Hello All!*

More best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2017!  Following up on my recent Snow Bulletin, I have an update on activities in the South Winnipeg–St. Norbert ward and the priorities I will be working on in 2017. This is the third year of my 4-year term working as your City Councillor, and I am very proud to be representing our diverse and vibrant community at City Hall. Thank you for this unique opportunity and keep the feedback coming!   

1.  City of Winnipeg 2017 Budget

The City's 2017 budget was approved before Christmas, and I’ve prepared a brief overview highlighting projects that will be occurring in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward.  Pembina Highway will see a lot of construction, a number of parks will receive upgrades, and more. See 2017 Budget.

2. Transit Approved in Bridgwater & South Pointe

Winnipeg Transit is EXPANDING into Bridgwater and South Pointe this year!  This is tremendous news!  I am extremely pleased to see, through my work and support of Council, transit service in these growing communities. For details, see Transit Expansion.

3.  Illegal Rooming Houses - Meetings

You are invited to hear four months of study results being presented by the U of M City Planning Master's students on Wed., January 11 at Richmond Kings Community Centre. See details.

Save Sat., February 11 to hear Fire Inspector, Janet Bier, speak about rooming houses, fire codes and proper reporting. Fire inspectors have powerful authority to evict tenants who are in unsafe living conditions. See details.

4.  New École South Pointe School

It's not often a brand new school opens!  With any new facility comes increased traffic and transportation challenges. I’ve received many traffic related inquiries, and have prepared a detailed transportation summary. 

Everyone is invited to tour École South Pointe School at the community opening on Mon., January 30 at 6 p.m.  See details.

5.  South Winnipeg Recreation Campus

Much background work has been occurring over the past year.  In 2017, we will be reaching out to the public to gather input and ideas for the new recreation campus, and coming up with a plan and a price tag! See the latest on how this project is evolving at South Winnipeg Recreation Campus.

 6. Waverley West Impact Fees 

Waverley West is a targeted area for the City's recently approved impact fees (often called growth fees) on new home construction. Impact fees go into effect May 1, 2017.  Learn how the community will be affected by these fees, the impact on the price of your home, the effect on residential and commercial developments, and how the monies from collected fees will be directed. Join myself and a panel of experts on Wed., February 8.  See details.

7. Road Safety Strategy for Winnipeg

I’m not a traffic engineer or planner, but transportation issues have been a priority of mine for many years. I attribute this to the fact that we have young sons who will drive someday, and over the years, have experienced the loss of both family and friends to traffic collisions.  Transportation impacts our daily lives, and I am VERY pleased to have initiated the development of a Road Safety Strategy for Winnipeg. Cities all over the world are developing a focused effort on road safety, and Winnipeg is now moving in this direction. See details.

8.  My City and Ward Priorities for 2017

There is never a shortage of work as a City Councillor, especially when you represent one of the largest and fastest growing areas of the City!  My focus for 2017 will continue to be on ward priorities I heard at the door when campaigning in 2014 as well as the many conversations I've had with residents since then. I have prepared a summary of my key priorities for 2017 and welcome your feedback.

9.  Events in South Winnipeg-St. Norbert

There's so much going on!  Attend a workshop on small business and the law, a French immersion forum, or an open house on the expansion of the Winnipeg Transit Garage.  Or just get outside and have fun celebrating Winnipeg's winter at an upcoming event!  See details on my Events Page. If your organization has a community event you’d like posted, please E-Mail jlukes@winnipeg.ca!

Checking out the Yoga Room with Michele Augert, CEO, 
at the new Dakota Community Centre Fieldhouse

*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.