Hello All!*

It’s never too late to send you my best wishes for the new year! So much has been occurring at City Hall and in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward that my January newsletter is arriving in February! Off to a busy start in 2016!  

I’ve summarized just a few of the many activities I'm working on. You can follow almost daily updates of my ward activities on Twitter and Facebook, which can also be viewed on JaniceLukes.ca. The focus in January was on budget discussions, snow and transportation. February will entail planning for park upgrades, and in March, we will be tabling the budget and discussing it with Winnipeggers!  

1. 2016 Budget

Developing the City’s annual budget is a very involved and complex undertaking. I have received two excellent overviews which outline the City’s financial status and show how your tax dollars pay for City services. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review this info at Budget Update.

2. Community Events

Non-stop fun in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward with lots of cultural celebrations and music on the horizon!  St. Norbert celebrates Heritage Days on Feb. 6, and the Chinese community hosts a New Year Show on Feb. 20.  You are also invited to join me for some coffee and conversation at the St. Norbert Farmers' Market on Feb. 27. Visit Events for details!

3.  Transportation Conversations

Efficient transportation enables our City to thrive and prosper! I’m fortunate to serve as Chair of the Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works Committee where transportation is a daily topic!  Each month until June, I am hosting a series of casual public conversations on transportation.  A summary of our January conversation, Snow Removal on the Active Transportation Network, has been posted and I encourage you to review the many comments and ideas!  Please join me at The Forks for the upcoming sessions!

4. New Data on Rental Housing Around U of M

Our office has received very interesting information on rental properties in the Fort Richmond/University Heights area. This study confirms what many of you already knew: affordable rental units are in short supply around the University of Manitoba.  The Rental Market Overview provides good insight as to reasons, availability and affordability. 

Thanks to the efforts of hard-working volunteers in our community, some good work is currently underway with the rental housing community sub-committees.  Stay tuned for an update on their progress!

5.  Waverley Underpass is Proceeding

This underpass is a very important project for South Winnipeg residents. We recently had a good debate at City Hall on the importance of safety, rail relocation and City infrastructure priorities. Waverley Underpass is the City’s top transportation infrastructure priority and it will be proceeding. For details, see Waverley Underpass Update.

Councillor Lukes hosting a community engagement conversation

*At some point in time, we have worked together on a project or communicated on a Ward issue. If you do not wish to receive my monthly E-Newsletter, just unsubscribe.  Thank you so much for your time.