Hello All!*

It’s challenging to summarize the top 6 topics for a newsletter, as there are so many activities occurring at City Hall and in the South Winnipeg-St Norbert Ward.  I post frequent updates on JaniceLukes.ca, and encourage you to review Ward Priorities to learn more about key initiatives underway.

I’d like to extend huge thanks to Bev, my Operations Manager, who provides spectacular support to residents in the South Winnipeg–St. Norbert Ward – and to me!  Bev is the front line for many of the day-to-day ward activities and does a great job! Thank you, Bev!  

The big focus going forward is preparing a balanced budget for 2017. In an older city like Winnipeg, there are many infrastructure needs, and just as many wants. Council will be making difficult decisions as we look to balance the budget by continuing to reduce expenditures, streamline operations, look to new ways of increasing revenue, and enable better planning  for future growth. No easy task for sure!  

I appreciate your comments and feedback and look forward to seeing you at upcoming events. I plan to host another series of “Coffee and Conversation with the Councillor” at the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market this summer, and will announce dates in my July newsletter!

1. Responding to Phone Calls and E-Mails

There are peak times throughout the year when the volume of e-mails and phone calls to our office ranges between 60 to 100 each day!  Spring is definitely ‘a peak time’ with residents inquiring about many city maintenance issues. This high volume of inquiries, combined with the large population in South Winnipeg–St. Norbert (Winnipeg's largest ward with 66,700+ residents!) makes it challenging to return e-mails and calls in a timely manner!  For details on how we are handling this, see Responding.

2. Greenspace Maintenance in Bridgwater Forest

I’ve been working with the City Parks department, Take Pride Winnipeg and Bridgwater Forest Neighbourhood Association to develop a short term solution for the maintenance of parks and open spaces.  I’ve been engaged on this issue since being elected; it is not solely a Bridgwater Forest issue, but one that exists City wide. It is amplified in Bridgwater Forest due to the high level of landscaping in the area. For details, see Short Term Solution.

3.  Illegal Rental Housing Around U of M

Great progress is occurring! On May 31, I hosted a Community Update for over 250 residents with presentations from the U of M and the newly formed Fort Richmond - University Heights Neighbourhood Association.  A new website, www.NeighbourhoodAssociation.ca, is helping to educate residents, tenants and landlords on their responsibilities and rights for living in the community; U of M Planning Students will be studying best practices of communities in similar situations across North America; a street inventory is underway; and more! For a full update, see: Rental Housing. 

4.  Events in South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward

On Tuesday, June 14, Rogers Communications will host an open house to discuss their proposal to construct a 30m Telecommunications Tower at 50 Barnes Street (site of Grace Christian Church).  Their deadline for comments and questions on the project is June 28.   

On Monday, June 27, attend an open house to learn about the 5-storey mixed-use "Parisian Architecture" project proposed for Pembina at Ducharme! 

On Friday, July 1, catch all the Canada Day Celebrations happening in our backyard.  Lots of fun for the whole family!

We update our Events Page frequently, so please visit often!

 5.  Two Surveys:  Accessibility Plan -and- Residential Parking Permit & Loading Zones

 The City of Winnipeg is requesting public feedback on two issues, with a deadline date for comments of June 30:

Development of Accessibility Plan:  Winnipeg is currently developing an Accessibility Plan in response to requirements of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Recognizing that barriers to accessibility may create difficulties, the City wants to learn what the community considers policy and procedural barriers to accessing City facilities and services – whether those barriers are attitudinal or systemic barriers, or perhaps related to information and communication, technology, transportation or the built environment. 

Review of Residential Parking Permit & Loading Zone Programs:  The Winnipeg Parking Authority is reviewing its policies in order to develop  potential solutions and approaches that will clarify the direction of the residential parking permit and loading zone programs.

6.  Insightful Article on Brady Landfill

Danielle Da Silva of The Sou’Wester has written a very accurate and informative article on the Brady Resource Management Center and the multitude of projects underway. I've toured Brady on many occasions and it is always a fascinating experience.  I encourage you to take a trip and check out the new 4R Recycling depot. See Taking out the Trash

Unveiling of "St. Norbert Heritage Trails" Trailhead on 2016 Trails Day

L-R:  Phil Veldhuis, St. Norbert Farmers’ Market; Councillor Lukes; Anders Swanson, Winnipeg Trails Association; Jon Reyes, MLA St Norbert

*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 E-Newsletter, just click "unsubscribe" below.  Thank you for your time.