Hello All!*

I’m pleased to provide an update on many initiatives in our Ward. In addition to Ward activities, significant decisions are always being made for the entire City. I am your representative at City Hall, so please stay in touch via E-mail or phone on matters that are important to you (ie: UBER, opening of Portage and Main, roadwork, taxes, rental housing, etc.).  I know many of you will be keeping a close eye on the spring flood reports as they unfold.  I’ve been involved in past floods in a variety of ways, and am receiving regular briefings from City staff on the current situation.  Enjoy the newsletter, and I look forward to hearing about issues important to you!

1.  Calling for a Public Inquiry

This month, City Council voted to ask the Province to conduct a Public Inquiry. I am not at all against asking the Province to conduct an inquiry .... WHEN the criminal investigation is complete, and we have all the facts to consider. Public inquiries can cost millions, and I believe if we ask the Province for an inquiry, we must make the ask ‘specific and focused’ to ensure value for taxpayers' dollars.  See PUBLIC INQUIRY. 

2. 2017 Street, Sidewalk & Cycling Construction

Prepare yourself for a very busy construction season this year! Pembina Highway is slated for significant upgrades, along with Silverstone Avenue and multiple local streets throughout the ward! A sidewalk on Cornell Avenue will be installed to enhance pedestrian safety, and buffered bike lanes on Pembina will create safer cycling opportunities for thousands.  See 2017 ROAD CONSTRUCTION as well as 2017 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION.

3.  Proposed Changes to Aircraft Flight Paths

NAV CANADA is proposing aircraft flight path changes which could see over 2,000 flights being re-directed over St. Norbert, the Red River and Fort Richmond area.   You are invited to review NAV Canada's powerpoint, and attend their Open House on Sat., March 18 to learn more and provide feedback. SEE NAV CANADA

4. Population Surge in South Winnipeg-St Norbert

Statistics Canada recently released its 2016 Census data, and after extensive analysis, we've learned there are approx. 68,116 residents in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward.  This is an increase of 25% or about 14,000 residents since the 2011 Census!  Thank you and celebrate residing in the BEST ward in the City of Winnipeg!  LEARN MORE.

5.  Your Input on NEW Farmers' Market Canopy

Please join myself and representatives from the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market on Tues., March 7 to provide feedback on a new Canopy Structure. The proposed Canopy will be an enhanced 4-season structure which will be visible 365 days a year. See CANOPY OPEN HOUSE

6.  Grandmont & Ducharme Park Upgrades

I have received many requests to upgrade Grandmont and Ducharme Parks, with suggestions ranging from improving pathways to adding lighting. This year, I’ve secured $150,000 to improve these parks.  Please e-mail, call me, or attend the Community Open House on Tues., March 21 to share your ideas.  SEE PARK UPGRADES

7. Illegal Rooming Houses & Fire Inspections

At a recent information session on Winnipeg Fire Codes related to legal and illegal rooming houses, community residents learned many important takeways, most importantly, the correct process for reporting potential fire hazards in illegal rooming houses.  SEE FIRE INSPECTIONS.

8.  Illegal Rooming Houses: 2-Year Progress Review

Please join me on Sat., March 25 for this important discussion reflecting on our progress and preparing for next steps in combatting illegal rooming houses in our community. This session will be a 2-year review of successes and challenges, and we will also have the City of Winnipeg By-Law Task Force in attendance to answer questions. See TWO YEAR REVIEW

9.  Preparing for Risk of Major Spring Flooding

The Province recently announced a risk of major flooding on the Red River this spring, and the City is actively preparing to respond. As spring thaws also increase the risk of basement flooding,  homeowners are reminded to take steps to protect their property.  To stay informed, see WINNIPEG NEWS RELEASES.

Speaking with Minister Scott Fielding on the location, challenges and opportunities of the South Winnipeg Recreation Campus Project

*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.