Fresh crop of cops on the way

Training begins next month for the newest batch of City of Winnipeg police officers, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. An additional 58 officers will be spread among the next four recruit classes, which normally train 48 recruits each. Mayor Sam Katz did not know how much the additional recruits would cost, but he stands by the value the service offers the city. The Winnipeg Police Service cost taxpayers $190 million in 2010.

Bursary created in memory of Tim McLean

The provincial government has created a bursary for aboriginal apprentices in memory of Tim McLean. The Winnipeg Foundation will manage the annual Tim McLean Memorial Bursary Fund, which will be awarded based on financial need as well as academic standing. The bursary forms part of the Apprenticeship Endowment Fund. Applicants must submit a written statement and can find information on the Apprenticeship Manitoba website. McLean aspired to be a motor vehicle mechanic before he was killed in 2008, the Winnipeg Free Press reported.

Paddlewheel captain’s last voyage

Steve Hawchuk, the captain and owner of the Paddlewheel Queen and the Paddlewheel Princess, is retiring, leaving the tour boats’ futures in question. Hawchuk’s decision to sell his boats was made partially in frustration. He told CBC News that the city refused building permits at the Alexander Docks and that the federal government’s boating regulations forced him to spend over half a million dollars in upgrades. Hawchuk, 73, hopes someone else can carry on the paddleboat tradition. Otherwise the boats, which have hosted thousands of events, would stay docked. Hawchuk has owned the boats since 1969 and had the most business throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Province scraps school bus camera plan

A $3 million plan to install cameras on all school buses has been scrapped by the provincial government. The cameras would take pictures of drivers who pass school buses with flashing lights. Nevertheless, the Interlake and Seven Oaks School Divisions installed cameras that caught 120 infractions and led to eight convictions. A bus driver near Stonewall told CTV Winnipeg catching drivers who pass by is difficult and writing down information about the vehicle comes to a “matter of seconds.” Education Minister Nancy Allan told CTV more public awareness is called for. A $650 fine exists for drivers who ignore flashing school bus stop signals.

Manitoba teens lighting up

In Manitoba, 17.9 per cent of teens 15 to 19 smoke cigarettes, roughly five per cent higher than the 13 per cent national average, the Winnipeg Sun reported. Manitoba’s rate was the third highest in the country, behind Saskatchewan and Quebec with teen smoking rates each around 18 per cent. A spokesperson with the Canadian Cancer Society called for the provincial government to do more to curb smoking, but Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau said there are initiatives in place that have already seen the teen smoking rate drop from 30 per cent in 1999. Steinbach Regional Secondary School’s decision to construct a shelter for staff and student smokers is something the Cancer Society considers “a step backwards.”

Published in Volume 65, Number 17 of The Uniter (January 27, 2011)