Episode 4 opens with exciting news, as the Winnipeg Sun has asked Marty Gold to become a regular Sunday columnist. It’s a result of the success of the TGCTS podcast, telling it like it is- with your support.
The first column, ‘Winnipeg transit like riding a bus in Gotham‘ explained how the new ‘transit cops’ aren’t actually going to arrest anyone, and won’t be turfing fare jumpers either.
5.00 Part 1 – Following up on our interview with Elmwood-East Kildonan Councilor Jason Schreyer about the perilous state of civic finances, we next delved into ward and city-wide issues.
– Schreyer has first-hand experience with foot patrols, and “will do whatever I can” to help them monitor crime and public safety in EK.
– “It’s pretty sensible” to review if the City should restore community-based policing to Elmwood.
He questions a decision made before he was elected to eliminate the 2 cop offices in the ward.
“I need to look at that,” Schreyer says. “Why shouldn’t we? It’s not getting any better. It’s a human right for people to feel safe in their neighborhood.”
Schreyer understands the fear people have at night, as he regularly walks the area around the Redwood bridge.
15:20 Part 2- Schreyer admits that councilors have STILL never been told that 99 parking spots are being erased for Coun. Matt Allard’s bike lanes on Goulet, Marion and Traverse.
He only learned about it from our investigation into a rigged Open House last year.
– Public consultation for the ‘Moving on Marion” project failed to consult area businesses or the St. Boniface Hospital- and Schreyer acknowledges seeing the resulting gridlock on Goulet that delays all traffic including ambulances. “Hopefully within the whole process of doing this, we learn from it.”
21.30 – Maintaining timely ambulance services isn’t ever considered by city planners, Coun. Schreyer observes.
– He was asked about a hearing he chaired discussing a new 220 unit housing proposal- with a projected average tenant age of 72- on Dawson Road South and Fermor Avenue in the southeast quadrant. Does the City consider how long it will take to the nearest ER?
“I can’t remember the last time they mentioned that … These are things that cannot be ignored. We didn’t build these hospitals for nothing.”
24.00- Schreyer is surprised the City is refusing to provide a 911 call to a grieving family after a subsequent suicide.
He’s baffled why they were refused because of an alleged privacy exemption – “I thought 911 calls were public”- and says he will welcome hearing from the family about their fight with City Hall.
– Schreyer concludes the interview by complimenting our ‘Let’s get right down ta business’ style of reporting:
“You’re hitting the issues. All your questions deserve answers. Let’s keep going.”
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It’s Summer time and that means more interviews, more street-level reporting, and more columns acting as YOUR VOICE in the Winnipeg Sun.
We ask questions no one else will, about things no one else wants to tell the public about. We don’t take a dime from federal subsidies and never will- but there’s a lot more work we can do, with proper financial resources. Now is the time.
We’re asking for friends and supporters to kick in with contributions to our $5600 funding campaign – with $800 raised already, we know Winnipeg recognizes how we fill the gap in the media landscape.
Every donation big or small will keep the lights on, cover transportation and office expenses, pay for equipment upgrades, so we can produce more reports and podcasts and add more features.
PLEASE- Take a moment to use our Donate page, or you can send Interac transfers, advertising inquiries, news tips and your comments, to [email protected]
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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- Marty will be hosting CWE wrestling events at the Vita Canada Day Festival on Sunday June 30 at 6pm, and at CFB Shilo at 8pm on July 1 starring “the Mountie” Jacques Rougeau !