Police arrest employee in drug bust

The Winnipeg Police Service arrested one of its own civilian employees for production of marijuana, possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime. The 54-year-old woman was charged in connection to a drug raid of a West Kildonan home, where about $30,000 worth of marijuana was growing and $6,000 worth was packaged in bags. A man was also arrested, CBC News reported. The woman, whose name and department were not identified, is now on administrative leave and was released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.

North End feline shuttle spays and neuters

North End pet owners without access to their own vehicle can rest assured, for the Spay and Neuter Inner-city Pet Program (SNI PP) will transport cats to the Winnipeg Humane Society to be spayed or neutered. The program, which costs owners $20 per cat, was launched in December 2008 by the Humane Society and the city’s animal services branch to lessen the amount of unwanted pets, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. SNI PP transports about 600 cats annually, with volunteer drivers driving the cats across the city for their day surgeries. The Winnipeg Humane Society spays or neuters about 4,600 cats each year, a number they acknowledge must double to control Winnipeg’s cat population.

Donated bed bug covers fend off the pesky critters

In order to fight bed bugs, the Manitoba Real Estate Association Shelter Foundation has donated $10,000 to New Directions, an agency that helps low-income residents find housing. The money will buy 16 new beds with mattresses and bed bug-resistant covers that will help 75 people. While Manitoba Housing provides the covers for free, one resident said they might have to wait as long as two years to receive one. A representative with Manitoba Housing acknowledged that they are slightly behind and that the grant will help with some of the demand. New Directions is seeking additional money as the 16 covers make only a dent in Manitoba’s need, Global News Winnipeg reported.

Dogs hot topic at city hall

A Winnipeg city hall committee plans to discuss the future of selling dogs in retail stores in order to combat an increasing concern about puppy mills. Councillor Gord Steeves told the Winnipeg Sun the city might be able to put puppy mills out of business if the dogs they produce cannot be sold in stores. There are recent allegations that some local puppy mills abuse their canines. Supporters of banning dog sales in stores are expected to present their arguments to the city. The committee will also discuss dog sales on the Internet and the municipal ban of pit bulls, which has been in effect for 20 years in Winnipeg.

Sump pump subsidy now available

City council has approved a sump pump subsidy to help homeowners buy and install the pumps and backwater valves, CTV Winnipeg reported. The subsidy, available on a first-come, firstserved basis, will cover 60 per cent of the cost, including labour, to maximums determined by the equipment installed. A city inspector must approve and inspect the installations, which must be completed on or after May 1. Homes built under codes requiring that sump pumps or backwater valves be installed at the time of building are not eligible for the subsidy. Full eligibility information and an application form are available on the city’s website at www.winnipeg.ca or by calling 311.

Published in Volume 65, Number 21 of The Uniter (March 3, 2011)