Daniel Guenther

Local pickleball legend honoured

Len Bakalinsky recently celebrated his 90th birthday in one of the most unique and memorable ways possible — by playing in a pickleball tournament organized in his honour.

Tree-planting to honour Queen Elizabeth II

As we enter the autumn months, the changing colours of our trees are not only a reminder of inevitable change, but also a reminder of how vital trees are to our neighbourhood. They make our streets and parks more enjoyable, aid the environment, increase biodiversity, and improve our quality of life. I am thrilled to announce that over the coming months, more trees will be planted at local Garden City parks and tot lots in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Time to get creative with boulevards

Residents and visitors should feel good about the city spaces around them, whether they are walking, cycling or driving. Here in Winnipeg, we have prioritized concrete spaces with minimal requirements for landscaping.

W.K. Library’s history to be officially recognized

After months of impassioned advocacy to save our treasured West Kildonan Library, I am thrilled to share that the branch at Jefferson Avenue and Powers Street is being considered for historical designation by the City of Winnipeg. After careful research and collaboration with stakeholders — including residents, library patrons, educators, and elected officials — it has been determined that this branch is an important piece of modernist architecture worthy of recognition.

Ensuring West Kildonan Library has a future

We have spoken loud and clear — West Kildonan Library is here to stay.

I am proud of our community for standing up and fighting to save our beloved local library. This ill-conceived plan by city hall was an attempt to shortchange our area and reward private developers. After a long and tough fight last month, I am thrilled that we can collectively celebrate this win and work towards improvements for West Kildonan Library.

Over 12,000 residents signed the official petition to stop the closure. Hundreds rallied outside West Kildonan Library on May 17 in an inspiring display of civic engagement. Students and educators spoke of how this branch is essential for fostering the bright minds of the future. This outpouring of community support was critical to swaying city hall to keep our treasured neighbourhood institution open.

As a result of our efforts, I am excited to share that the Friends of West Kildonan Library coalition has officially been formed and will continue advocating for preservation and improvements at the library. Evan Krosney and I are proud to serve as co-chairs and are now seeking interested residents and library patrons to join the FWKL coalition. Public meetings and events will be announced later this summer. If you are interested in volunteering or wish to learn more, please reach out to us at fwklibrary@gmail.com

Celebrating Winnipeg, in all its quirky glory

From the Nutty Club man to the towering neon Thunderbird sign on McPhillips Street — Winnipeg has a fascinating array of local landmarks. Many of these important icons have been beautifully captured by Happyland Print Shop. The company is the brainchild of local artist and graphic designer Kristin McPherson. She has captured and highlighted Winnipeg historical attractions and traditions in her creations since launching Happyland in 2012. Beginning with a few prints inspired by Winnipeg neighbourhoods, Happyland’s range of products has grown and continues to celebrate the very best of our city. Treasured staples of bygone days, including the Shanghai, Kelekis, Dutch Maid ice cream, and the Odeon Drive-In are honoured with vintage-inspired prints. These striking works of art have been framed by customers across Winnipeg, Canada and around the world. McPherson has worked as a graphic designer since 2004 and says that Winnipeg’s quirkiness inspired her to honour the city and its prized features. “I had the classic love-it-and-hate-it relationship with Winnipeg that so many others do. With Happyland, I’ve found my niche in identifying things that are unique to our city experience, infusing some humour, then, creating beautiful designs around it.” Wedding socials, dainty trays, Jeanne’s cakes and even pinching perogies — these are all snippets of Winnipeg that have been woven into our local fabric and are represented in the work of Happyland. Did you know if you offered ‘dainties’ to an out-of-town guest, they would likely be aghast? Elsewhere, it is slang for underwear. Visitors are often surprised to discover a shortbread crust under Winnipeg’s famous cake — trust us, even the Queen approves. Happyland’s neighbourhood art collection features many of the city’s neighbourhoods and their peculiar distinctions. From Transcona’s national bird to Charleswood’s urban ditches, the roster keeps growing. Garden City was recently added and has been a hit with current and former residents. “I spent quite a bit of time hanging out in Garden City as a teenager. When I think of the neighbourhood, I picture the quiet, pleasant streets lined with beautiful houses and the well-kept lawns and flower beds.” McPherson illustrated many of Garden City’s floral street names, which showcase the suburb’s very fitting name. “I loved all the street names, and they were a major inspiration. I always try and incorporate unique details about each neighbourhood into my work” McPherson says. The Happyland collection continues to grow and McPherson is always on the lookout for new nuggets of nostalgia for inspiration. Many of her ideas come from documenting old signs, local advertising and even vintage matchbooks. McPherson’s creations pay tribute to Winnipeg and remind us of its beloved uniqueness. Happyland products can be found at local shops, including Pollock’s Hardware and Black Market Provisions. The full Happyland collection is available at www.happyland.shopShe will also be hosting a Backland Bazaar market on May 7, with details and location to be announced closer to the date.   Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com  

From the Nutty Club man to the towering neon Thunderbird sign on McPhillips Street — Winnipeg has a fascinating array of local landmarks. Many of these important icons have been beautifully captured by Happyland Print Shop. 

The company is the brainchild of local artist and graphic designer Kristin McPherson. She has captured and highlighted Winnipeg historical attractions and traditions in her creations since launching Happyland in 2012. Beginning with a few prints inspired by Winnipeg neighbourhoods, Happyland’s range of products has grown and continues to celebrate the very best of our city. Treasured staples of bygone days, including the Shanghai, Kelekis, Dutch Maid ice cream, and the Odeon Drive-In are honoured with vintage-inspired prints. These striking works of art have been framed by customers across Winnipeg, Canada and around the world. 

Pleased to share Garden City with others

Canstar’s new community paper format has launched, and I am excited our local news will now be more widely shared with residents across Winnipeg. I am proud to showcase the Garden City neighbourhood and would like to welcome all readers and residents to my column. To many Winnipeggers, Garden City is associated with the popular shopping centre at Leila Avenue and McPhillips Street. But tucked away behind it all are leafy, quiet, and family-friendly streets often named after flowers and plants. Garden City was first developed in the 1950s and has continued to grow with new developments and amenities over the years. Many of the houses lining the neighbourhood’s streets were designed in the mid-century modern architectural style — it was the first neighbourhood in Canada to mandate that each house be a custom build. Today, the houses of Garden City have become highly sought after for their unique styles, spacious designs and quality construction. The area’s many parks and community facilities also provide excellent recreational amenities for residents of all ages.  Over 50 years later, many original owners are still residing and enjoying life in our area. For newer residents to the neighbourhood, I have been told that Garden City feels like more than just a residential area — it is a community. It is the type of place where neighbours still know their neighbours and friendships are formed over backyard barbecues. Garden City is a wonderful place to call home and I am thrilled to share neighbourhood news, events and ideas that will be of interest to all readers. I am also looking forward to better connecting our Winnipeg neighbourhoods, especially with nearby neighbours of Riverdale, Riverbend, the Kildonans, and the St. Pauls. There are many opportunities to better connect our areas and combine efforts for making life even more enjoyable for all residents. Please feel free to reach out to me to share your neighbourhood news, ideas, and priorities. Cheers to the new year, and the new Free Press Community Review.Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com 

Canstar’s new community paper format has launched, and I am excited our local news will now be more widely shared with residents across Winnipeg. I am proud to showcase the Garden City neighbourhood and would like to welcome all readers and residents to my column. 

To many Winnipeggers, Garden City is associated with the popular shopping centre at Leila Avenue and McPhillips Street. But tucked away behind it all are leafy, quiet, and family-friendly streets often named after flowers and plants. 

Garden City was first developed in the 1950s and has continued to grow with new developments and amenities over the years. Many of the houses lining the neighbourhood’s streets were designed in the mid-century modern architectural style — it was the first neighbourhood in Canada to mandate that each house be a custom build. Today, the houses of Garden City have become highly sought after for their unique styles, spacious designs and quality construction. The area’s many parks and community facilities also provide excellent recreational amenities for residents of all ages.  

Enjoy a whole ‘latke’ love this Hanukkah

Many families, friends and neighbours begin celebrating Hanukkah this week. When you are out for an evening walk, take a moment to enjoy the brightly lit menorahs and sparkling lights adorning homes here in Garden City.

This beloved Jewish holiday, also known as the festival of lights, is filled with many cherished traditions, including delicious food. Two of my personal favourites include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jam buster doughnuts). These treats are available to buy from local bakeries, delis and grocery stores. But latkes are especially simple to make at home and taste even better hot out of your frying pan.

I wanted to share two of my favourite latke recipes. They have been developed over a few years of testing and tweaking, with many valuable ‘taste tests’ done by friends and family. The first recipe is for ‘tried and true’ traditional latkes, while the second puts a modern spin on the dish using sweet potatoes. Regardless of which recipe you prefer, do not forget to dip your favourite latke and help settle the great dipping debate — sour cream or applesauce? Or even ketchup?

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday! Chag Sameach!

Sprucing up Garden City for winter

I am excited to share that Garden City has a new evergreen arrangement to brighten the neighbourhood for the snowy months ahead. The winter display was installed at Forest Park Drive and Sinclair Street, in the new neighbourhood planter installed this past summer. Next time you are out for a walk or drive around the neighbourhood, be sure to enjoy this beautiful arrangement handcrafted from fresh greenery and birch branches. 

Adding the winter arrangement was an idea sparked by Coun. Devi Sharma, who suggested it to me as a way to showcase Garden City’s new planter. The project was made possible by a grant from Coun. Sharma, in partnership with Petals Flowers & Gifts on Leila Avenue. Sabyna Sawka is the owner of Petals, and responsible for designing and installing this incredible arrangement.

Sabyna is a long-time local y resident and has been a floral designer for over 35 years. She was excited to transform this intersection for the winter months. She told me that planter arrangements have seen a growth in popularity and are no longer just installed for the holiday season.

“They are a beautiful way to add colour to outdoor spaces for the winter months. I design each to order and will customize to suit any taste. Everyone from homeowners to businesses have been ordering them to add some vibrancy to their empty planters”, she said.

Don’t rake those leaves – mulch ’em

Fall is well underway in Winnipeg and the constant storm of falling leaves is a common frustration of homeowners this time of year. When we finally finish raking, it seems that the wind just blows more leaves into the yard. While we appreciate the benefits trees provide our neighbourhood in the summer, it can feel like a full-time job cleaning up after Mother Nature.

If you are like me, you may be looking for ways to make yard work easier. One simple way is to mulch the fallen leaves into your lawn and boulevard, rather than raking and having them picked up on yard waste day.

For the last few years, I have experimented with this mulching method and have had great success in my yard. To start, ensure your lawn mower has the ability to mulch (it will have a mulching blade and/or a mulch plug). Begin by mowing slowly in straight lines, overlapping each cut by half. Then mow the opposite way, which mulches the leaf cover down to pieces about the size of a dime.

The theory and science behind this mulching method is to break down the organic leaf matter into pieces that are small enough to compost over winter in your lawn. The leaf remnants also provide a food source for the worms and insects in the soil, which improves the health of your lawn. Leaves are also full of nutrients, which gently fertilizes your lawn as they break down over the fall and winter. Next spring, your lawn will bounce back quicker and green up sooner because of this leaf mulch method.

Fall is the best time to prepare next year’s lawn

Mowing the lawn has been a bit easier this summer due to the ongoing drought. The grass has been growing slower and slower as each week goes by. You may have also noticed your boulevard turning brown or tall weeds sprouting up near the curb. In this hot, dry weather, it seems the only plants growing are the nuisance ones.

Whether or not we enjoy yardwork, residents in the city of Winnipeg are responsible for maintaining the city boulevards at the front and/or sides of their homes. There are a few exceptions for those who live on regional thoroughfares or when the boulevard is more than 20 feet between the road and sidewalk or property line.

I thought I would share some tips that I found useful for keeping my own boulevard and lawn healthy:

The upcoming fall season is the best time of year to repair any dead or sparse patches that need new grass. Use a small hand rake to scratch up the areas and patch with a mix of grass seed and topsoil. You will need to keep checking the spots and water lightly as needed. The advantage of seeding in fall is the natural morning dew helps grow your grass quicker.

Garden City gets a neighbourhood planter

I am excited to share that after careful planning and organizing, Garden City’s new neighbourhood flower planter has arrived.

Residents walking, cycling or driving through Forest Park Drive and Sinclair Street have probably noticed the recent colourful addition to the intersection.

Local residents are known for taking exceptional pride in their properties and we have some of the best gardeners in the city. It is only fitting that Garden City, with all the floral-themed street names, has flowers in public spots to be enjoyed by everyone in our community.

The new planter is being managed by the Garden City Residents’ Association and has been ‘adopted’ by local resident volunteers, who will be maintaining the flowers and caring for it throughout the season. That means all the planting, watering and weeding is being done by some amazing volunteers. Local residents Chris Turyk and Bryce Weedmark have graciously agreed to adopt the planter and I would like to thank them for all their hard work.

Keep creeping bellflower out of lawns, gardens

If you’re like me, this spring could not come soon enough. Every year I look forward to getting outside and enjoying more time in the sun. Spring also means the return of yard work and gardening.

The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed us to re-examine how we use our yards, and many residents are adding more flowers and vegetables to their gardens. If you have been puttering outside lately, you may have noticed a new pointy-leaf plant popping up in your lawn, flower beds or even on pathways around the neighbourhood. Creeping bellflower is invading Winnipeg yards and has quickly established itself throughout the city.

Known botanically as Campanula rapunculoides, this invasive weed spreads extremely quickly and can take over lawns and gardens in just a season or two if not removed or controlled.

Invasive weeds like creeping bellflower choke out native plants and wreak havoc on flower beds or vegetable gardens.

Scotia Street should be part of Open Streets 2021

The City of Winnipeg implemented the Open Streets project to allow residents greater recreational use of city streets to safely get active amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Streets throughout the city were chosen last year for their proximity to parks, greenspaces and feedback from residents.

Scotia Street was one of the chosen routes, which limited vehicular traffic to one block, allowing for safer and more enjoyable use by residents of all ages and physical abilities.

This route proved extremely popular throughout last summer, with residents from across Winnipeg enjoying this beautiful, tree lined street. For residents of Garden City, Scotia Street was the closest and most accessible Open Street. Many neighbours enjoyed the links Scotia Street provided to Kildonan Park and the North Winnipeg Parkway.

A year later, and amidst the third wave of the pandemic, the City of Winnipeg is proposing to remove Scotia Street from the Open Streets project.

Let’s repurpose the Bergen Cut-Off bridge

In my last column, I raised the idea of repurposing the former CPR Bergen Cut-Off rail bridge near Kildonan Park. I am thrilled that so many residents, neighbours and park users took the time to share their feedback with me for this idea. Thank you to every one of you who wrote an email or shared the article with your friends and family. It is clear that this bridge has evoked a lot of positivity and passion amongst local residents.

The Bergen Cut-Off bridge is currently sitting unused and inaccessible next to one of Winnipeg’s top attractions — Kildonan Park. In its current form, the bridge is a wasted opportunity. A repurposed pedestrian and active transportation bridge would be a new connection for North Winnipeg residents and be an exciting new amenity for Kildonan Park.

Many readers expressed their desire to have a new active transportation route, linking East and West Kildonan and the numerous parks and greenways in both neighbourhoods. Scotia Street and Kildonan Drive are two of Winnipeg’s best routes for cycling, walking and jogging. Providing this link would benefit the users from all surrounding neighbourhoods and all ages. It would also continue to highlight the beauty of North Winnipeg and attract new families to these existing neighbourhoods. 

Right now, repurposing the bridge is an idea that should become a project. I am looking for community members interested in joining a volunteer committee to continue this conversation and raise awareness. All local residents, of all ages, are welcome to join. The more voices we have supporting this initiative the better. With COVID-19, the committee will most likely meet virtually or by phone.

Just think of the possibilities

Spending time outside has become increasingly important since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many more hours spent inside our homes, doing our part to flatten the curve, residents all around Winnipeg have a renewed enjoyment for getting fresh air.

Here in Garden City, we are fortunate to have many local parks and tot lots used by residents of all ages. Our suburban community is also conveniently located just a few minutes away from Kildonan Park.

If you have ever ventured to the back of Kildonan Park, or driven over the Settlers Bridge on Chief Peguis Trail, you probably would have noticed the old bridge crossing the Red River. With the middle section swung open, this old Canadian Pacific Railway bridge is a forgotten piece of Winnipeg history.

The Bergen Cutoff Bridge was constructed in 1914 for a rail line that has since been removed.

Wondering what to do with your Christmas tree?

Happy new year!

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. Even amidst the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and current restrictions, I know we are all looking forward to a healthier and brighter 2021.

January means many residents are beginning to take down their decorations and pack them away for another year. If your house set up a real Christmas tree, you may be wondering what to do with your evergreen.

After a holiday season of shortages and record-breaking sales, real trees were more popular than ever this past Christmas. Many families returned to the tradition of a real tree, while others set one up for the first time.

Support local this holiday season

As COVID-19 continues to shape our lives, I want to share local stories of the small businesses that make up our beautiful North Winnipeg neighbourhoods. It is important to continue supporting them throughout these difficult times.

Frootables, owned by lifelong Garden City resident Robin Paisner, has been handcrafting custom treats for the past eight years. Paisner specializes in hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and fresh fruit arrangements. Originally located on Academy Road, she recently moved her storefront to West Kildonan.

“I have lived in Garden City my whole life. I grew up here, I graduated from Garden City Collegiate. And now, I am proud to have my shop closer to home too.”

After working 35 years in the Winnipeg broadcasting industry, Paisner attempted to enjoy retired life but it was not for her. She began channelling her creative talents into crafting custom edible treats.

Time to adjust your COVID regimen

The leaves are falling, furnaces have been turned on and you’ll need an extra layer for a walk around the neighbourhood. It’s official — fall has arrived, along with the cooler temperatures.

After being treated to an exceptional summer and fall with countless warm and sunny days, we begin our transition into the cooler seasons. This means more time indoors and less time spent outside, which poses a challenge for our efforts to once again flatten the COVID-19 curve.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, public health officials have recommended spending more time outdoors, while still respecting social distancing guidelines. Summer and fall provided us with many safe options to visit with family and friends. But, as winter approaches, there are still creative ways we can embrace the outdoors. Putting the pandemic reasons aside, getting outside during the winter is a great way to remain active while discovering a new side of our city.

As we work to once again flatten the curve, here are some ways to get outside and enjoy some of the beautiful amenities in Garden City and the surrounding areas:

Garden City Blooms winners named

This past summer, I was excited to see our community’s enthusiastic response to the inaugural Garden City Blooms neighbourhood contest.

With more than 50 addresses nominated throughout the area, I am thrilled to officially announce this year’s winners:

Mariano and Stephanie Moniz — Gorgeous Garden City award;Chris Turyk and Bryce Weedmark — Creative & Colourful award;Gayle and Bill Harrow — Perfect Pots & Planters award; Jennifer and Wayne Okaluk — Bold & Beautiful Boulevard award; andMarian and Glenn Platschick — Smart Space Gardening award.A very warm congratulations to all the nominees and winners!

The judging panel, comprised of Take Pride Winnipeg president Tom Ethans, local resident and advocate Jason Miklovich and me, had a difficult time narrowing down the winners from so many beautiful nominations.

Pretty yet practical masks made in Garden City

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives have all changed and we continue to adapt to the “new normal.”

As part of these changes to our routines and lifestyles, public health officials have stressed the importance of physical distancing, handwashing and the use of face masks to reduce the spread of the virus.

Garden City resident and avid sewer Tamara Ewatski has been making non-medical cloth masks to meet the demand from customers and the community. However, it was not a quick decision to jump into the mask sewing process.

“This spring, about a month into the pandemic, I started sewing masks because I had so many requests — and I thought, 'OK, I can help out and do this,'” Ewatski says.

Overwhelming response for Garden City Blooms

The spring and summer of 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging, but also unique times, in recent memory. COVID-19 has caused us to change daily habits, routines and even adjust our summer holiday plans.

But one thing that did not change was Garden City residents' proud and fitting record of having some of Winnipeg’s best-kept yards and gardens.

Walking around the area, it is clear that gardening is a favourite pastime for many in our community. This summer has also been the busiest for all sorts of yard projects. From decks and fences to pools and plants, COVID-19 reminded a lot of us that we need to make the most of our outdoor spaces. The quiet streets of Garden City also make our neighbourhood one of the most ideal in Winnipeg for turning your backyard into an oasis.

Back in the early spring, I wanted to find a way to connect neighbours and recognize the hard work so many people put into their beautiful yards and gardens. From the carefully planted flowers to the expertly cut and watered lawns, there is no shortage of curb appeal in Garden City. So, the Garden City Residents’ Association, together with the support of our city councillor, Devi Sharma, Take Pride Winnipeg and the locally owned Riverside Greenhouse launched Garden City Blooms 2020.

Walking tour coming to Garden City

When exploring the architecture of a suburb such as Garden City, is there really anything to see?

The Winnipeg Architecture Foundation (WAF) and local residents such as myself certainly think so. In recent years, the WAF has engaged in historical and architectural research to use for public programs such as walking tours, books and exhibits. The WAF recently completed tours for the south Winnipeg suburbs of Niakwa Park and Windsor Park. In 2020, it is looking north and actively researching a tour of the Garden City area.

Did you know Garden City is one Canada’s best examples of a neighbourhood built in the mid-century modern architectural style?

Not only do we have one of the most unique neighbourhoods in Winnipeg but the style of our area is coveted around the world. You may already be familiar with a lot of the hallmark features of the mid-century modern style in our neighbourhood: sloped roof lines, wide frontage lots and custom brick detailing. Many homes in Garden City retain many original features, such as rich wood panelling and concrete breeze block fences or walls.