Local News Briefs

Royal Albert reopening delayed

The reopening of the Royal Albert Arms Hotel has been pushed back to late September or early October, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. The bar slated its grand reopening for Sept. 7, but permit issues and outstanding work on their sprinkler system have delayed the opening. The Albert closed in May 2011 after a water-line break flooded the basement. Because the break was located on private property, city crews could help control the leak but the owners of the Albert were left responsible for the repairs. The owners claimed the city broke a valve on an abandoned pipe.

Rent control guidelines updated

Rent increases will be limited to one per cent for most units in 2013, the province announced. The guideline applies to most apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes, personal-care homes, non-profit housing with subsidized rent and buildings that are less than 20 years old. Landlords may apply for a larger increase if they can show the increase will not cover their property costs. Tenants must receive a written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. Tenants who object any rent increase whether it is below, at or above the guideline must do so at least 60 days before the rent increase is set to take effect.

Mild winter costs Hydro $6M

The Public Utilities Board has granted Manitoba Hydro a 2.5 per cent increase in electricity rates as the Crown corporation’s net income is down nearly $90 million compared to last year, the Winnipeg Sun reported. Hydro claims its drop in earnings, from $150 million last year to $61 million this year, is due to lower rates in export markets and reduced sales of natural gas because of an unusually mild winter. Hydro lost $6 million on natural gas last year, but expects local demand to grow by 1.6 per cent per year over the next decade.

Pallister wins leadership, shuffles SHADOW cabinet

Newly elected Progressive Conservative leader Brian Pallister won the byelection in Fort Whyte last week, securing him a seat in the legislature. Pallister, who took over the leadership from Hugh McFadyen, is reassigning critic responsibilities. The changes will see justice critic Kelvin Goertzen move to education, health critic Myrna Dreidger move to finance, and finance critic Heather Stefanson move to aboriginal and northern affairs. Several other members will also see their duties shift. Pallister will soon reveal a detailed platform after he consults party members and others in order to build up the party and attract new supporters.

Published in Volume 67, Number 2 of The Uniter (September 12, 2012)

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