A Lot On The Go In South Winnipeg

Thank you to the Sou’Wester for covering this story

A Lot On The Go In South Winnipeg

By: Janice Lukes                    Posted: 12/31/2018 2:43 PM

This is my first column as councillor for the new Waverley West ward!

Over the past four years, I’ve come to learn to always expect the unexpected in this role, and I must say this last election resulted in something quite unexpected for me — no election!

There are many hypotheses as to why I was acclaimed, and I’m not sure what is the correct answer is. What I do know is I am honoured and humbled to be your representative at City Hall, and to have the opportunity to continue working with so many of you on important issues and opportunities. Thank you.

We have a lot on the go in south Winnipeg. The top priorities I heard throughout the election from residents in the Waverley West ward were: get that recreation complex built, keep our communities safe, and deliver city services in a more consistent manner. I’m in the process of updating my website (www.JaniceLukes.ca) to reflect all the priorities I heard, and the action plan I’m putting into place.

Coun. Scott Gillingham, chair of finance committee, and I will be holding a “Waverley West Ward Priorities and the City of Winnipeg Budget” meeting the evening of Jan. 9. If you are interested in attending what will be a riveting budget meeting, please email me at jlukes@winnipeg.ca

I have three crime prevention workshops in the planning process. The Winnipeg Police Service has confirmed one for Feb. 20 at the Whyte Ridge Community Centre. The South Pointe and University Heights workshop dates will be confirmed shortly.

Transit in South Winnipeg will be undergoing a major transformation in preparation for the opening of the new transit corridor in 2020. There will be multiple open houses in the new year to see how routes will be changed and improved. Details (date, times, locations) for all of these upcoming events will be posted on my website and sent out through social media.

In closing, on behalf of your new city council, I’d like to wish you a great Gregorian calendar New Year! In South Winnipeg, we seem to celebrate New Year’s virtually every month with our ever so diverse and multi-cultural friends and neighbours! It sounds like one big party and it is!

We are so fortunate to be able to celebrate our cultures in Canada free from the many sorrows and sadness we see around the world.

All the best to you and your family in 2019!