A round-up of our recent podcasts and columns in the Winnipeg Sun opens Episode 5, and then we review a warning from a West End business owner that “The city feels more like Gotham every day.”
In Part 1 – you’ll hear how, as predicted by our guest last Sunday, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region lost another 2 members this week and are down to only 10 dues-paying municipalities in the aftermath of the failed Plan20-50.
Plus, a little insight into our exclusive in the Sun about a letter that Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine sent to the General Child and Family Services Authority that resulted in the top two GA directors tabling their resignations.
18.08 Part 2– With over 500 incidents requiring city Fire and Paramedic crews to attend to homeless encampments and almost 800 derelict buildings boarded up, Winnipeg is in a serious decline. An open letter from the Executive Director of the Sargent Business Community explained the effect on small businesses like his.
“Crime is running rampant in our city,” wrote Michael Paille. “We should not have to put our staff through self-defense courses just to work in retail. “
“Dealing with shoplifting, vandalism, and violence is not something a business should have to handle alone,” Paille stated, but when he evaluated police staffing numbers, he realized that despite a population increase of 200,000 in the last 15 years, there are almost 50 fewer cops.
“Seniors are being attacked in parking lots, stabbings occur in Walmarts, and drug deals are now as common as a hot dog vendor on a street corner. Where is it safe? You can’t even go shopping without fearing for your life. The city feels more like Gotham every day.”
Listen to the challenges facing businesses like Paille’s, and his argument that “We do not need safe injection sites or vans giving out needles.”
Instead, he believes, “We need to help these people with addiction through community programs and support units that focus on helping them leave drugs and gangs behind to be part of this great city.”
Coming up in the Sunday Sun– City councillors are scrambling after hard questions were asked about their responsibilities for the proposed drug injection facility at 366 Henry Avenue.
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– PLAN AHEAD FOR VALENTINE’S DAY: Marty will be hosting the 17th Anniversary event as Canadian Wrestling’s Elite kicks off the celebration tour across Western Canada on February 14th at the beautiful Ukrainian Labour Temple hall.
It’s an action-packed night of fun family-friendly sports entertainment with championships on the line and a special tag team match featuring the international star, ‘British Bulldog’ Davey Boy Smith Jr.!
We have a limited number of discount-priced CWE tickets for our readers and listeners – and as a bonus- every order will come with a limited edition “Dr. Marty Goldstein” Trading Card!
Email martygoldlive@gmail.com to get your tickets and enjoy a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day!