Winnipeg Minute: Issue 60

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

📅 This Week In Winnipeg: 📅

• The Winnipeg Police Service is expanding its firearms analysis unit to support gun crime investigations across Manitoba. The province is investing $3.2 million annually, plus $442,000 for renovations and upgrades to the current lab, with plans to eventually establish a standalone facility. Deputy Chief Cam Mackid emphasized the urgency of this expansion, citing the increasing number of firearm-related crimes in Winnipeg and the need for faster investigative turnaround. The upgraded lab will analyze spent cartridge casings and link firearms to crimes using a national database, reducing result wait times from a year to just a few days. This shift will relieve pressure on the RCMP’s overloaded forensic labs and streamline investigations province-wide. Other cities like Edmonton and Saskatoon have adopted similar models, and Manitoba hopes to see the same benefits. Local police services, including Brandon’s, have voiced strong support for the initiative.
  
  
• Winnipeg’s voluntary lobbyist registry, introduced in 2017 to promote transparency at city hall, has seen a significant decline in use, with only five registrations in each of the past two years. Originally receiving 16 entries in its first year and 26 the next, the registry's numbers have steadily dropped, raising concerns among city officials. Integrity commissioner Sherri Walsh emphasized the importance of lobbying transparency and encouraged more consistent use of the registry. Critics, including Councillor Russ Wyatt, argue the registry is ineffective because it's voluntary and are calling for it to become mandatory. However, enforcing such a change would require new provincial legislation. Mayor Scott Gillingham acknowledged the issue and said the governance committee will examine the matter further. Currently, the registry applies to those lobbying for benefits on behalf of businesses or paid organizations, but excludes regular citizen interactions or official public processes.
  
  
• The City of Winnipeg will begin its annual caterpillar control program on Tuesday, May 20th, targeting areas with high pest activity such as Crescent Park, Point Road, Wildwood and Rockwood. The city will use Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk), a biological pesticide approved by Health Canada, which is applied directly to tree leaves. Once ingested by caterpillars, it causes them to stop feeding and die within three days. Spraying will occur on weekday evenings for up to four weeks, depending on weather conditions. City crews will focus on public boulevards, parks and cemeteries where infestations are most severe. Residents who wish to avoid pesticide use near their property can request a 30-metre buffer zone by submitting proof of residence. The City will determine future treatment areas based on daily inspections, with updates available through 311 and the City’s website.
  
  
• A large grassfire in east Winnipeg destroyed dozens of vehicles at an auto yard and damaged several businesses, prompting concerns from City Councillor Russ Wyatt, who called the area a "ticking time bomb." Wyatt criticized the lack of full-time fire services and hydrants in the neighbouring RM of Springfield, where many industrial businesses store flammable materials. However, Springfield’s Fire Chief, Brian Seaton, defended the municipality’s preparedness, citing pre-arranged water supplies and backup plans. The fire was likely worsened by dry conditions and strong winds, with potential causes including sparks from train wheels, a known issue in the area. Another grassfire nearby also threatened homes but was brought under control. Wyatt expressed frustration over regulatory gaps caused by the split jurisdiction of Gunn Road, hoping the incident would spur action. Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the importance of fire safety during dry conditions and noted continued collaboration between municipalities on emergency responses. The exact cause of the fires remains under investigation.
  
  
• A University of Winnipeg employee has filed a whistleblower complaint calling for an investigation into the university’s leadership, citing concerns over transparency, spending, and governance. The report, submitted to the Manitoba ombudsman, highlights issues such as rising employee turnover, cost-cutting decisions, and new restrictive policies affecting protests and public expression. Critics, including faculty members, have raised alarms about the administration's use of external consultants for strategic planning and branding, despite the university facing a projected deficit of up to $18 million due to falling international enrollment and what it calls an unfair provincial funding formula. Cost-saving measures like hiring freezes, program cancellations, and reduced spending have been introduced, but the university has not disclosed specific savings. Faculty say morale is low and their role in governance is shrinking, with recent policy changes - such as protest restrictions and a draft convocation policy that could limit political expression - adding to tensions. The ombudsman is currently reviewing the complaint to determine if further investigation is warranted.
  
  
• A section of Donald Street in downtown Winnipeg has been given the honorary name “Chad Posthumus Way” in tribute to the late Sea Bears captain, who died in 2024 following a brain aneurysm. Posthumus, remembered as a positive and selfless leader, was the first player to sign with the Winnipeg Sea Bears when the team was established in 2023. The sign was unveiled outside the Canada Life Centre, where he played home games, during a ceremony attended by his family and city officials. Mayor Scott Gillingham and team representatives described Posthumus as the heart of the team and a true hometown hero. His legacy extends beyond basketball, as he led youth camps, participated in community projects, and inspired those around him with his enthusiasm and kindness. Several tributes have been made in his name, including scholarships and a renamed basketball competition. Loved ones hope the street naming will help keep his memory alive and continue to inspire the community.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Common Sense Winnipeg is keeping a close eye on City Hall.

We're continuing to monitor Council and Committee meetings and hold local officials accountable. As part of this work, we want to make sure we're focused on the issues that matter most to you.

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