East St. Paul councillors voted 4-1 to approve a new subdivision of 476 additional single-family houses on 248.5 acres of former farmland off Mowat Road in the rural municipality during a public hearing on April 28.

Despite drawing over 1,000 opposition letters and an emotional seven-hour hearing at which dozens of residents shared their concerns and disapproval, the R.M. council approved the development, with the vote called shortly after midnight.

“I can’t vote against this application,” Mayor Carla Devlin said. She explained to council and community members that municipalities cannot “vote against their own bylaws,” and if the development application adheres to all local bylaws, denying it would be a bad look on council and the R.M.

“(This application) checks all the boxes,” said Coun. Orest Horechko (Ward 2), whose ward encompasses the proposed development. “I’m prepared to move forward.”

The Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan community committee held a regular meeting on April 27.

Passersby can expect to see a fresh coat of new blue paint, new bike racks, as well as 20 new and wider parking spots for online shoppers picking up groceries at the Walmart located at 2370 McPhillips St. after its application for permission to make the upgrades was approved.

Both councillors in attendance, Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) and Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski), approved the proposal.

“It’s a very esthetically pleasing refresh you’re proposing here,” Sharma said.

Jewish film festival to run May 6 to 23

There will be plenty to see at the upcoming 2026 Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival from May 6 to 23.

The festival — presented with the support ofhe Asper Foundation’s cultural enrichment initiative — celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Organizers say most of the screenings will take place at the Berney Theatre on the Asper Jewish Community Campus at 123 Doncaster St., and will showcase films from around the world, including documentaries, features, dramas and comedies that reflect the richness and complexity of Jewish life and storytelling.

St. Vital East Kildonan North Kildonan

Awasisak Meskanow Greenway spring cleanup is May 9

Awasisak Meskanow Greenway’s upcoming annual spring cleanup will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. until around noon.

The group, formerly known as Bishop Grandin Greenway, held its first cleanup in 2000, the year the organization was founded, president Derick Young said.