Letters, July 22

Find another way

Re: Arlington Bridge begins its long fall (July 17)

Coun. Janice Lukes talks about a $5 million study to replace the bridge (and then likely another $300 million to actually do it). There is only one feasible solution for Arlington Bridge — don’t rebuild!

There are actually four other nearby ways to go over or under the rail lines — count them — Keewatin Street, McPhillips Street, the Slaw Rebchuk Bridge and Main Street. In the case of Arlington and McPhillips streets, the routes are literally one block apart on Notre Dame Avenue

Some, like the William Whyte Association, try to position this as an issue of affluent vs non-affluent neighbourhoods. Folks, we live in a city of rivers and rail lines. Everyone, no matter where they live, has to use a bridge or an underpass to get somewhere in this city.

Most of the time people have to go a few blocks or kilometres out of their way to get where they are going — there are few straight lines in our town. A trip from most parts of River Heights to Portage Avenue requires some backtracking and a choice of two busy bridges — St James or Maryland. That’s just the way it goes.

Derek Rolstone, Winnipeg

Remembering McLuhan

July 21 marked the 115th birthday of Marshall McLuhan.Who was he? He was one of the most quoted Canadians in history.

“The medium is the message” and “the global village” are household expressions, but what do they mean?

Marshall grew up here in Winnipeg at the house at 507 Gertrude Ave. in Osborne Village, and became one of Canada’s most renowned public intellectuals and media visionaries. He lived on Gertrude from 1920 to 1934, during his formative years. All of his education, up to and including his first master’s degree, took place in Winnipeg and gave him the foundation to pose such crucial questions that are even more relevant today than ever.

Such questions are: In what way do technologies change our perception of the world? How do they change the way we communicate? And how do they affect social relations?

In the age of artificial intelligence and social media, McLuhan’s insights provide us with antidotes to the breakdown of communication, loss of identity and drowning in an overabundance of data. Understanding Media, his seminal 1964 work, guides us to critical thinking and to affirming our humanness.

Thank you for these gifts, Marshall.

Howard R. Engel, Winnipeg

Keep sidewalks safe

Re: Sharing the road (July 18)

It’s interesting to note that the Highway Traffic Act prohibits cyclists from riding on sidewalks. In my observation, this has never been enforced, as evidenced when walking along Osborne Sreet through the Village, any time of the day.

It has never been comfortable walking over the Osborne Street bridge into or a pleasant stroll to enjoy the shops and restaurants. One must constantly be on the lookout for a speeding bike or scooter along the sidewalk. This does not make for a safe comfortable and enjoyable walk.

I no longer walk along the stretch of Osborne through the Village and therefore, no longer support the shops and restaurants along the way, as the situation has worsened as of late.

These businesses have many other challenges these days and ought to be concerned about the increased cycle and personal vehicle traffic whizzing past their store fronts along the sidewalks.

Education would be very nice for the cycling community, but it must be combined with strong and continuing enforcement to keep our sidewalks safe and enjoyable for pedestrians.

Jim Sturney, Winnipeg

Lack of info is telling

Re: Homeless standstill can’t be addressed until city, province collaborate (July 21)

So, the Winnipeg Police Service has compiled a report on the impact of its recent 10-day sweep targetting people openly using drugs in the downtown area, and they refuse to release it.

I can think of two possible reasons why. The first is that the report is candid about objectives they know would cause discomfort or anger among communities. The second is that, by their own assessment, they did not achieve anything worthwhile or lasting.

It beggars belief that, if they thought their offensive was a success, they would keep mum about it.

Lisa Walter, Winnipeg

Rugby’s amiable warriors

On Saturday, July 18, I attended a rugby match between Canada and Zimbabwe at Princess Auto Stadium.

There’s an old saying: “Soccer is a gentleman’s game played by hooligans, and rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen.”

What I saw confirmed the truth of this saying. Instead of soccer players rushing at the referee to dispute every call, I saw rugby players accepting the referee’s calls and complying with his instructions. Both teams got about their business without whining.

I also wish to congratulate the Zimbabwean fans for their vocal support of their team. It created a party-like atmosphere enjoyed by all.

Kurt Clyde, Winnipeg

Kudos to the cleaners

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the civic employees and the many volunteers from community groups and organizations who work hard to keep our streets, sidewalks, boulevards, parks, and public spaces clean and welcoming. Whether they are out in the heat, the rain, or other uncomfortable conditions, their dedication does not go unnoticed. I often wish I could stop to thank them personally, but more often than not, I catch only a glimpse as I drive by or see them working in the distance.

The results of their efforts may sometimes seem short-lived, with litter quickly reappearing or their work blending into the background of daily life. Yet what they do makes a tremendous difference. Their commitment helps create a city that residents can take pride in and visitors can enjoy. The care they show for our shared spaces reflects the best of our community.

Those who do this important work are rarely recognized, but they deserve to be. Please know that there are many of us who do see your efforts, appreciate your hard work, and are deeply grateful.

Thank you for making our city a cleaner, more beautiful place for everyone.

Sandra Buckberger, Winnipeg

No bites — nice night

A warm July evening. No wind. Eating on the deck. And no mosquitoes!

The City of Winnipeg has figured out how to control mosquitoes. Well done.

John Duvenaud, Winnipeg

Smoke ’em out

I would be happy to donate an oscillating fan to the Ontario firefighting effort, as long as they promise to make it blow south.

Renato Calesso, East St. Paul

In light of the threats from the White House regarding smoke from Canada’s forest fires, perhaps Manitoba should ‘tariff’ every Colorado low that comes our way this winter!

What absolute nonsense masquerades as President of the U.S.A.

Maureen A. McCartney, Winnipeg