Shawn Nason

Water, water everywhere…

This past winter-spring season has been one for the ages in terms of most moisture recorded in 100-plus years, and the City of Winnipeg has some tips for you to help.

Eventually, summer temperatures will come (eventually) and there will likely be a significant population of mosquitoes that will arrive along with it. Mosquitoes lay eggs in water-filled containers such as wheelbarrows, buckets, eavestroughs, rain barrels, and birdbaths and standing water is the ideal environment for the development of Winnipeg’s mosquito larvae. A single birdbath filled with standing water can generate as many as 1,000 adult nuisance mosquitoes.

This is where you come in, as the city is seeking your help to combat the invasion of these bloodsuckers by asking that homeowners commit to removing standing water on their private property.

Did you know that 50 per cent of Winnipeg’s mosquito population comes from standing water on private property, so everyone needs to do their part. By draining, dumping and covering standing water in spring and after a rainfall, all Winnipeggers will benefit by reducing the overall adult mosquito population.

City’s spring cleanup coming soon

the City of Winnipeg’s annual spring cleanup typically begins in May and includes removing sand, debris, and litter that accumulated on public property over the winter months.

During the boulevard cleaning program, boulevards with more than an estimated two wheelbarrows of sand on regional (Priority 1) and non-regional (Priority 2) streets will be maintained by the city. If the amount of sand on the boulevard is more than two wheelbarrows you should report the issue either by emailing 311@winnipeg.ca or calling 311.

Once underway, spring cleanup typically runs five to six weeks, as the city’s entire street network, including sidewalks, active transportation pathways, bridges, boulevards, and medians are cleaned. Crews will also clean up litter and debris in city parks. This is a major operation involving typically over 300 pieces of equipment and approximately 500 workers.

Complaints of incomplete street cleaning or work that is just not up to expected standards of should also be directed to 311@winnipeg.ca or by calling 311. Please make sure you file those complaints on or before June 30 at 4 p.m.

What can you do about windrows?

This year we have already seen more snow than recent memory in Winnipeg — third-highest on record at time of this submission — and by the time you read this article I am hoping we are on the spring side of winter, or can at least start thinking about it. Our snow clearing crews have cleared thousands of kilometres of our roadways, back lanes, sidewalks, and pathways thus far. With all the snow we have seen fall on our city this year, windrows have been a bone of contention for many residents. A windrow is a ridge of snow left behind after a snow plow or grader has passed by and, when they are piled up a few feet high they can become quite troublesome. As per city policy, it is the responsibility of homeowners to either remove the windrows or clear pathways on their properties. This applies to both the front of properties and their back lanes. This has been the first winter since I was elected in 2018 that we’ve had repeated snowfalls which block up curbsides, sometimes with some serious ice chunks. This resulted in many calls, emails and follow-ups with residents from my office. While investigating this challenge, my office discusses the challenges with our 311 contact for councillors and what we have learned is that residents can request an application form for a windrow-clearing service by using 311. The application is mailed to residents and must be filled out and returned with a copy of a doctor’s certificate. (Properties with front driveways do not quality for this service.) The following criteria must be met to qualify for this special service: 1. The property owner/occupant has an accessibility issue and is physically incapable of shovelling snow (copy of medical certificate is required for all new applicants). It is not provided for those with short-term disabilities or handicaps (such as knee surgery); 2. No other able-bodied person resides in the property owner’s/occupant’s home. 3. The property owner/occupant is unable to arrange to have this work done by others due to financial circumstances.Snow clearing concerns can be easily reported by submitting a request through the Public Works website https://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/snow As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at city hall, and I hope you will find my articles informative. I currently have a Facebook page, Instagram account and website — www.shawnnason.ca — to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please contact my office by calling 204-986-8087 or emailing snason@winnipeg.ca  

This year we have already seen more snow than recent memory in Winnipeg — third-highest on record at time of this submission — and by the time you read this article I am hoping we are on the spring side of winter, or can at least start thinking about it. 

Our snow clearing crews have cleared thousands of kilometres of our roadways, back lanes, sidewalks, and pathways thus far. 

Swimming in our lane

When this column was submitted, the following were the facts of the matter:The province of Quebec has enacted legislation that is secular in nature. It prevents clothing or articles which represent one’s religion from being worn by those serving in public service (government) workplaces, including teachers in schools, health-care and municipal offices.In 2019, at the request of concerned Transcona residents, I brought forward a motion at Winnipeg City Council condemning this Quebec legislation. Many other municipalities across Canada did the same. It didn’t stop Quebec from moving forward but it did send a message that places such as Manitoba, and specifically Winnipeg, do not support this legislation.Fast forward to December 2021 and a movement by Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, Ont., to launch a fundraising campaign to challenge the Quebec legislation in the Supreme Court of Canada. The idea is that municipalities should contribute $100,000 to this challenge as the Quebec law could become precedent-setting.If this move by Canadian mayors is strong enough it will apply pressure on the federal government to undertake this challenge. This is the body that should be challenging such legislation.But why does a Quebec law matter to Winnipeggers? Personally, as a Catholic, being unable to wear articles of my faith would be unacceptable. Moreso, for the thousands of Transcona residents who work in the public service, such a law would mean that they could potentially would be outright excluded from working as teachers, doctors, nurses, health-care support workers, and excluded from jobs in libraries, museums and more simply because their faith requires that certain articles must be work. This legislation is just not right and that is why I reached out to Brian Bowman, the mayor of Winnipeg, to offer my full support to and second his Dec. 16 motion that the City of Winnipeg donate $100,000 to the Supreme Court challenge. It is the right thing to do. As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative. I have a Facebook Page, Instagram account, and website (www.shawnnason.ca) to regularly inform our community on items of importance.  Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please contact my office  by calling 204-986-8087 or emailing snason@winnipeg.ca

When this column was submitted, the following were the facts of the matter:

The province of Quebec has enacted legislation that is secular in nature. It prevents clothing or articles which represent one’s religion from being worn by those serving in public service (government) workplaces, including teachers in schools, health-care and municipal offices.

In 2019, at the request of concerned Transcona residents, I brought forward a motion at Winnipeg City Council condemning this Quebec legislation. Many other municipalities across Canada did the same. It didn’t stop Quebec from moving forward but it did send a message that places such as Manitoba, and specifically Winnipeg, do not support this legislation.

Looking ahead to East of the Red RecPlex

As we head into 2022, I am excited to see what the new year will bring. One thing I am particularly looking forward to seeing this year is the update report on the East of the Red RecPlex. As many of you know, the East of the Red RecPlex (ERRP) is a proposed “one-stop shop” multi-use centre in which multiple amenities will be available in the same place. Some of the amenities proposed for the RecPlex are an aquatic centre with a wave pool and accessible beach included; a multi-purpose area; a gymnasium, a running track, and a fully equipped fitness space with free-weights, cardio machines, and stretch machines. The RecPlex is planned for the north-west corner of Transcona Boulevard and Plessis Road, right beside the Transcona Library.In November 2021, the City of Winnipeg’s public service sought to update the 2018 feasibility study by soliciting opportunities for feedback from residents. A virtual open house was held Nov. 8 and a survey was made available online. Along with Susan Russell from McGowan Russell, the lead consultant for ERRP,  I also held a community consultation at Kildonan Place on Nov. 6 to speak with residents directly about this project. There was a good turnout as many people stopped to speak with either Susan or myself about ERRP, and I held very productive conversations with members of our community about the ERRP and other topics of interest.Overall feedback to this proposed recreation centre was positive, with minimal opposition. Many people think this will be a great addition to the community, ensuring that Transcona is equipped with all necessary recreational facilities. The ERRP would allow for the needs of our growing community to be available for use in the most centralized place possible. Additional work on this plan will likely need to await a new council to put civic funding in place, along with support from other levels of government. If you would like more information on ERRP, please visit winnipeg.ca/eastofthered. As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you will find my articles informative.I currently have a Facebook Page, Instagram account and my website is www.shawnnason.caShould you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please call my office at 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca

As we head into 2022, I am excited to see what the new year will bring. One thing I am particularly looking forward to seeing this year is the update report on the East of the Red RecPlex. 

As many of you know, the East of the Red RecPlex (ERRP) is a proposed “one-stop shop” multi-use centre in which multiple amenities will be available in the same place. 

Some of the amenities proposed for the RecPlex are an aquatic centre with a wave pool and accessible beach included; a multi-purpose area; a gymnasium, a running track, and a fully equipped fitness space with free-weights, cardio machines, and stretch machines. The RecPlex is planned for the north-west corner of Transcona Boulevard and Plessis Road, right beside the Transcona Library.

A refresher on our priority plowing system

As we approach the end of the year, the magic of the holiday season begins. We see the magic in the little things — the colourful lights, the holiday displays, and even in the snow that covers our city. Many of us cannot picture the holiday season without snow and the City of Winnipeg’s snow clearing operations allow for the city to keep moving. The public works department will have daily operations updates on its website (www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/snow) throughout the winter and from here you can track where snow removal and sanding is taking place. You are also able to find out which zone you belong to when it comes to the residential parking ban.Snow clearing occurs in what the city refers to as the priority system. • Priority I streets include all regional streets, such as Regent Avenue West, Plessis Road, Dugald Road, Ravenhurst Street to Pandora Avenue East, Pandora Avenue East to Day Street, Grassie Boulevard, and Lagimodière Boulevard;• Priority II streets include non-regional bus routes and collector streets based on traffic counts, although some streets in industrial areas are exceptions to the traffic count standard;• Priority III streets include residential and/or little-used industrial streets. For accessibility and refuse collection, back lanes are usually given an accelerated priority.The end of the calendar year also marks the annual budget process for the City of Winnipeg. A few weeks back, I held some community budget consultations at various Transcona parks to ask what residents would like to see included in the 2022 budget. Overall, the No. 1 budget priority for Transcona residents is more investment in active transportation paths — specifically, to finish the many disconnected AT paths scattered around Transcona. Another priority is roads. Transcona residents would like to see the City of Winnipeg invest more money in local street renewals. Park renewal and maintenance was another big priority, as Transcona is home to over 60 parks. Addressing these concerns in the budget that is tabled will be factored into any support for the budget. As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you will find my articles informative. I currently have a Facebook Page, Instagram account, and a website — www.shawnnason.ca —to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern — please contact my office by calling 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca

As we approach the end of the year, the magic of the holiday season begins. We see the magic in the little things — the colourful lights, the holiday displays, and even in the snow that covers our city. 

Many of us cannot picture the holiday season without snow and the City of Winnipeg’s snow clearing operations allow for the city to keep moving. 

The public works department will have daily operations updates on its website (www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/snow) throughout the winter and from here you can track where snow removal and sanding is taking place. You are also able to find out which zone you belong to when it comes to the residential parking ban.

The end of Winnipeg’s ‘second season’

As we move into October we start to see the end of another season construction season. It certainly has been a challenging to move around our community, this year with many of the collector and regional streets receiving some work. Our residential streets are lagging many years behind, with minor patching being done where exposed rebar has been showing. I continue to press for more action on residential streets but then only a handful of blocks get done in a given year. It will be decades before this cycle catches up ,if it ever does. Another topic is trees. When a boulevard loses three trees there is a high likelihood that only one will be replanted. The city is trying to prolong the life of the remaining elm and ash trees but we are fighting a losing battle due to years of deferred treatments and aggressive measures to combat these challenges that are decimating our urban canopy. Recent reports showed that in 2020, which saw nearly 12,000 trees removed from the public/private spaces in our city, less than 1,400 were planted. My office is trying to determine why the One Million Tree challenge that was put in place isn’t counting the 2,000-4,000 bare root trees that Tree Canada has installed in places such as Lake Shirley and Mazenod Dog Park in Transcona. I can only imagine it is because of the relative size and potential low survival rates. Playground renewals continue to be important requests from residents but shrinking funds and construction inflation is making this process harder and harder. In 2021, parks that were identified for improvements were Morley R. Kare Park and Kern Park with costs in the excess of $300,000 for the parks. Residents of Southland Park will see a half-basketball/pickleball court installed in Lagimodiere Park later this year or early 2022. There are plans for Kildonan Meadows Park South to see renewal in 2022. Following this park renewal, it becomes anyone’s guess on park renewal and the current direction from the mayor and his team is no dollars being committed beyond 2023 for park renewals. Transcona deserves to receive significant funding from the significant increases in new residential development to offset the needs of our older, established neighbourhoods, and I will continue to advocate for this. A significant challenge continues to be the limited funds that flow into our community from the provincial and federal governments.As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please call my office at 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca

As we move into October we start to see the end of another season construction season. 

It certainly has been a challenging to move around our community, this year with many of the collector and regional streets receiving some work. 

Our residential streets are lagging many years behind, with minor patching being done where exposed rebar has been showing. I continue to press for more action on residential streets but then only a handful of blocks get done in a given year. It will be decades before this cycle catches up ,if it ever does. 

Helping preserve Transcona’s history

The Transcona Museum has recently re-opened following the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions and it is a hidden gem in the heart of Transcona. Did you know it houses over 53,000 artifacts connected to our community history?Our museum first opened its doors to the public from the basement of the now former Transcona Library on Oct. 16, 1968. It was founded based on a motion from then alderman Paul Martin, also a former mayor of Transcona. In its early years, the museum was operated by its board of directors and additional volunteers from throughout the community. As it grew, a larger venue was needed to house all of the historical artifacts. Its home moved around the community until it finally landed in its current home at 141 Regent Ave. in June 1983. The museum has also been a great resource for many community groups, social clubs, and daycares, providing educational programs that suit the needs of each respective age range and learning ability. We should also be very proud of its works of remembrance in honour of those who served Canada in peacekeeping and many wars and conflicts through the decades.The museum and its volunteers have also been working on another Transcona project for our historic steam locomotive. Simply known as CN 2747, the engine was the first steam locomotive to be built in western Canada. The connection our community has with CN over many generations is undeniable.The museum continues raising funds to restore CN 2747 through its Get Onboard campaign. Last year, blast cleaning and painting was completed, which was a significant restoration milestone. Still on the project table is a permanent shelter to preserve and protect our historic steam engine for present and future generations of railroaders. I am pleased to have recently supported the project with $75,000 from Transcona’s Land Dedication Reserve Fund.The staff and many volunteers at the museum are important to our community. They are the ones entrusted to preserve Transcona’s past and with welcoming our many new community members by sharing and showcasing our great history. The museum is always looking for additional volunteers & members. If you would like to learn more about Transcona’s history please visit transconamuseum.mb.ca.As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative. I currently have a Facebook Page, Instagram account, and website (www.shawnnason.ca) to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please contact my office by calling 204-986-8087 or emailing snason@winnipeg.ca

The Transcona Museum has recently re-opened following the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions and it is a hidden gem in the heart of Transcona. Did you know it houses over 53,000 artifacts connected to our community history?

Our museum first opened its doors to the public from the basement of the now former Transcona Library on Oct. 16, 1968. It was founded based on a motion from then alderman Paul Martin, also a former mayor of Transcona. 

In its early years, the museum was operated by its board of directors and additional volunteers from throughout the community. As it grew, a larger venue was needed to house all of the historical artifacts. Its home moved around the community until it finally landed in its current home at 141 Regent Ave. in June 1983. 

Plans in the works for new recreation complex

In 2018 a report on recreation was commissioned to study Transcona ‘s recreation needs. In our rapidly growing community, we have some areas that are lagging behind in recreation amenity space. Things such as ball fields, soccer fields, indoor hockey rinks, splash pads and wading pools have all been kept in pretty good shape. More is always needed but closure of the Transcona Kinsman Centennial Pool was suddenly added to budget discussionsin 2020 closure to save $1 million in renovations and operating costs. That news prompted residents like Claudette W. of Transcona to collect signatures and stage a protest to save our local pool.The closure was eventually staved off - for now. But the pool is old and the facility no longer meets the needs of the community, from its changing rooms to its lack of accessibility to the state of the pool itself. Add the dated pool to the fact our area does not have a full-size gymnasium and we have a significant service gap.That is why I am providing funds via the land dedication reserve to undertake an update to the East of the Red Recreation Complex plan. As part of planning we can see the update costs, look at opportunities for funding and work towards a complete community - one that offers a full range of services to its resident. As part of this update to the plan, there are plans for community engagement so that young to well-established residents can provide their thoughts and ideas on what is needed. The proposed location for a new recreation complex is on the lands surrounding the Transcona Library, and its addition would help complete the neighbourhood renewal of Park City Commons. If you want to learn more about the report as it stands today, please visit https://tinyurl.com/jehhc333 (or Google “City of Winnipeg East of the Red Recreation Plex”).Working together and with involvement of all levels of government and our partners to realize this facility, our great community today will be an even better one in the future. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern please call me at 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca

In 2018 a report on recreation was commissioned to study Transcona ‘s recreation needs. In our rapidly growing community, we have some areas that are lagging behind in recreation amenity space. 

Things such as ball fields, soccer fields, indoor hockey rinks, splash pads and wading pools have all been kept in pretty good shape. More is always needed but closure of the Transcona Kinsman Centennial Pool was suddenly added to budget discussionsin 2020 closure to save $1 million in renovations and operating costs. 

That news prompted residents like Claudette W. of Transcona to collect signatures and stage a protest to save our local pool.

Speed limit should be decided by voters

I have heard loud and clear from Transcona residents, along with many residents across Winnipeg, that they do not want to see the residential speed limit reduced from 50 km/h. At the Jan. 5 meeting of the East Kildonan-Transcona Community Committee I moved that any change to the residential speed limit should be put forward to the Citizens of Winnipeg in the 2022 civic election or a mayoral byelection with a simple yes or no question — Do you support a change that would lower the present 50 km/h residential speed limit citywide?I am happy to report this motion was unanimously supported by my colleagues, Coun. Jeff Browaty and Coun. Jason Schreyer. It will now move forward to the mayor’s executive policy committee on Jan. 20.I support maintaining a 50 km/h speed limit in residential areas of Winnipeg; however, it is also clear that there are council members who support a lower limit. These members also just so happen to be a part of the executive policy committee that will decide the fate of motion.A decision of this magnitude must be put in the hands directly of the people of Winnipeg. The motion I have put forward will help put this topic at the forefront of Winnipeggers minds, allowing for a fulsome debate on this matter, as many are unaware that this is even a move being considered. The 50 km/h speed limit was put in place by the provincial government many decades ago, and I ultimately believe that this change should plebiscite results warrant it, would send a strong message to the province on the wishes of Winnipeg residents. A plebiscite will also allow for dialogue on any shortcomings in residential neighbourhood design and driving behaviour.If you feel passionately about this subject and would like to speak to this item during the Jan. 20 executive policy committee meeting, please email cityclerks@winnipeg.ca or call 311 to register to speak and to have your concerns heard directly by the mayor and the executive policy committee.As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative. I currently have a Facebook Page, Instagram account, and website (www.shawnnason.ca) to regularly inform our community on items of importance.  Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern—please call 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca 

I have heard loud and clear from Transcona residents, along with many residents across Winnipeg, that they do not want to see the residential speed limit reduced from 50 km/h. 

At the Jan. 5 meeting of the East Kildonan-Transcona Community Committee I moved that any change to the residential speed limit should be put forward to the Citizens of Winnipeg in the 2022 civic election or a mayoral byelection with a simple yes or no question — Do you support a change that would lower the present 50 km/h residential speed limit citywide?

Honouring our Second World War veterans

Two years have passed since I earned the honour of representing the people of Transcona, I began an initiative near and dear to my heart to honour the remaining living Second World War veterans in Transcona with honorary street namings. As we get closer to the month of November, a time for remembrance, let me take you for a tour of the signs in Transcona.The initiative began shortly after taking office in December 2018 with Honourary Andrushko Way at Melrose Avenue East, between Wabasha and Kanata Streets, named after Stephen Andrushko, who served as a wireless operator in the Canadian Army serving in England. That was followed by Honourary Henry Golis Way at Regent Avenue West between Winona and Madeline Streets. Henry served as a wireless-gunner in the Royal Canadian Air Force.As word spread of this initiative, community leader Peter Martin teamed up with community activist Cornelius Thiessen and former MP Bill Blaikie to help find other living Second World War veterans. The next street naming was Honourary Robert Bullen Way at Rosseau Avenue West between Hoka and Madeline Street. Robert served in the 22nd Canadian Armoured Regiment in France, Belgium, and Holland.As you make your way over to Cloverdale Crescent, you will find Honourary Peter Frejuk Way. Peter served with the Canadian Army, training with K Company in Petawawa, Ont. Our next honorary street naming will take us to South Transcona on Webster Avenue between Dugald Road and Copeland Street, where you will find Honourary Walter Nilsson Way. Walter served in the Royal Canadian Navy, completing his training at Digby, N.S. Heading back to the other side of the CNR at Leola Street between Harvard and Whittier Avenues East, you will find Honourary Jack Wright Way. Jack served in the Royal Canadian Navy, completing his training at Comox, B.C. As you make your way to Horton Avenue East between Day and Wabasha, you will find Honourary Lavana Sorokowski Way. Lavana served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, and completed her training in Kitchener, Ont. Last, as you make your way to Ravelston Avenue West between Hoka and Madeline Streets, you will now find Honourary John Cochrane Way. John served in the Royal Canadian Navy, completing his training at Cornwall, N.S.When you see these blue honorary street-sign toppers, please take a moment and spread the word about the history behind these signs so that our community will always remember those who have served our nation. At the time of submitting this article, my office is currently working on another application for an honorary street naming. If you know of any living Second World War veterans in Transcona, please reach out to my office, and we will connect you to Peter Martin and his team.As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative.I currently have a Facebook page, Instagram account, and website at www.shawnnason.ca to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please call 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca

Two years have passed since I earned the honour of representing the people of Transcona, I began an initiative near and dear to my heart to honour the remaining living Second World War veterans in Transcona with honorary street namings.

 As we get closer to the month of November, a time for remembrance, let me take you for a tour of the signs in Transcona.

The initiative began shortly after taking office in December 2018 with Honourary Andrushko Way at Melrose Avenue East, between Wabasha and Kanata Streets, named after Stephen Andrushko, who served as a wireless operator in the Canadian Army serving in England. 

New play structures for Transcona

As we move into autumn, I look back on recent weeks which saw several new play structures open up to the joys of children and parents alike in Transcona. The first playground is a testament to the great fundraising efforts of the parent advisory council at Joseph Teres School, where they welcomed a fully accessible play structure that also included a wheelchair swing. This has been a challenging year for families and the completion of this play structure is as a bright spot going into the new school year. I want to again commend Jen, Nicole, Tiffany, and the entire Joseph Teres parent advisory council on a job well done. The City of Winnipeg contributed $50,000 towards this project.Another neighbourhood that welcomed a new play structure was Waterside Estates. This is an area of Transcona that was newly added to our ward boundaries in 2018. Formerly a part of St. Boniface, this community was built just south of Dugald Road nearly 10 years ago and many young families call the neighbourhood home.However, there was one thing missing to complete the neighbourhood. You guessed it — a play structure. Unfortunately, when this community was built there was nothing in the initial development agreement to ensure a play structure was created. This was brought to my attention by many residents when I was door knocking on the campaign trail in 2018. On Oct. 19, 2018 ,at the Transcona council candidates town hall meeting, I reiterated my wholehearted commitment to making this a priority to right this challenge. After the election, I connected with local resident Lorraine Stuart, president of the Waterside Estates Residents Association. From here, I connected Lorraine to Peter Martin, former president of the Transcona Playground Renewal Association (which was key in renewing several old parks in its time. The addition of Dr. David Marsh from the Transcona Rotary Club set in motion lots of positive momentum to see this project forward. The City of Winnipeg contributed $85,000 to this project. The city budget has seen a significant reduction in park renewal funding, meaning only one park in Transcona is renewed every two years (based on a cost of nearly $200,000 each depending on size). So I was happy to see the completion of the 2019 park renewal project at Thomas F. Copeland Park, an important space for a nearby daycare. It took longer than expected but turned out nicely. The City of Winnipeg contributed $144,000 to this project.As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative. I currently have a Facebook page, Instagram account and website (www.shawnnason.ca) to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please call 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca

As we move into autumn, I look back on recent weeks which saw several new play structures open up to the joys of children and parents alike in Transcona. 

The first playground is a testament to the great fundraising efforts of the parent advisory council at Joseph Teres School, where they welcomed a fully accessible play structure that also included a wheelchair swing. This has been a challenging year for families and the completion of this play structure is as a bright spot going into the new school year. I want to again commend Jen, Nicole, Tiffany, and the entire Joseph Teres parent advisory council on a job well done. The City of Winnipeg contributed $50,000 towards this project.

Another neighbourhood that welcomed a new play structure was Waterside Estates. This is an area of Transcona that was newly added to our ward boundaries in 2018. Formerly a part of St. Boniface, this community was built just south of Dugald Road nearly 10 years ago and many young families call the neighbourhood home.

School zone and fall cleanup reminders

We continue to live in extraordinary times, where extraordinary measures have been called for and implemented. Social distancing has become a normal part of our everyday lives, it is our civic duty to do all we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As autumn approaches the kids will be heading back to school and yard waste collection will once again begin to pick up with the increase in falling leaves. You should all note, too, that safety reminder that school safety speed zones will be back in effect as of Sept. 1.

As I wrote last year, my council colleague Kevin Klein of Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood, was approached by one of his constituents, Chuck Lewis, general manager of Expert Electric with an offer to outfit every school zone in the city with flashing amber lights free of charge.

I can happily report back that the city’s public works department reached an agreement with Lewis to outfit all school zones with these amber lights back in June of this year. Rollout of the lighting will take some time to complete, though.

School zone and fall cleanup reminders

We continue to live in extraordinary times, where extraordinary measures have been called for and implemented. Social distancing has become a normal part of our everyday lives, it is our civic duty to do all we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As autumn approaches the kids will be heading back to school and yard waste collection will once again begin to pick up with the increase in falling leaves. You should all note, too, that safety reminder that school safety speed zones will be back in effect as of Sept. 1.As I wrote last year, my council colleague Kevin Klein of Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood, was approached by one of his constituents, Chuck Lewis, general manager of Expert Electric with an offer to outfit every school zone in the city with flashing amber lights free of charge.I can happily report back that the city’s public works department reached an agreement with Lewis to outfit all school zones with these amber lights back in June of this year. Rollout of the lighting will take some time to complete, though. As a reminder, when raking fallen leaves this fall, please do not rake or sweep this yard waste onto the street as it can clog the catch basins which, in turn, can affect drainage on your street. If you do not have access to paper yard waste bags you can alternatively use an acceptable container (plastic tubs, old blue boxes, metal or plastic garbage cans) without a lid to store your yard waste until it is ready for pick up. Please ensure the containers are lighter than 22 kilograms (50 pounds).Many of you may be wondering what happens to this yard waste once it is collected by the city? It is taken to a central location and composted into a reusable, soil-like material and used in city flower beds and to landscape finished landfill areas. The city is also exploring other opportunities for future uses.As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative. I currently have a Facebook page, Instagram account, and website — www.shawnnason.ca — to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern — please call my office at 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca

We continue to live in extraordinary times, where extraordinary measures have been called for and implemented. Social distancing has become a normal part of our everyday lives, it is our civic duty to do all we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

As autumn approaches the kids will be heading back to school and yard waste collection will once again begin to pick up with the increase in falling leaves. You should all note, too, that safety reminder that school safety speed zones will be back in effect as of Sept. 1.

As I wrote last year, my council colleague Kevin Klein of Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood, was approached by one of his constituents, Chuck Lewis, general manager of Expert Electric with an offer to outfit every school zone in the city with flashing amber lights free of charge.