Winnipeg: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

On Sunday, Feb. 13, I will be moderating a Uniter and CKUW panel discussion between the three best bloggers on civic issues in Winnipeg. These men have been writing and following civic issues in this city for years and each have a different, but equally grim, take on the state of Winnipeg.

Robert Galston of The Rise and Sprawl believes that private business plays a crucial role in the revitalization of neighborhoods and cities.

He maintains, contrary to current trends in the city, that publicly owned development corporations should get out of the revitalization business. He has also been active as a chronicler of Winnipeg’s developmental history and is solemnly nostalgic over how far we’ve fallen as a city. 

Brian F. Kelcey of The State of the City is a former budget advisor for mayor Sam Katz. He dissects civic finances rigorously and will be publishing analyses on mayoral state of the city speeches from across Canada.

He also blew the lid off of the costs associated with the recent Blue Bomber stadium deal.

Christopher Leo, who publishes his own research-based analysis and commentary regularly, is an eminent U of W professor who has educated countless students on the institutional development of civic governments, the increasing urban decay and suburban sprawl in Winnipeg and the role of cities in an increasingly globalized world.

The discussion will revolve around Sam Katz’s state of the city speech along with a myriad of issues that inspire and plague citizens throughout Winnipeg, including transportation, infrastructure, debt, poverty, housing and sprawl.

This is an ambitious discussion and I intend to cover a lot of ground with the panelists. There will be something for everyone here, whether you’re interested in the environment, municipal budgets, poverty or development issues.

Among my favourite points of discussion is the role of provincial parties (or political parties more generally) at Winnipeg’s City Hall.

Christopher Leo, a staunch supporter of party organization at the civic level, will be particularly instructive on this point and there should (hopefully) be some considerable disagreement between members of the panel.

Was the NDP really attempting to seize control of city council in the 2010 election? If so, was that such a bad thing? What is the history of party involvement in Winnipeg?

The discussion is part of CKUW’s Fundrive 2011 and will take place at the Mondragon Bookstore and Coffee House on Sunday, Feb. 13, from 7:00-9:00 pm.

The discussion will be followed by questions from the audience. There is no cover charge but $5.00 at the door would be greatly appreciated.

If there are any questions you would like to ask the panel, feel free to post them below!