Devi Sharma

Leila Avenue set to be rehabilitated, resurfaced

As city councillor for Old Kildonan, I am committed to keeping residents and businesses informed about issues that matter to the community, and today I am providing an update on the condition of Leila Avenue.

Advocating for the Chief Peguis Trail extension

As 2023 begins, we reflect on progress made to date in order to anticipate and shape future priorities. In doing so, I am mindful of fundamental projects that create growth, opportunity, and respect the environment.

Keeping our neighbourhoods safe together

We all share the priority of having a safe and vibrant community. I know many residents have expressed their interest in starting neighbourhood watch programs to increase safety and build more supportive environments that promote this goal. I’m pleased to have helped launch new patrol groups throughout my time as your city councillor, and I’d like to provide an update on a few of these.

Local upgrades continue in our community

As your city councillor, I have recognized and heard our community’s need for more free recreational family activities.

I was so excited to finally announce on July 4 that we will be having a new free outdoor spray pad in Adsum Park at the Maples Community Centre. After initiating and working with the community centre executive and city departments, we were able to access provincial and federal funding to go along with the city money I had already secured for our area.

It took many months of planning and meetings for this to come together, resulting in a new 3,000-square-foot, accessible spray pad. It will include new walkways, benches, picnic tables, bike racks, shade structures, and upgraded landscaping. This will be a destination point for families when it is hot and, by keeping it free, the spray pad will be accessible to all in this well-used recreation hub in our community.

Another project approved on July 5 was my motion for new traffic control signals at the north intersection of Templeton Avenue and McPhillips Street. This signal is necessary because of growth in traffic volumes on Templeton, which have greatly increased in recent years in part due to housing growth in the area, increased commercial activity, the new transit route, and the new École Templeton School.

Park rental process now much simpler

With the arrival of warmer weather, our family looks forward to engaging with all that Winnipeg’s summers have to offer, and I hope your family does as well.

Many of you use city parks to hold family and community events. In past years, I know there have been challenges with booking park space and that improvements to simplify this process were needed. In response to this I put forward a motion, co-sponsored by Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), to review the parks booking process in order to make it more user-friendly and efficient. I am now pleased to report that the park rental e-form was launched earlier this spring, alongside a revitalized parks web portal at www.winnipeg.ca

“This new form really makes the rental process easier, more efficient, and more intuitive for Winnipeggers,” said Dave Domke, the city’s manager of parks and open space.

The new form allows would-be renters to select their group size, preferred site, and preferred date, enter supplemental information, such as equipment and insurance requirements, and then submit the form online for approval and follow-up.

Spring means warm weather… and cleanup

After a long winter of record snowfalls and frost, things are looking brighter and warmer, as we emerge into spring.

Every year, when the snow melts, we are left with many potholes in our streets from the freeze-thaw cycles of our weather. The city fixes potholes using a number of different patching techniques. A cold-mix patch is a temporary repair and is designed to remain workable in cold weather but lasts only about six to eight months. A hot-mix patch is a more permanent repair which produces a dense, hard patch that seals the edges, preventing water from getting under the patch, but this is best done in warm dry weather. When you see potholes in our neighbourhood, you can report them to 311 or email 311@winnipeg.ca. Please also copy my office (devi@winnipeg.ca), so we can stay on top of it as well. If your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, the city recommends contacting Manitoba Public Insurance.

We also know that when the snow melts, drivers tend to speed more often. I’d like to ask all motorists to please slow down, especially around school zones, playgrounds, parks and wherever children are playing. As a former school patrol member, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of protecting our kids by maintaining safe speeds. I continue to meet with our local police inspector and pass on your concerns about areas where speeding is particularly problematic. Just as in previous years, Please Slow Down signs are available at my community office, as a great reminder for drivers on residential streets.

With the snow melting we also notice many other things and we all have a role to play in maintaining a beautiful city. Many matters, including spring clean-ups, graffiti removal, traffic signal burnout, and tree line inquiries, should be reported through 311. I’ve heard your concerns about abandoned shopping carts and would like to pass along that shopping cart pick-up can be arranged by calling Total Cart Management (204-296-9968) for Walmart and Superstore carts, or Speedy Cart Services (204-786-7600) for all other store carts.

Regulating residential cannabis cultivation

Over the last few years, many of you have raised concerns about the cultivation of medical cannabis in residential areas. I’ve heard your concerns — and now all of city council has, too — about the noise problems, safety issues, property value worries, and health implications of the odour coming from cannabis growth.This is a complex issue that has involved a lot of research and valuable input from residents.  It’s important to understand that individuals with a prescription for medicinal cannabis can register with Health Canada, which authorizes production of a prescribed amount of cannabis within their residences, or they can designate someone else to produce it for them at another property. However, when too many cannabis plants are grown in a single dwelling, there is the potential to create or contribute to negative impacts within neighbourhoods, including odour complaints, long-term damage to buildings, and increased risk of criminal activity. From the first time these concerns were raised, I sought to consult with members of the community through town halls, with political representatives from all levels of government, and with Health Canada. I then worked with my fellow councillors and Winnipeg public service staff to explore bylaws to set guidelines for residential areas, which would require operators of grow sites to obtain valid licences from the city. As City of Winnipeg staff and councillors worked to find policy solutions, we found that other Canadian cities rarely regulate non-commercial (residential) cannabis growers but that some smaller communities, such as Norfolk County and Georgina in Ontario, have established zoning bylaws to limit grow sites to industrial or rural zones and create air-filtration requirements. Winnipeg would be the first major Canadian city to actively take steps toward addressing the issues created by medical cannabis grow sites in residential neighbourhoods. This spring, we expect formal bylaw amendments to be brought forward at a public hearing of the standing policy committee on property and development, heritage and downtown development. To be approved, the bylaw amendments must then also be passed by city council. If this is an issue of special interest, I invite you to sign up to speak at delegations in these public hearings. Please reach out to me with any questions or ideas you may have on this or any other issue. I can be reached at devi@winnipeg.ca or at my office number, 204-986-5264. 

Over the last few years, many of you have raised concerns about the cultivation of medical cannabis in residential areas. I’ve heard your concerns — and now all of city council has, too — about the noise problems, safety issues, property value worries, and health implications of the odour coming from cannabis growth.

This is a complex issue that has involved a lot of research and valuable input from residents.  

It’s important to understand that individuals with a prescription for medicinal cannabis can register with Health Canada, which authorizes production of a prescribed amount of cannabis within their residences, or they can designate someone else to produce it for them at another property. However, when too many cannabis plants are grown in a single dwelling, there is the potential to create or contribute to negative impacts within neighbourhoods, including odour complaints, long-term damage to buildings, and increased risk of criminal activity. 

Keeping wildlife safe around retention ponds

Each fall, we notice the abundance of birds in our city, especially near our retention ponds, as they fly along their migration pathways.

Many of us love seeing wildlife, and some may even want to feed these birds. It’s important to remember that feeding wildlife, such as geese and other waterfowl, is rarely helpful. Most of the time, it creates problems and can actually harm them.

That’s because food handouts rarely supply the nutrients that waterfowl need. When feeding is regular, they may stop seeking out healthier foods that are part of their natural diets. Inappropriate food can also be directly toxic to waterfowl or cause them to become very sick.

Wild animals, unlike our pets, need to be able to survive in their natural environment. Feeding waterfowl causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans, and makes them more vulnerable to predators. Geese may then approach humans aggressively and congregate near roads, where they are more likely to be struck by vehicles.

Promoting safety in our neighbourhoods

Living in a vibrant and safe community is important to all of us. We all have a role in promoting and supporting the security of our neighbourhoods. I know many of you have joined neighbourhood watch groups, stay consistently vigilant in reporting suspicious activity and build strong relationships with your neighbours.

As your city councillor, I regularly meet with the police inspector responsible for this part of the city. We discuss potential solutions to the concerns my office receives from residents across Old Kildonan.

Over the years, I’ve hosted safety forums with the Winnipeg Police Service including, most recently, a virtual safety forum for Castlebury Meadows. Members of the Police Service’s community relations unit provided a comprehensive presentation about securing your home. This was full of valuable reminders about the importance of closing garage doors and ensuring the area around the home has sufficient lighting.

“A well-lit house is a deterrent for criminals,” said Const. Garnie McIntyre, one of the WPS presenters.

Anthology shares powerful pandemic reflections

With summer finally here, it seems brighter days are ahead of us. The midpoint of summer break often presents an opportunity to reflect on the growth during the last school year and look towards a more hopeful future.

We should congratulate all our students on the many ways they’ve learned to navigate the challenges they faced. They’ve had to adjust between in-person learning and remote classes, along with the immense disruption this brought to their everyday lives.

Like so many of you, I’ve seen firsthand as a parent the resilience and maturity of our children, the support of our families, and the dedication of our exceptional teachers.

Earlier this year, Seven Oaks School Division Supt. Brian O’ Leary and I were discussing the tremendous and inspiring strength students, teachers, and parents have shown during the pandemic.

Making our intersections safer

Many of you may be aware of the concerns surrounding the McPhillips Street and Templeton Avenue intersections.

It’s become clear that the level of traffic these intersections now handle is much more than they were originally designed for. I’ve heard your concerns about long lines of delayed vehicles and vehicle accidents in this area, and I’ve been working with City of Winnipeg staff to evaluate and introduce long-lasting solutions.

Road safety for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians continues to be a critical priority for me, and I believe we must invest in long-term safety strategies. I continue to advocate for this to departments, committees, and city council.

Last fall, I shared with you that a vehicle-turning movement count would be conducted for the McPhillips Street and Templeton Avenue intersection serving Amber Gates and Amber Trails.

Getting rid of graffiti in our community

As we spend more time outdoors in the warmer weather, we tend to notice out-of-place things such as graffiti in our community.

Recently, there has been an increase in graffiti throughout Winnipeg. Many of you have reached out to 311 and my office in search of ways to prevent and remove it. The City of Winnipeg invests roughly a million dollars annually on graffiti removal, offering a year-round, free-of-charge graffiti removal service for residents and businesses that have been damaged.

Like each of you, I greatly value having a beautiful community. Winnipeggers deserve to enjoy outdoors spaces without seeing things that can decrease community pride. There are a few things we can do to prevent graffiti. Areas that are well-fenced, well-lit, and include greenery are less likely to be targeted by taggers — those who write graffiti.

When graffiti appears, it should be removed as soon as possible. Information on how to remove graffiti can be found on the City of Winnipeg website.

Reminders for a safer spring

As our city gets greener and warmer this spring, we’re all reminded of how much we enjoy this time of year when we get back to our favourite activities, be it gardening, kicking a soccer ball, or planning family picnics.

As I wrote last month, spring cleanup has officially begun, and city crews are making their way through residential streets. If you notice your street has not been cleaned properly, let 311 know so it can be placed on a list to be redone.

Yard waste collection has also started, and you can look up information on when your address is scheduled.

Please use the proper yard waste bags and leave them out on your scheduled collection day.

Getting ready for spring cleanup

Each year, as the weather gets warmer, the snow melts, and flowers begin to bloom, more of us spend more time outside.

During the pandemic our city’s parks saw a 51 per cent increase in visits. This, of course, makes sense — while we limit contacts and adhere to necessary restrictions, it’s no surprise we’ve been spending more time in parks and outdoor spaces. Now, with spring here, this time will only increase, and with it, our need for a vibrant and clean community.

In the coming weeks, the city will be conducting its spring cleanup program, in which over 7,000 kilometres of streets and 1,600 kilometres of walkways, as well as city parks, will be cleaned by crews.

The program typically begins in mid-April, when temperatures start to stay consistently above freezing. This is because the sweeping equipment uses water for dust suppression. Cleanup crews have already been doing preliminary work on designated active transportation routes in advance of the regular operations.

Nurturing a love of reading

In February, we celebrated I Love to Read Month. I enjoyed reading to students by video throughout the Seven Oaks School Division.

Like most things, this looked different from past years, but technology provided a fantastic way for us to still connect and share our love of books. Growing up, I really enjoyed visiting the library and reading the books my teachers had in our classrooms. This blossomed into a lifelong love of reading, a love that is shared by my family.

Thank you to our parents, teachers and librarians for nurturing our love of reading, especially during I Love to Read Month. During this pandemic, as many of our activities look different, reading remains a wonderful tool for understanding diverse cultures, discovering innovative ideas in our ever-changing world, travelling on adventures or simply escaping into an imaginary world. It is a central way to learn, grow, and connect in today’s society.

I’m pleased that, at the start of March, the City of Winnipeg was able to safely re-open its public libraries for contactless pick-up service and returns. For those who wish to use this service, pick-up requests can be placed online, through the WPL mobile app, or by phone.

My role as speaker of council

Ordinarily, I write this column about the matters I’m working on as your city councillor. From roads to parks to cannabis regulation, I always appreciate hearing your perspectives and advocating for thoughtful solutions.

This month, I’d like to share with you about another role I have on city council — that of speaker of council.

I was first elected as speaker by my council colleagues in 2013. I appreciate their continued confidence and the opportunity to work with each of them to continue moving Winnipeg forward.

The role of the speaker is to chair council meetings and maintain decorum, respect, and fairness during debate. Unlike the role of speaker at the provincial or federal government, I do get to fully participate in the debate and am allowed to vote on all matters before council. This means I can serve as speaker while still advocating for the citizens of Old Kildonan and Winnipeg.

Qaumajuq shines brightly

I’ve often heard former Winnipeg mayor Susan Thompson say that the Winnipeg Art Gallery is our city’s largest community centre.

Susan has a long history with WAG and is currently the opening co-ordinator of Qaumajuq, the gallery’s new Inuit art centre. Her statement truly resonated. With its showcasing of art, culture, and musical events, the WAG truly does bring the city together, and now, in 2021, it is opening up its doors in many new ways.

This will be the inaugural year of Qaumajuq, which is connected to the WAG on all levels. The new, 40,000 square-foot building aims to amplify the voices of artists and promote cultural understanding. I was excited to walk by the new glass entrance at Memorial Boulevard and St. Mary Avenue and look inside to see the three-storey glass vault showcasing thousands of Inuit carvings.

Today I’d like to share with you some of the plans the WAG has for bringing Qaumajuq to Winnipeggers of all ages and backgrounds.

Support local business this holiday season

Our area and city are home to so many local businesses. These stores and services support economic growth, provide employment opportunities, and make our experiences more vibrant and unique.

This year has been challenging for all of us, amidst health concerns, anxiety, being unable to see loved ones, financial uncertainty, and more. For local shops, there has also been the layer of stress of financially surviving through this pandemic. The necessary and important restrictions implemented to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have had significant impacts on local businesses.

This December, our celebrations and reflections will be very different from past years. In this holiday season, I’d like to encourage all of you to consider purchasing local gifts and foods, if you’re financially able to do so. This supports our city’s economic recovery, offers meaningful and unique gifts to those we care for.

There’s been government support for small businesses, and we all know community support is often what makes or breaks a business. This is why it’s been so inspiring to see Winnipeggers rising up to support local. In particular, Obby Khan and Ali Esmail recently launched goodlocal.ca, a website that helps make it easier and more convenient to buy from local companies. The overwhelming demand they’ve seen is testament to our city’s incredible community spirit.

Traffic signals coming to new neighbourhoods

This year has tested our resilience in so many ways. It has been full of many concerns, ranging from mitigating the spread of COVID-19 to adjusting to new experiences at work and school.

Despite the many matters we have on our minds, I want to assure you that I continue to hear your concerns about road safety, and I share them. Ensuring that everyone is safe on our streets is a priority, and I will continue to actively address the issues.

Some of our newer communities are still growing and there is a need for traffic lights at high-volume intersections or intersections currently under construction.

In keeping with this priority, I am pleased to share that the City of Winnipeg, through developer funds, has installed two new traffic signals in our ward to improve traffic management efficiency and safety, specifically with left-turn movements on high-speed roadways.

Creating safe and walkable communities

I hope you’re all staying healthy and safe. During this unique summer, many of us have been spending more time outdoors. Our neighbourhoods are full of many walkable spaces, from the new Chief Peguis Greenway to the Seven Oaks Arena indoor walking track.

These pathways, crosswalks, and sidewalks are not only recreational for many, they are also critical connections to reaching all areas of our community.

I’ve heard your concerns about pedestrian safety and I share them. Ensuring everyone is safe on our streets is a priority. Some of our newer communities are still in need of active transportation infrastructure such as sidewalks. In keeping with this priority, construction of a new sidewalk along King Edward Street to Jefferson Avenue is underway.

I am pleased to share that the city is installing a new concrete sidewalk on the east side of King Edward Street north from Coatstone Drive to Jefferson Avenue. Additionally, crews are grading the existing ditch and landscaping the surrounding city property.

Help us create new Transit master plan

Our communities are growing and this calls for strategic planning of investments in our public transit system.

When efforts to create a new Winnipeg Transit master plan were announced, I was excited to work towards solutions to bring bus service to our newer areas and increase frequency on current routes.

More importantly, I am pleased that this plan includes a public consultation process. Every Winnipegger deserves the opportunity to contribute their perspective to this important service to citizens.

This past spring, the original plan for the final engagement phase of the Winnipeg Transit master plan was to gather feedback from the community. While some feedback was gathered, we realize that due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there has not been a sufficient opportunity for everyone. The City has now revised the plan and will engage the community in the fall through virtual events and online engagement.

Staying safe during a slower summer

If these last few months have been any indication, our communities truly come together during uncertain times.

There have been many examples of neighbours helping each other (from a safe distance).

Many of our regular activities have been cancelled, and we’ve embraced new ones. As a soccer mom, I’m no longer running to get my son to soccer practice on most evenings — but it’s still a busy time, in a different way.

Many of us are getting outside and enjoying walking and biking, among other activities. As we spend more time outdoors, it’s important to stay safe. In 2018, the City of Winnipeg safety committee launched Please Slow Down which, when display on boulevards and front lawns, remind drivers to be cautious.

It’s a different kind of spring

I’m hoping each of you are staying healthy, taking steps for the well-being of you and your family, and finding reasons for optimism during these challenging times. There are many things that are different this spring compared to other years as COVID-19 has affected our lives in so many ways.

Through these times, many important city services are continuing. The City initiated its annual spring cleanup operation on April 21, starting with main streets and those of higher priority then moving into residential areas.

This year, the City has developed a new spring cleanup website that features a new residential street spring cleanup progress map (www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/springcleanup/default.stm). This map shows which streets are scheduled for cleaning 24 to 72 hours in advance.

The City also updated the Know Your Zone app (the update is available for free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play App Store). I know many of you already use this app to see when your residential street is scheduled to be plowed in the winter, and this update allows you to receive notifications about when your residential street is scheduled for sweeping in the spring. Please note that you must update the app to the current version for your device, and enter your street address into your favourites list to receive the spring cleanup notifications. If, for some reason, your street is missed this year, please call 311 or email 311@winnipeg.ca with your concern.

Carolling for a cause

For the past few years, Hunter Scott has carolled with neighbours throughout his community of Garden City, raising money for Siloam Mission.

This year, I personally had an opportunity to join 10-year-old Hunter, his family, and many residents in this holiday tradition, singing carols from Silent Night to Hunter’s favourite, Jingle Bell Rock.

Hunter raised $336 this way for Siloam Mission, enough for 108 meals. “Last year we fed 80 people and this year we fed 108,” said Hunter. “I’m hoping we can raise more than $400 next year.”

Hunter was inspired when he was six, learning about philanthropy at his school, École Belmont.