Local News Briefs

Google to map Winnipeg bike paths

Google will launch Google Bike Directions as part of its popular mapping service for Winnipeg bikers this week, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. Although the city’s website already lists bike trails, cycling enthusiasts say Google will popularize biking infrastructure many people simply don’t know about. The bike direction service will join Google Maps, and different coloured and weighted lines will indicate bike-only paths, areas with dedicated bike lanes and other streets safe to ride on. The program will also be launched in other major Canadian cities, like Toronto and Vancouver.

Snow-clearing budget melting away

The City of Winnipeg may have to exceed its 2010 snow-clearing budget if this snowy weather persists. The Winnipeg Free Press reported that the city budgeted $31 million to clear streets, sidewalks and back lanes, but most has already been spent, leaving only $1 million for all of December. Though the coffers may be draining, a city manager said cleaning will continue to keep streets safe. Funding would then come from a budget surplus or the general purpose reserve. As of Nov. 25, 37.4 centimetres of snow has fallen, 75 per cent more than the 21-centimetre November average.

Care home abuse brought to light

A Winnipeg family claims their father suffered abuse at the Charleswood Care Centre, including being allegedly laughed at by staff and having unexplained wounds. Both Manitoba Liberal leader Jon Gerrard and the man’s daughter wrote to health minister Theresa Oswald to complain, the Winnipeg Free Press reports, but say Oswald never responded. Oswald said she responded promptly and assured Manitobans that all health care abuse reports would be reviewed. Hospital and care workers must legally report abuse to the Protection of Persons in Care Office, but neither the family nor the care home had filed any reports. The care home passed its April inspection and records suggest the man had fallen.

Extra cash for bike and pedestrian projects

The city will spend an extra $3 million to complete delayed active-transportation projects, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. Unexpected costs added $3 million to the price tag of 36 bike and pedestrian upgrades. All three levels of government funded the projects equally through infrastructure stimulus agreements, but the initial $20.4-million cost rose to $21.8 million. The city cannot transfer federal and provincial cash from project to project, so $1 million of unused Kenaston Underpass money and $2 million of the 2011 budget will help complete five bikeways and multi-use paths.

Future of Canad Inns Stadium uncertain

The Canad Inns Stadium could be replaced with housing, retail stores and businesses instead of a luxury mall should David Asper’s Creswin Properties leave a new football stadium deal. The Winnipeg Free Press reported Mayor Sam Katz and Premier Greg Selinger are considering a multi-use facility where the current stadium stands. Rising costs of a new stadium to be built at the University of Manitoba has caused the Creswin controversy. If the company stays with the initial deal, Creswin would build a luxury mall on the former stadium to pay back a loan used for building the new one. The new stadium is slated to be funded by the city and province, Creswin, Winnipeg Football Club and the U of M.

Published in Volume 65, Number 14 of The Uniter (December 2, 2010)

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