Winnipeg Minute: Electric Bus, Transcona Byelection, and Parking Lot Rezoning

Winnipeg Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Winnipeg politics

This Week In Winnipeg:

• The City Centre Community Committee will meet this morning at 9:30 am, as will the East Kildonan-Transcona Community Committee. Tomorrow, at 9:30 am, the Assiniboia Community Committee will meet, as will the Lord Selkirk - West Kildonan Community Committee.
  
  
• The Appeal Committee will hold Public Hearings at 9:30 am on Wednesday to address land use variances at 367 Scotia Street, 838 McMillan Avenue, 199 Parkview Street, and on Markham Road.
  
  
• On Thursday, at 9:30 am, City Council will meet. The agenda includes the City’s application to the Federal Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund for the Biosolids Facilities and the Southwest Interceptor Projects. Council will also discuss several land use amendment proposals, as well as the Winnipeg Parking Authority 2025 Business Plan.

Last Week In Winnipeg:

• Winnipeg Transit has received its first zero-emission bus. This 40-foot fuel-cell battery-electric bus is part of a broader plan to introduce 16 zero-emission buses by spring, including 60-foot models, the first of their kind in Canada. These buses will be tested for performance, battery health, energy consumption, and operational costs, especially in Winnipeg's climate. A total of 90 zero-emission buses are planned, with the next phase rolling out in 2026.
  
  
• Former City Councillor Shawn Nason has been selected as the Progressive Conservative candidate for the upcoming Transcona byelection. The byelection, set for March 18th, was called to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of former MLA Nello Altomare. Nason previously served as the City Councillor for Transcona from 2018 to 2022 and has experience working as a legislative assistant and constituency manager. He emphasized his deep ties to the community and commitment to addressing its needs. The NDP has chosen educator Shannon Corbett as its candidate. Advanced voting will begin on March 8th.
  
  
• The Executive Policy Committee has approved a plan to build a 111-unit affordable housing complex on the parking lot beside the Granite Curling Club. While the City owns both the club and the lot, Club executives argue that losing 70% of their parking could drive away curlers and impact their finances. The City and the developer have offered 15 parking spots in the new project and a potential revenue stream to support the Club, but members say these measures are insufficient. Concerns also remain over the lack of a public bidding process for the development. The final decision will be made when Council votes on the proposal on February 27th. The Club may appeal if the project is approved.