Local News Briefs

Katz looks for help in bedbug battle

Mayor Sam Katz is looking beyond the municipal government to fight the bedbug problem in the province by asking Premier Greg Selinger for help. All levels of government are struggling with the issue, as the bugs have been found in Winnipeg Transit buses, politician’s offices, countless homes and the Millennium Library, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. Manitoba Health reports that infestations have been on the rise since 2009, with an increase of 95 cases from 2009 to 2010. The province has yet to announce any plans for eradication, or education like the government of Ontario has done.

Thousands granted First Nations status rights

Approximately 45,000 Canadians recently became eligible for First Nations status. The CBC reports that these citizens will now be able to qualify for benefits, including tax programs, special rights under different treaties and separate federal programs. The government took action after Ottawa lost a case that sought to reinstate status to those who were denied it under the Indian Act. Those who will now receive status note that the case isn’t just about benefits, but that the process helps them reclaim their history and identity.

Winnipeg Free Press to open news café

The Winnipeg Free Press is coming back to its downtown roots. According to its website, the Manitoba paper has reached an agreement with Dom Amutuzio, a veteran restauranteur, to open up Canada’s first news café. The paper recently took control of the site in the Exchange District and hopes to be able to open a location where readers can rub elbows with the paper’s journalists, while enjoying a beverage or a meal. According to Free Press publisher Bob Cox, the location is vital because it allows the paper’s journalists to connect with real people in the area.

Winnipeg Harvest needs to expand

Winnipeg Harvest executive director David Northcott is facing some difficult news. The food bank, a necessary service that helps over 48,000 people, must expand its current overcrowded location. The non-profit service must raise over $2 million for the expansion, which is expected to have a final price tag of $6.5 million dollars. Current projects include expanding the 33,000 square foot warehouse into a 53,000 square foot building, as reported by the Winnipeg Free Press

Paddlewheel Restaurant drops anchor

Despite reports to the contrary, it appears that the Paddlewheel Restaurant will stay situated on top of The Bay’s downtown location. The Winnipeg Free Press originally reported that the historic Winnipeg eatery was going to close, but is now reporting that the restaurant will stay open. The Bay released a statement confirming they are firm in their commitment to keep the iconic Winnipeg establishment in its original form. The company clarified that they are only renovating the location and have absolutely no intention of closing the eatery that has been enjoyed by generations of Winnipeggers.

Published in Volume 65, Number 19 of The Uniter (February 10, 2011)

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