people at Winnipeg Square or your favourite restaurant in the same fashion? Let’s be fair: this is hardly the actions of the average cyclist and I sympathize with those who face the menacing driver base in Winnipeg.

Let’s face it, fellow citizens, like it or not, we better get used to the fact the world is changing. Cycling is fun, it is healthy and the last time I checked, MPI reminds us all: driving is a privilege, it is not a right. I applaud folks who choose to cycle to work, for enjoyment and with their family.

I am blessed with three grandchildren and I worry often, hoping they will be safe cycling on our streets. So the next time we are on the road as a motorist or as a cyclist, let’s remember our decisions, choices and actions could very well make someone’s day or effectively turn it into our worst nightmare.

Michael Banville

Winnipeg

Rose-coloured lenses

Re: Hydro revives global energy consulting arm (July 30)

Finance Minister Adrien Sala says that Manitoba Hydro’s consulting operation, MHI, “potentially lost out on some 30 global contracts worth tens of millions of dollars …”

Does “potentially” mean MHI was actually engaged in a pre-qualification or bidding process? Or does it just mean looking at potential projects that are somewhere in the pipeline somewhere in the world? Does “tens of millions of dollars” mean contract values or potential profits after all costs are accounted for?

Mr. Sala makes it sound so simple. I was involved in international engineering consulting for several years and I can tell you that this is a very tough, very competitive business in a crowded field.

Often you are up against big American, European or Asian firms. You can spend $100,000 bidding on a major project only to find out later that someone else was wired for it from the beginning. As former Hydro CEO Jay Grewal is quoted in this article: “bidding on dozens of jobs doesn’t mean you are going to get dozens of jobs.”

That is not to say Manitoba Hydro shouldn’t be in the game. But you don’t seriously pursue 30 contracts. You very carefully choose a few where you have a reasonable chance of being competitive. And MHI would probably do well to partner with local consulting firms who have experience in international consulting. I think Mr. Sala’s rosy picture of how international consulting will help Hydro’s bottom line is a tad optimistic.

Robert Foster

Winnipeg

Good advice

Re: “Civility, please” (Think Tank, July 30)

On a smoky, hot Manitoba morning when I was greeted with climate change out my window and wildfires to the north and west, it was reassuring to read Dusty Johnson’s “Civility, please” opinion column in the Free Press.

The challenges facing all of us across the world (political instability, threats to democracy, famine and so much more) require us to all step up. The advice in the column provides a great how to: give others the benefit of the doubt, subscribe to reliable news sources, evaluate the merits of an argument, criticize ideas not people, amplify constructive views and don’t give up.

We can all make our corner of the world better, and by reaching out to support others the impact will spread.

Donna Alexander

Winnipeg

Problem of both-sides-ism

Re: “Civility, please” (Think Tank, July 30)

Republican representative Dusty Johnson’s column is an excellent primer for good political campaign conduct. However, it promotes the falsity of both-sides-ism.

After the Republican presidential nominee assassination attempt, another Johnson — majority Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson — called for the angry rhetoric to be toned down. Does he not listen to his own leader?

Only one side spews anger and hate.

Only one side promotes violence.

Only one side is corrupt.

Only one side cheats.

And only one side lies, and lies, and lies, and lies.

And if I have to explain which side, isn’t that the problem?

Dan Cecchini

Winnipeg

Fringe failures

As a longtime fringe-fest attendee (and occasional creator), I am deeply disappointed in the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival organization for its decision to sell 100 per cent advance tickets for all performances. (This began in 2022.)

I should mention each advance ticket carries with it an additional fee of $2.50 when purchased in person at RMTC, and an additional $4.50 when bought online. When the festival began, there were two things that categorically set it apart from traditional theatre. No. 1: Anyone who paid the application fee could mount a show — there were no eligibility requirements or restraints on artistic content. No. 2: Admission prices were kept low so all Winnipeggers had the opportunity to see affordable theatre.

You never knew how good each show was going to be, but you took your chances, because you weren’t paying that much to begin with. In my experience, I usually ended up seeing some truly spectacular theatre and some real duds. With the arrival of advance tickets, a certain percentage of the house was reserved for people who could afford to pay a premium and liked the convenience of having guaranteed tickets.

However, before 2022, there was always a limit on the number of advance tickets sold, so those who couldn’t afford the premium prices, and didn’t mind coming early to line up, had the option to do so. (The fact is, some of the best tips came from people talking to each other while in line!) It’s also important to clarify that the extra fees don’t benefit the performers — they go to the fringe festival.

I understand as the cost of living rises, so must admission prices, and I know all arts organizations are struggling financially, but surely the fringe could find some other way to fill their coffers other than leaving fringe-goers without the option to see the sold-out shows (usually the best of the fringe) at the original prices, as stated in the program.

Robbi Goltsman-Ferris

Winnipeg

Thanks for the coverage

I just wanted to pass along my kudos to the Free Press for having a staff writer (in this case, Zoe Pierce) attend and report on the 18U AAA Provincial Baseball championship over the weekend.

As someone deeply involved in the baseball community at a coaching and board member level (with the Charleswood Minor Baseball Association), it is great to see these young athletes and their coaches recognized for all of the hard work they have put in this season (and in previous seasons to get to this level of baseball).

Coupled with the article earlier this summer from Ken Wiebe on the St. James A’s female 15U team, I truly hope the Free Press continues to focus on the many great stories that the local baseball community has to offer.

As someone who has been involved in this community for nearly 10 years, I can attest there are many great teams, coaches and athletes who take pride in playing the great game of baseball during our summer months.

Jason Rosin

Winnipeg