News in brief: Homeless encampment in Osborne Village catches fire

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/10/2019 (1267 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Homeless encampment in Osborne Village catches fire

Residents of an encampment beneath the Osborne Bridge were mostly unharmed after a morning fire destroyed parts of their shelter on Oct. 2.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said they were called to the encampment on the south bank of the Assiniboine River at 7:43 a.m. for reports of a fire.

Smoke from the blaze — fuelled by tents, blankets, boxes, pallets, and other items collected for the dwelling — billowed over the bridge and into the morning traffic. Upon arrival, the WFPS said crews also encountered heavy black smoke and launched an offensive attack. They were able to quickly put out the fire and declared it under control at 8:09 a.m.

Paramedics assessed one person on scene but no other injuries were reported.

Later that afternoon, people had returned to the encampment and continued to occupy parts of the shelter untouched by the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Charges laid in fatal South Osborne collision

An 18-year-old driver has been charged by Winnipeg police after a fatal pedestrian-vehicle collision in March.

On March 20 around 3 p.m., emergency crews were called to Osborne Street at Morley Avenue to help a pedestrian hit by a vehicle.

The 41-year-old man was taken to hospital in critical condition where he died of his injuries.

Winnipeg police say the female driver is facing a charge of “proceed before safe to do so,” and was released on an appearance notice.

Police commission asking public for input

The provincial task force preparing recommendations to improve downtown safety in Winnipeg has asked the public to help them answer an important question.

The Manitoba Police Commission would like to know the public’s response to the following:  

“What is the one piece of advice you would give to the Manitoba Police Commission that will help them with their recommendations to make downtown Winnipeg safer?”

Justice minister Cliff Cullen directed the Manitoba Police Commission and chairperson David Asper to consult with stakeholders and develop recommendations on how the government can make downtown safer for “Manitoba families,” on Sept. 18, according to a news release. The report will be filed to the province on Nov. 17.

Answers can be submitted to the commission on its website at www.mbpolicecom.ca or in writing to:
The Manitoba Police Commission to the attention of Downtown Safety
1802-155 Carlton St.
Winnipeg, Man., R3C 3H8.

The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31.

Blue Bombers Family Day happening Oct. 12

The Winnipeg Football Club’s second annual game day celebration for families happens on Oct. 12.

The Blue Bombers have organized a special tailgate for young fans and their families ahead of the 3 p.m. game against the Montreal Alouettes.

Beginning at 1 p.m., the pregame tailgate area will open with the special addition of an 80-foot American Ninja Warrior Junior obstacle course, organizers say. The tailgate area will also feature Marvel Comics and Paw Patrol characters, and Family Channel stars Victoria Baldesarra and Deepa Prashad. The first 5,000 kids through the gates will receive an Adam Bighill lunch bag. Youth tickets are available for $15 for the Family Day game and can be purchased from Ticketmaster or by calling 204-784-7448.

Crescent Fort Rouge United Church to hold annual fall supper

Crescent Fort Rouge United Church will hold its annual fall supper at Churchill Park United Church (525 Beresford Ave.) on Sat., Oct. 19.

Sittings are at 5 and 6:30 p.m. and include a meal of ham, meatballs, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, and more. Pie is included. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids age six to 12, and kids five and under are free. Call 204-475-6011 for more information and tickets.

Inaugural Zoo Lights Festival announces lineup, ticket sale

Tickets for a new winter festival hosted by Assiniboine Park Zoo will go on sale Oct. 16.

The first annual Zoo Lights Festival will run for 32 nights, from Nov. 30 to Jan. 5, 2020 and feature an array of music, art, and cultural performances alongside expansive light installations.

According to organizers, the after-hours event will be illuminated with thousands of bulbs and feature traditional holiday light installations and new outdoor lighting and projection technology throughout the park.

Santa Claus will make appearances nightly from Nov. 30 to Dec. 23 alongside caroling, bingo nights, salsa and swing dancing, eco-friendly gift wrapping, craft stations, and a comic book exposition.

The conservancy is currently looking for volunteers for the festival.

A full schedule and event hours of operation can be found online at zoolightsfestival.ca

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at Red River Co-op for $12 plus GST. Tickets are $15 plus GST at the gate.

Lt.-Gov. recovering from breast cancer surgery

Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba Janice Filmon is recovering after undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

In a press release issued on Sept. 30, the province said Filmon had surgery earlier that day and was resting comfortably. During the recovery period, she will be unable to perform duties as lieutenant-governor and in her absence, the Administrator of the Government of Manitoba possesses the full constitutional powers to execute the office and functions of the lieutenant-governor.  

By order of the Governor-General in Council, the Chief Justice of Manitoba and other judges of the courts of Manitoba, in order of seniority, are empowered to act as Administrator as needed, the province said.

The family has asked for privacy during the lieutenant-governor’s recovery.

Recycle Everywhere bin bags to be given away

Visitors to St. Vital Park will soon be able to bag some recycling help.

As part of the Recycle Everywhere Bin Bag Initiative, Mayor Brian Bowman will join the Recycle Everywhere Street Team in handing out bin bags to community members on Wed., Oct. 9.

According to a news release, as many as 1,000 bags will be handed out free of charge between 3:40 and 5:30 p.m. that day at the duck pond at the park, which is located at 190 River Rd. The event will start at 3:30 p.m.

The initiative was introduced in 2017 to provide a collapsible, reusable and portable empty beverage container recycling option for Manitobans at cottages and campgrounds, officials say. Once filled, the easily transportable bags can be transferred to outdoor Recycle Everywhere bins or blue carts at home.