{"id":600183634,"date":"2025-12-31T02:00:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T08:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winnipegfreepress.com\/our-communities\/west\/2025\/12\/31\/2025-the-year-in-review"},"modified":"2025-12-31T11:33:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T17:33:46","slug":"2025-the-year-in-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winnipegfreepress.com\/our-communities\/west\/2025\/12\/31\/2025-the-year-in-review","title":{"rendered":"2025: The year in review \u2013 West edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

January: West St. Paul Anglican church turns 200<\/strong><\/p>\n

St. Paul\u2019s (Middlechurch) Anglican Church in West St. Paul celebrated its 200th anniversary on Jan. 26.<\/p>\n

The church is easy to drive by, but historically significant. Its existence predates Manitoba becoming a province, as it was established in 1825, a decade after the Red River Valley was colonized by European settlers in 1812.<\/p>\n

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<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

This is the third edition of the building. The first was replaced in 1844 following extensive flood damage. The second survived another heavy flood, but was torn down in 1867 due to structural wear and tear.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s our job to keep it going,\u201d said Debbie Pansky, people\u2019s warden at the church. \u201cAside from having somewhere to worship, myself, I hope it can leave a lasting legacy for others.\u201d<\/p>\n

February:<\/strong> Oseredok ED Yulia Zmerzla moves on<\/strong><\/p>\n

In February, Yulia Zmerzla, who served as executive director at Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre for a decade, stepped away from the role a new opportunity at Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.<\/p>\n

It was her first gig after immigrating to Canada from Ukraine 11 years ago, and recognized the big chapter she was leaving behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would say (I feel) very optimistic,\u201d she had said, just before stepping away.<\/p>\n

Zmerzla oversaw a large-scale campaign to upgrade the building\u2019s basement, and was executive director when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. In the years that followed, Oseredok became a place of peace and safety for refugees arriving in Winnipeg after fleeing their home country.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shows that the community supports what we are doing. And I can say this is the evidence of all the work that has been done,\u201d Zmerzla said.<\/p>\n

March: Cre8ery art gallery says \u2018goodbye\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

On March 12, the Exchange District-based Cre8ery Gallery and Studio made the announcement that it would be closing its doors after 18 years in the local arts and culture community. The final show at the gallery was Beyond the Green: Building Perspective & Layered Emotions, <\/em>a solo show featuring work by the gallery\u2019s founder and curator Jordan Miller.<\/p>\n

The reason for the closure was a mix of several factors, which dated back to 2020.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna miss that big open space, the white walls, the grey floor, even the chunks of concrete on the ceiling \u2026 it (is) such a unique place in Winnipeg, and I built those walls,\u201d she had said, the day after the announcement.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s done a lot for the artistic community,\u201d said Jim Thomson, an artist and longtime contributor to the gallery. \u201cHaving this space there \u2014 really, there isn\u2019t a space like that, and I\u2019m really going to miss that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following the closure, Miller continued to create art and remained a \u201cmiddle ground\u201d for other local artists looking to sell their own work.<\/p>\n

A new life for John Blumberg sports complex<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Red River Exhibition Association acquired John Blumberg sports complex in April 2024, and wasted no time before hitting the ground running on necessary upgrades to the community space and recreational park.<\/p>\n

\u201cYear-round, accessible, and sustainable,\u201d was the tagline offered by RREA CEO Garth Rogerson, who, at the time, was enthusiastic and excited about what was to come for the space.<\/p>\n

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<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s probably going to take a couple of years to really realize the full potential. But it\u2019s going to be exciting,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Softball Manitoba managed and operated the property for more than 30 years, but did not renew its lease with the city in 2023, after being asked to pay $3.2 million for required upgrades. A longtime advocate for proper use of the space, Rogerson revealed plans for repaired baseball diamonds, filled gopher holes, and a proper walkway along the river for neighbours and their dogs.<\/p>\n

April: Familiar faces return to represent Winnipeg in Parliament<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following the federal election on April 28, a number of familiar faces returned to Parliament to represent Winnipeggers.<\/p>\n

Liberal incumbents Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North), Ben Carr (Winnipeg South Centre), and Terry Duguid (Winnipeg South) have retained their seats to help form the new government. New Democratic Party MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) and Conservative MP Raquel Dancho (Kildonan-St. Paul) were also re-elected.<\/p>\n

Meantime, Doug Eyolfson (Liberal) unseated Conservative incumbent Marty Morantz to earn a second term representing the riding now known as Winnipeg West, while Conservative Colin Reynolds edged out NDP incumbent Leila Dance, who was elected in Elmwood-Transcona in a byelection in September 2024. Ginette Lavack (Liberal) won the seat in St. Boniface-St. Vital, after Liberal incumbent Dan Vandal chose not to run for re-election.<\/p>\n

Cat mania in St. Norbert<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sabrina Naayen\u2019s Meow Mania Spring Market & Adoption Fair was held on April 13 at St. Norbert Arena, and purred along nicely.<\/p>\n

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<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

Talking ahead of the event in the spring, organizer Naayen said it would feature a cat adoption fair, featuring several local rescues, at which visitors could meet potential new family members, more than 35 vendors showcasing cat-related products, and a craft area at which guests could create their own kitty bookmarks or catnip toys \u2014 glitter tattoos will also be on tap. The first visitors through the doors received swag bags.<\/p>\n

Six local feline celebrities with growing social media accounts were also in attendance for meet-and-greet sessions, said Naayen, who owns Pawparazzi Pet Photography and is a self-confessed \u201ccrazy cat lady.\u201d She said she began noticing different dog events popping up, but not so many for cats and wanted to help redress the balance.<\/p>\n

May:<\/strong> Craig Street Cats closes St. James-based adoption centre<\/strong><\/p>\n

Longtime cat rescue and shelter Craig Street Cats closed its adoption centre on St. James Street with an \u2018everything must go\u2019 sale on May 24 and 25. Although it no longer houses adoptable cats, the non-profit continues to care for and manage stray cat colonies located all over the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery intact cat living out on our streets contributes three living kittens to our community every year \u2026 (which adds up to) 3,000 kittens every year, and 75 per cent of kittens die before they can reproduce,\u201d said Lynne Scott, CSC\u2019s founder. \u201cA female cat will be a great-grandmother by the end of its first year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other programs (beyond the adoption centre) will continue for the next 10 years,\u201d Scott continued. By then, she\u2019ll be 80 and ready to retire.<\/p>\n

June: Assiniboine Park introduces injured wildlife drop-off<\/strong><\/p>\n

June saw the introduction of Assiniboine Park Zoo\u2019s new injured wildlife drop-off site, done in partnership with Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release centre located in Ile des Ch\u00eanes.<\/p>\n

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<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

The site offers a city-based emergency resource for local wildlife in life-or-death situations, with veterinary professionals located on-site, at the zoo, rather than 15 minutes away from Winnipeg.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really a win-win, where folks are getting faster access to dropping off that animal, (and the) animal is getting faster access to care when it\u2019s required,\u201d said Zo\u00e9 Nakata, Wildlife Haven\u2019s executive director. \u201cSo it\u2019s just a phenomenal initiative. I\u2019m so proud that we\u2019ve been able to open this and launch it \u2026 it feels like (we\u2019ve been) building up to this moment, and so we\u2019re just thrilled to have it open.\u201d<\/p>\n

The site accepts any species except bears, raccoons, skunks and wolves or hooved animals such as deer, elk and caribou. It also won\u2019t accept any invasive species, such as stray cats.<\/p>\n

July: South Osborne sporting two weekly markets this summer<\/strong><\/p>\n

When it comes to markets, it was a case of \u2018the more, the merrier\u2019 in South Osborne this summer.<\/p>\n

On July 7, Riverview Community Centre (90 Ashland Ave.) held its first Monday market, joining the long-running South Osborne Farmers\u2019 Market at Lord Roberts Community Centre (725 Kylemore Ave.), which runs Wednesdays throughout the summer from 4 to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re supporting about 74 local businesses so far this season,\u201d said Cortney Ramsay, market co-ordinator for Fireweed Food Co-op, which runs the South Osborne Farmers\u2019 Market. Ramsay noted that some vendors are there each week, some rotate, and some drop in casually for a week here or there. \u201cWe have a lot of musicians who play who come from the neighbourhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

August: New Garden City Men\u2019s Shed group reaches out to community<\/strong><\/p>\n

In August, Ben Salnikowski encouraged men in northwest Winnipeg, and beyond, to learn what men\u2019s shed is all about.<\/p>\n

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File photo<\/p>\n

Market co-ordinator Cortney Ramsay (left) and volunteers at the South Osborne Farmers Market. The market, which is run by the Fireweed Food Co-op, took place from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday from June to October at the Lord Roberts Community Centre (725 Kylemore Ave.).<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

At press time, the plan was for the new Garden City Men\u2019s Shed group to get together for the first time on the second floor of Garden City Community Centre\/Seven Oaks Sportsplex (725 Kingsbury Ave.) on Sept. 17.<\/p>\n

According to Salnikowski, who lives in the North End, the idea behind the group is straightforward \u2014 it\u2019s about men getting together regularly, making new friends, and doing interesting things in a relaxed setting.<\/p>\n

Participants might enjoy a friendly game of cards, learn new skills such as woodcarving, or just enjoy a cup of coffee and have a conversation.<\/p>\n

September: Andrea\u2019s Angel Walk held on Sept. 6<\/strong><\/p>\n

Community members were invited to take steps to support Manitobans with sickle cell disease (SCD) by taking part in Andrea\u2019s Angel Walk, which was held at Kildonan Park on Sept. 6.<\/p>\n

The event was held by the Sickle Circle of Manitoba \u2014 a non-profit organization focused on bettering the lives Manitobans living with the disease through advocacy, education and outreach.<\/p>\n

Organizers said funds raised from the this year\u2019s Andrea\u2019s Angel Walk will be used to support the circle\u2019s next education session, as well as its ride share program \u2014 an initiative which helps alleviate the financial strain of hospital visits and appointments for Manitobans with the disease.<\/p>\n

The event is named in honour of Andrea Ndukwu, who died of complications of the sickle cell disease at the age of seven in 2007. In a statement, Andrea is described as \u201ca fierce sickle warrior and Winnipegger.\u201d Andrea\u2019s sister, Beverly Ndukwu, is the founder and president of the Sickle Circle of Manitoba.<\/p>\n

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File photo <\/p>\n

Garry Reid is pictured at Fort Garry Legion Branch No. 90. The branch closed its doors for the last time on Nov. 30.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

October: Whirlaway Westerners celebrate 70th anniversary<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Oct. 18, the Whirlaway Westerners square dance club celebrated its 70th anniversary with a day of dancing and dining at St. Basil\u2019s Ukrainian Church (202 Harcourt St.).<\/p>\n

The Whirlaway Westerners started in 1955 in the basement of the old Woodhaven School. These days, the group dances every Friday evening at Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre (165 Sansome Ave.) from 7 to 9:30 p.m., from Labour Day through to the end of April.<\/p>\n

\u201cI find it\u2019s the only activity that you can go to and dance with somebody\u2019s spouse and not get in trouble,\u201d said past-president M.J. Kiceluk, with a laugh.<\/p>\n

Local Legion closes its doors for good<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also in October, we reported the Fort Garry Legion Branch #90 was closing its doors for the last time on Nov. 30.<\/p>\n

Having previously been located at 1125 Pembina Ave. since 1947, the Legion moved to the site of a former Pizza Hut restaurant at 762 Pembina Ave. in 2022.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been losing money since the day we moved there (the new location),\u201d co-vice-president Garry Reid said in October. \u201cWe thought the move was going to be ideal, but we\u2019ve been losing money and we\u2019ve finally reached the point where we can\u2019t continue.\u201d<\/p>\n

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File photo<\/p>\n

Eugene Hyworon is a past president of the board of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (800 Burrows Ave.), which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

November: St. Mary the Protectress celebrates centenary<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Nov. 1, a gala dinner was held to celebrate the centenary of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been very fortunate, from humble beginnings,\u201d Eugene Hyworon, a past-president of the church\u2019s board of directors, and current board chair of the non-profit seniors\u2019 housing centre, said.<\/p>\n

A century after opening its doors in the North End, St. Mary the Protectress parish continues to act as a support network and hub for Ukrainian refugees who have come to Winnipeg since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago.<\/p>\n

Advocates for safer streets call on city to make changes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Residents rallied at a South Osborne intersection on the afternoon of Nov. 13, calling on the city to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.<\/p>\n

The rally, held at the intersection of Osborne Street and Brandon Avenue, was initiated after a 10-year-old boy named Jakob was hit by a car turning left, as he was crossing Brandon Avenue while cycling north along Osborne Street on his way to school on the morning of Nov. 5.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis street is so out of control for traffic,\u201d said Crystal Adams, Jakob\u2019s mother. \u201cThe driver said she couldn\u2019t see Jakob, but if she couldn\u2019t see him, she shouldn\u2019t have been proceeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

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File photo<\/p>\n

On Nov. 13, nearly 100 demonstrators showed up at the intersection of Brandon Avenue and Osborne Street, beginning at 3:30 p.m., in support of safer streets. On Nov. 5, Jakob, a 10-year-old boy, was struck by a car at the intersection on his way to school, suffering serious injury.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

Among the immediate actions those in attendance were advocating included a ban on right turns onto Osborne from Brandon, a left-turn signal for those turning off Osborne, and residential speed limits reduced to 30 km\/h across the city.<\/p>\n

December: Historic military sites commemorated<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Dec. 4, members of the Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg visited the South Osborne-based school, where Col. Jody Hanson presented the plaque to principal Georgia Wells. The plaque details aviation activity on what is now the school site (510 Hay St.) from 1920 through 1948, when the Brandon Avenue air station effectively acted as Winnipeg\u2019s airport for both commercial and military aircraft.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a living reminder that places of learning are where history takes flight,\u201d Wells told the crowd, which included students from grades 11 and 12. \u201cStudents are challenged to think about how past decisions shape the future, and to learn from the past.\u201d<\/p>\n

This past year marked the 100th anniversary of Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg, and the presentation was one of three to take place in December. Other plaques were presented to Canadian Mennonite University, where radio operators were trained leading up to and during the Second World War, and at the Winnipeg Airport Authority, commemorating Stevenson Field, the first air field at what is now the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.<\/p>

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