Winnipeg Minute: Issue 62

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

📅 This Week In Winnipeg: 📅

• On Monday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Special Meeting of City Council for the purposes of a public hearing. Council will gather feedback on bylaw amendments that would allow as-of-right development of 2-, 3-, and 4-unit residential buildings in most low-density zones. These changes are part of the City’s agreement with the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, which provides $122.4 million in funding to help build 14,000 new homes by 2026. If approved, the amendments would apply to certain zones and allow up to four units per lot, subject to standards for lot size, height, parking, and landscaping. Developments within 800 metres of high-frequency transit could be up to four storeys tall. The goal is to streamline approvals for infill housing, reducing red tape for projects that meet clearly defined rules. The amendments are based on the City's November 2023 direction and have been reviewed by CMHC for compliance. Public engagement included virtual and in-person sessions, with over 1,000 residents participating. Feedback was divided, with some supporting increased housing supply and others raising concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and neighbourhood character. Councillors are anticipating large delegations, and a potential multi-day meeting. A previous zoning hearing on commercial areas went past midnight, and this one is expected to draw even more attention.
  
  
• A reception centre has opened at Winnipeg’s Billy Mosienko Arena to support evacuees fleeing wildfires, particularly from the Central Plains and Pembina Valley regions. The arena began accepting displaced residents on Wednesday night and will remain open as needed. Managed by Manitoba’s Emergency Social Services and the Canadian Red Cross, the centre provides emergency aid for those without housing alternatives. Officials encourage evacuees to stay with family or friends if possible but to register with the Red Cross regardless of their accommodations. Registration helps responders coordinate support and allows families to stay connected. Although the number of expected evacuees is unclear, no injuries have been reported. The arena has been used in past emergencies and may be joined by additional centres if wildfire conditions worsen. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and promise further updates as needed.
  
  
• A $100,000 upgrade to the Riel Park softball facility in Winnipeg was officially unveiled during the Bonivital Softball Spring Swing tournament. The improvements, funded through the 2023 City of Winnipeg budget for the St. Vital ward, include new sod, fencing, pathways, backstop, dugouts, and player benches. Councillor Brian Mayes, who represents the area, said the upgrades addressed long-standing community requests, particularly after the closure of the Blumberg diamonds. Mayes credited his former classmate Ray Giguere for persistently advocating for the renovations. Bonivital Softball President Lucy Chura praised the investment, saying it would benefit young athletes and the wider community. The upgrades are expected to enhance both the experience of players and the success of local tournaments.
  
  
• A new permanent historical marker will be installed at Scurfield Park in Winnipeg to honour the victims of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. The flight was tragically shot down in Iran on January 8th 2020, killing all 177 people on board, including eight Manitobans. The memorial, approved through the City’s Welcoming Winnipeg initiative, will feature a large structure with the names of all victims and eight engraved trees representing the local lives lost. The site was chosen due to its ties to Winnipeg’s Iranian community and its proximity to a school once attended by a victim. A territorial acknowledgement will also be added to the plaza. The official unveiling is scheduled for July 5th, marking 2,000 days since the disaster.
  
  
• After delays, the Homes For Heroes Veterans Village in Winnipeg is moving ahead with PCL Construction confirmed as the general contractor. The project will provide transitional housing for homeless veterans in the Transcona neighbourhood, following a model already used in Calgary, Edmonton, and Kingston. It will include 20 to 40 fully furnished tiny homes and offer on-site counselling, job supports, and peer mentoring. The Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg is a lead funder, and the City previously donated land along Transcona Boulevard. Kevin Klein, chair of the local committee, said the PCL partnership is a major milestone but emphasized that fundraising efforts continue. Construction is expected to begin later this year, once permits are finalized. The Homes For Heroes Foundation was created to support the thousands of veterans across Canada facing homelessness after military service. Winnipeg’s village aims to honour their contributions by helping them rebuild their lives in a supportive and stable setting.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Who is your favourite Winnipeg City Councillor - and why?

Is it because of their voting record, how they engage with the community, or something else?

Take a moment to reply and share your thoughts with us.

Your feedback helps us understand which Councillors are truly representing Winnipegers’ interests and values.

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

But, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!