Local News Briefs

Renewal in sight for Burton Cummings Theatre, Museum

The summer months may be winding down, but Canada’s Economic Action Plan is continuing to heat up, as two more local historical sites are up for a revamp. According to a press release by the Government of Canada, newly announced infrastructure funding will be helping to patch up the façade and interior of the Burton Cummings Theatre and the exterior of the St. Boniface Museum.

MP for Winnipeg South Rod Bruinooge made the announcement and commented on the great historic value of these two buildings. The St. Boniface Museum was originally built in the 1850s as the Grey Nun’s convent, a mission house where the nuns cared for the old and taught orphaned children. The Burton Cummings Theatre has not seen major renovations since 1945. Its impressive architecture led it to be nicknamed the “Palace of the Prairies” when it opened in 1906.

Both buildings have stood the test of time, but are now in need of an upgrade. Parks Canada and the federal government promise to deliver through the Action Plan’s Historic Site Cost-Sharing Program, with about $3.5 million invested in these two projects and $20 million across Canada.

Kildonan Place goes green

How does a shopping mall go green without spending a lot of cash? With a major attitude change – and a few well-placed signs. According to the Winnipeg Free Press, Kildonan Place Shopping Centre has become the first mall in Manitoba to open up nine designated “hybrid parking spots.”

“[Kildonan Place is] constantly innovating… to become greener,” said Corey Quintaine, marketing director for the mall. “We wanted to thank our customers who do the same.”

These preferred spots are marked by green paint and recyclable signs and are open now.

Rent increase set for 2010

In what may be bad news for many cash-strapped students, the provincial government announced recently that the increase in rent for Manitoba apartments has been set at one per cent.
The press release by Finance Minister Greg Selinger outlines details on how rent increases are calculated, with utilities and property taxes coming into play. For the most part, rent is increased only once per year, he said.

The rent increase will take place officially on January 1.

More information can be found by calling the Residential Tenancies Branch at 945-2476 or toll-free at 1-800-782-8403.

YouTube brings Winnipeg history to life

Although television today is dominated by major networks from the States, every Winnipegger has memories of local programming. And for those who may have forgotten about the existence of CKND or ads for Eaton Place, Youtube is bringing it all back to life.

According to the local blog AViewFromSeven, multiple collectors of small-budget shows and commercials are now putting up VHS footage of local programming from the late ‘70s to the ‘90s for all to see.

So for anyone who wants to see Portage Place’s grand opening or even a moustached Gerry Gordon selling an ’85 hatchback, start by checking out www.youtube.com/RetroWinnipeg and enjoy.

Published in Volume 64, Number 2 of The Uniter (September 10, 2009)

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