Community Correspondents – Our Communities

FacebookCast members rehearse for the Shoestring Players’ upcoming production of Carol Shields’ Departures and Arrivals.

All the world’s a stage

Wanda Prychitko 3 minute read Yesterday at 5:34 PM CST

During my university years I enjoyed a variety of subjects, but Introduction to Theatre with Professor George Toles was, by far, my favourite. Here was a safe space that encouraged everyone to tell stories in their own voices. We had extroverts and introverts. I discovered that I’m a bit of both.

While I was delving into the world of imagination, the distinguished Winnipeg writer, the late Carol Shields was busy creating her first play for the Black Hole Theatre at the University of Manitoba. Her production of Departures and Arrivals debuted in 1984, sharing 22 relatable stories that take place at the Winnipeg airport on any given day.

This and many other Black Hole plays would “depend on the kindness of strangers” (student volunteers) to fulfil the stage crew duties. Though we had no speaking roles, it was a meaningful way to contribute to the productions.

Now, 42 years later, I have a family connection to this play.

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Caring and sharing in LRSD

Sandy Nemeth 2 minute read Preview

Caring and sharing in LRSD

Sandy Nemeth 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

In the Louis Riel School Division, the lead-up to the holiday season always brings out the very best in our students, families, and staff. 2025 was no exception, as our schools and buildings buzzed with energy and a shared focus on goodwill and community support.

Student-led initiatives, in particular, do so much more than raise funds or collect food and other items; they help our learners grow into empathetic, socially responsible citizens who understand the true value of giving back.

These collective efforts reflect a division-wide commitment, which is embedded in our mission statement – to foster caring and capable individuals who contribute to a democratic and sustainable world. By leaning into our strategic priority of generosity, the LRSD community continues to make a real and tangible difference throughout the City of Winnipeg by organizing food drives, assembling holiday hampers, and continuing to support vital local organizations such as Harvest Manitoba, United Way Winnipeg, the Christmas Cheer Board, the Bear Clan Patrol, and Koats for Kids.

The season of giving kicked off back in November, when a dedicated group of students and staff from the Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre headed to Canadian Blood Services to donate blood. In December, the annual Hampertime events at Windsor Park Collegiate and Dakota Collegiate were once again huge successes. The Dakota boys’ hockey team did a fantastic job leading their popular community sock drive. École St. Germain’s 10 Days of Giving event brought the entire school community together to support those in need. From bake sales to toy drives and collections for warm winter gear such as scarves and mitts, the creativity and kindness on display were truly inspiring.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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In November, a group of students and staff from the Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre headed to Canadian Blood Services to donate blood.

Together through the winter

Tyler Blashko 3 minute read Preview

Together through the winter

Tyler Blashko 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

The winter solstice marks the official start of the season, but for many of us, winter can feel like it stretches on long before – and long after – that day in December. Short daylight hours and colder temperatures can make this time of year feel isolating, especially for seniors, families with young children, and anyone spending more time indoors. That’s why, throughout December, our focus was on finding simple ways to connect and share moments of warmth and hope.

Earlier in the month, we visited local child-care centres to drop off oranges and well wishes, a small token of our appreciation for early childhood educators and their impact on our communities. We delivered poinsettias to seniors’ residences, taking time to sit for unhurried conversations about their lives, families, and experiences here in our community. Those visits reminded us how much warmth can come from simply showing up and listening. December also brought me a chance to serve as a judge for the Riverside Lions Club Christmas lights competition. The Riverside Lions are a pillar of service in our community, known for establishing and supporting Riverside Lions Housing, which provides affordable independent and assisted living for seniors and adults with disabilities.

As the new year began, families gathered for a pancake breakfast at Woodydell Family Resource Centre to start 2026 together over warm food and friendly banter. Events such as these are simple, but they create space for neighbours to meet and feel a little more connected during difficult months.

While the solstice may have passed, winter is still very much with us – and so are the opportunities to stay connected. Across the city, there are many ways to get out, explore, and make the most of the season. Festival du Voyageur is fast approaching, bringing together music, food, history, and culture to celebrate resilience and community in the heart of winter.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Supplied photos
Lagimodière MLA Tyler Blashko made many impromptu connections while dropping off poinsettias in December.

Rebuilding Manitoba’s health-care system

Matt Wiebe 3 minute read Preview

Rebuilding Manitoba’s health-care system

Matt Wiebe 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

As a lifelong resident of Concordia, I know how important it is for people in our community to access health care when they need it. Whether it’s a parent with a sick child, a senior managing a chronic condition, or someone dealing with an unexpected injury, timely and reliable care matters. That’s why rebuilding and improving Manitoba’s health-care system remains a top priority for our NDP government.

Over the past year, we’ve focused on making it easier for Manitobans to find the right care without unnecessary delays. One important step has been opening new minor injury and illness clinics and expanding extended hours clinics that operate evenings, weekends, and holidays. These clinics treat sprains, minor fractures, infections, and common illnesses, helping people get care sooner and easing pressure on emergency rooms. For families in Concordia, these additional options mean more flexibility and less time spent waiting.

We’re also making it simpler to navigate the health-care system. Manitobans can now use Medinav, an online booking tool that shows available appointments at participating clinics across Winnipeg and the province. Medinav helps people find same day or next day care close to home, taking the guesswork out of where to go when you need medical attention.

Modernizing health care also means giving people better access to their own information. Our government has introduced new plastic and digital health cards, along with a secure patient portal where Manitobans can view lab results and immunization records online. These changes reduce paperwork and give patients more control over their care.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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Manitoba Health’s digital cards are now available at http://wfp.to/ing. The MB Wallet app is available for free through Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Art abounds in Wildwood!

Dana Mohr 3 minute read Preview

Art abounds in Wildwood!

Dana Mohr 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

What is art? A comprehensive answer is well beyond the 400 words allocated for this article. In my former job at the Manitoba Arts Council, it was the subject of endless discussion.

Art exists in various forms and plays multiple roles, both for the artist and its audience.

Sometimes art is an expression of personal emotion. Art can be activism; a motivator for awareness and social change.

Art can foster pride. Murals and sculptures celebrate achievements of community members.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Photo by Dana Mohr
A lifelong bunny lover, correspondent Dana Mohr commissioned a neighbour to create a large-scale sculpture to adorn her yard.

Building Canada strong in 2026

Kevin Lamoureux 3 minute read Preview

Building Canada strong in 2026

Kevin Lamoureux 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Canada got a new Prime Minister in 2025, and Mark Carney has the entire Liberal government focused on building a stronger and healthier economy.

In May, Prime Minister Carney appointed me parliamentary secretary to the government house leader, which ultimately contributed to me being named “most knowledgeable MP” at iPolitics’ parliamentarian of the year awards ceremony. I often lead the debate on a wide variety of public issues.

In the coming weeks we will be debating the national budget and how the government of Canada is responding to a changing world. My priorities going into 2026 includes international trade, preserving our social safety net and military spending.

I would argue that Canada has never had a prime minister so aggressively pursue international trading opportunities with countries other than the U.S.A. Back on Nov. 20, I said in parliament that “Canada’s population makes up 0.5 per cent of the world’s population, but we contribute to 2.5 per cent of world trade. Canada is a trading nation.”

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux, who serves as parliamentary secretary to the government house leader in Canada’s House of Commons, was named “most knowledgeable MP” by the iPolitics website at the end of 2025.

Working together for a better Manitoba

Mintu Sandhu 3 minute read Preview

Working together for a better Manitoba

Mintu Sandhu 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

As we move forward into the year ahead, I want to take a moment to thank my neighbours and constituents – the people I am proud to represent. Your priorities guide the work we do every day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community.

Our government continues to focus on the issues you have told us matter most – rebuilding health care, making life more affordable, creating good jobs, and keeping our communities safe. We have made meaningful progress, and there is more work underway.

I am pleased to share that construction of new emergency department at Victoria Hospital and E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital in Eriksdale is set to begin this year. We are also working to reduce wait times by building new personal care homes, opening neighbourhood clinics, and increasing surgeries and diagnostic testing across the province.

One of the new tools helping people get care faster is Medinav, Manitoba’s online booking system for same-day and next-day clinic appointments. It’s simple to use and helps you avoid long waits in the ER for non-emergency concerns. Many participating clinics are open evenings, weekends, and even holidays.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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In December, the Manitoba government launched the $10 million business security rebate program.

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Celebrating community in McPhillips

JD Devgan 3 minute read Preview

Celebrating community in McPhillips

JD Devgan 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Happy new year, McPhillips! I’m excited for all that 2026 will bring and wanted to share some of the great moments we’ve had together as we closed out last year.

One of my favourite holiday traditions is delivering poinsettias to seniors and oranges to daycare centres across McPhillips. Even in the middle of a blizzard. Seeing smiles and sharing a few laughs with folks always reminds me why McPhillips is such a special community.

I was also thrilled to attend the residents’ parade at Actionmarguerite St. Joseph. Residents decorated their wheelchairs and walkers and paraded through the building, singing songs, dancing, and even enjoying some karaoke along the way. The energy and creativity in the building was inspiring. It was a powerful reminder of how important it is to create spaces where seniors feel celebrated and connected.

Supporting our growing communities also means planning for the future. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor and I recently met with the mayor and council of West St. Paul to discuss that community’s infrastructure needs. West St. Paul continues to grow, and it was great to have productive conversations about how we can work together to ensure infrastructure keeps up with that pace.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Supplied photo
McPhillips MLA JD Devgan attended the residents’ parade at Actionmarguerite St. Joseph last month.

A tale of two churches

Colin Fraser 3 minute read Preview

A tale of two churches

Colin Fraser 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Anatoliy Shevchuk could see the need almost right away. It was early 2024, and the licensed pastor for the newly minted Step of Faith Ukrainian Church was busy administering to his quickly growing congregation, 95 per cent of which was comprised of newly arrived refugees escaping the war with Russia.

Step of Faith was using the Christian Life Church located at Jefferson Avenue and Pipeline Road in the Maples, scheduling services in the afternoon. With weekly attendance reaching close to 150 parishioners, there was no other option but to look for another, larger space to accommodate the group. Shevchuk, who volunteers his time with the church and is heavily involved in helping his fellow Ukrainians get settled in their new home, began to cast his net around for a new building in West and North Kildonan.

Enter the historic Kildonan Community Church, located just north of the Chief Peguis Trail and celebrating its 175th anniversary this fall, and Kevin Pauls, leader of community ministry for Kildonan. Shevchuk came calling in the fall of 2024 and Pauls proposed sharing of the building to Kildonan leadership. It was met with an enthusiastic endorsement and fit with the church’s desire to help other Christian communities looking to get established in Winnipeg.

This past summer, the two church groups partnered on youth-oriented summer camp offerings, where Pauls met Bohdan Prokopovych, a current Grade 11 student at West Kildonan Collegiate. Prokopovych’s family had escaped to Poland a step ahead of the Russian invasion in the later part of 2022, and the family of six eventually landed in Canada and Winnipeg, looking for a safe and welcoming place to start their lives again. Prokopovych’s family is from Pidvolochys’k, a smaller town of approximately 25,000 located in the western part of Ukraine.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Free Press file photo
Anatoliy Shevchuk is pastor of the Step of Faith Ukrainian Church, which shares space with Kildonan Community Church at 2373 Main St.

Bird-friendly design standards should remain

Michele Kading 3 minute read Preview

Bird-friendly design standards should remain

Michele Kading 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Most people have heard the unmistakable thud of a bird hitting a window. Every year, an estimated 16 to 42 million birds die accidentally by hitting windows in Canada. Winnipeg alone may account for millions of fatalities that go largely unnoticed.

Window strikes can be prevented. We can adopt bird-friendly standards to design new buildings and retrofit existing buildings. Fear of huge costs often stands in the way of voluntary adoption of new standards. To be effective on a large scale, they must be part of zoning bylaws.

In January 2025, Winnipeg put bird-friendly standards into one tiny part of its zoning bylaw - the malls and corridors planned development overlay (PDO). The pushback from the building industry was immediate so the administration wants council to remove the standards.

Pushback from conservationists was even swifter. The city received over 600 submissions opposing their removal. The public hearing was postponed to Jan. 21 at 9:30 a.m.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

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Predators such as shrikes and kestrels (above) sometimes chase smaller birds into windows as a hunting strategy.

Canada doesn’t need Bill C-9

Branden Leslie 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Over the past few weeks, I have received more correspondence about one issue than almost any other in my time as a member of Parliament. People from across my constituency, of many faiths and none at all, have reached out with deep concern about Liberal Bill C-9.

They are right to be concerned.

The Liberals claim Bill C-9: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places) is about protecting Canadians from hate. But after carefully studying the bill, listening to expert testimony, and watching the Liberals’ actions unfold, I have come to a clear conclusion: Bill C-9 does not protect freedom. It threatens it.

At the heart of this issue is a quiet but dangerous change the Liberals, with the support of the Bloc Québécois, are now pushing through committee.

What a difference a year makes

Markus Chambers 3 minute read Preview

What a difference a year makes

Markus Chambers 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

A year ago, during the Christmas holidays, my office received numerous calls from local residents who had awakened to the sound of chainsaws in the beloved Lemay Forest. What ensued was nothing less than an all-out effort to protect the 22-acre area of St. Norbert. In the end, it stood as a powerful symbol of community resolve against the cold calculus of residential development.

The fight began with a local alarm. Residents, naturalists, and the Save Lemay Forest group mobilized and shared the news that this lush, river-bottom woodland was to be clear cut to make way for up to 5,000 units built a private developer. Their campaign was built on a powerful trifecta of arguments.

First was the land’s deep historical significance. These very woods were part of the historic Métis river-lot system, a living artifact of the Red River Settlement’s cultural and agricultural footprint.

Second was the profound cultural and ecological role the Lemay Forest plays in the area. As a riparian forest lining the Red River, it acted as a vital natural flood mitigator, water purifier, and a critical wildlife corridor in an increasingly fragmented urban landscape.

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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

File photo
A year ago, developers began the process of removing trees in Lemay Forest to prepare for a proposed housing development.

Putting safety first for Winnipeg

Cindy Gilroy 3 minute read Preview

Putting safety first for Winnipeg

Cindy Gilroy 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

At city council, our responsibility is clear – ensuring Winnipeg has the services it needs to keep residents safe; today and into the future.

That is why I introduced a motion to add firefighters to our ranks. The data is compelling, the need is urgent, and the cost of inaction is growing.

The City of Winnipeg has extensive operational data that shows its current firefighter complement does not match the size, complexity, and call volume of the city it serves. As Winnipeg has grown, demand for emergency response has increased. However, staffing has not kept pace. The result is longer response times and an unsustainable workload for the firefighters who show up for our community every single day.

We are already seeing the consequences. Response times are trending upward, and firefighters are experiencing high levels of medical leave due to overwork. These are not abstract statistics; they affect real people and the residents waiting for help in emergencies and firefighters pushed beyond reasonable limits. When response times increase, outcomes worsen. In emergency services, seconds matter.

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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Mike Deal / Free Press
Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service crews work at putting out a fire at 45 Archibald St. last week.

Investing in stronger neighbourhoods

Jennifer Chen 2 minute read Preview

Investing in stronger neighbourhoods

Jennifer Chen 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

As we step into a new year, I want to begin with a simple message to the people of Fort Richmond – thank you. Over the holidays, I had the privilege of celebrating with so many of you at community gatherings and holiday events, and I left each one feeling hopeful about what we can build together. Further, as a mom raising two young children here, I’m always thinking about what it takes for families to feel secure – at school, on our streets, and in the local businesses we rely on every day.

Just before the holidays, I stood with business owners at Coffee Culture on Pembina Highway – alongside the minister of justice, the minister of public service delivery, and partners such as the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business – to announce Manitoba’s new business security rebate program. Fort Richmond is home to a wide variety of family-run restaurants, essential neighbourhood services, and newcomer-owned shops, and I know too many have dealt with break-ins and costly damage. For those who’ve been impacted, please know you are not alone.

If you operate a business with 75 or fewer employees per location, you may be eligible for up to $2,500 per location for security upgrades or eligible repairs linked to crime-related damage. That can include cameras, alarm systems, lighting, and window protection. It can also include repairs for things such as broken windows, doors and locks, graffiti removal, and insurance deductibles related to those repairs. Expenses going back to Aug. 23, 2024, can qualify, using the following link: securityrebate.manitoba.ca

As we carry the hope of a new year forward, we’re taking practical steps to protect that hope by helping businesses stay open, staff feel safe, and our neighbourhoods feel secure.

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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Supplied photo
Fort Richmond MLA Jennifer Chen joined business owners, industry association representatives and cabinet ministers at Coffee Culture on Pembina Highway to announce Manitoba’s business security rebate program.

Looking ahead to support St. James

Adrien Sala 3 minute read Preview

Looking ahead to support St. James

Adrien Sala 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Looking ahead at the new year, I’m feeling energized and grateful for the conversations I’ve shared with so many neighbours across St. James. Spending time in our community, whether at summer barbecues, seniors’ gatherings, or door‑to‑door visits, remains one of the best parts of this job.

These conversations continue to guide my work at the legislature, ensuring that the priorities of St. James families are front and center. In the months ahead, I’m committed to deepening those connections.

Discussions about safety in our neighbourhood, improving affordability, or building a stronger health care system help shape decisions that have a real impact.

To facilitate more of these conversations, I’m looking forward to hosting an open house at my constituency office, located at E-1885 Portage Ave., on Saturday, Feb. 7. We’ll have fruit and light refreshments on hand to welcome community members from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in addition to our regular office hours during the week.

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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Bringing STEM to students of all types

Tanya Misseghers 3 minute read Preview

Bringing STEM to students of all types

Tanya Misseghers 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now unavoidable at home, work and school. Its development, use and governance intersect in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — the disciplines often collectively referred to as STEM in educational settings.

Dr. Anju Bajaj, a resident of South St. Vital and award-winning educator, STEM adviser and research scientist recognizes the challenges AI presents for the next generation.

The Women in STEM, AI & Innovation Conference was established by Dr. Bajaj to help young people face this new reality. Dr. Bajaj chairs and is lead organizer of the event, which was virtual for years before becoming an in-person conference last year.

Aimed at students in grades 7-12, the conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Holy Cross School, one day ahead of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

January 22, 2026