Our public safety investigations continue with an exclusive interview in Episode 27, about a house on Watt Street in East Kildonan that has been the source of mayhem for years with no relief for area residents. It was the topic of our Winnipeg Sun column today– Five Bodies Later, Neighbours Sound Alarm Over Elmwood Flophouse.
You’ll hear a neighbour tell all about the constant drug and criminal activity around the rental property, the fear and intimidation everyone feels, and the lack of help they’ve gotten from the City and their councillor. Only a provincial justice department enforcement program brought a brief respite.
Part 1- Marty catches listeners up on his recent reports on how unsafe taking Winnipeg Transit has become, more controversy about a guest speaker the Winnipeg School Division already apologized for, and riverbank homeless encampments.
6.48 – Nightmare on Watt Street, is what the print headline said. More tips and details have poured in confirming it.
One clarification is required- the corner house in question actually falls a few blocks outside the traditional Elmwood border, which is not Munroe. Who knew?
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Part 2- Marty Gold has an exclusive interview with a homeowner in direct sight of a rental property that’s wreaking havoc on the peace of the neighborhood
In the last five years, the rooming house with a revolving door of troublemakers has only been quieted after seeking help under the provincial Safer Communities Act.
“Al” recites the laundry list of emergency police and fire response calls, arsons, harassment, filth and break-ins. He says he saw 5 deceased individuals lugged out of the flophouse in the last 18 or so months.
A constant coming and going of drug buyers, stolen bikes and thieves destroys the peace and quiet residents expect. His experience with a break-in to his garage illustrates the collapse of the justice system.
22.25– Al and a number of other residents claim that they sent messages and complaints to Councillor Jason Schreyer when calling 311 and police failed to produce a pro-active community safety initiative. From used needles near the schools to a mom and child harassed at the bus stop, public safety in EK is at serious risk, but Schreyer says he never got Al’s calls.
“I find that very hard to believe.”
Marty and Al talk about fires around the area including a hydro pole, and whether city administration is keeping information from councillors about problem spots in their own wards.
Coun. Schreyer told Marty he’s prepared to convene town halls about crime in the ward. Al suggests “he’ll get an earful.”
30.50 – Al also works downtown and see lots of incidents there too. He’s asked about Mayor Gillingham’s approach to criminal activity and deteriorating public safety.
“By far this is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” Al says, and complains “I never see anyone get arrested.” He also has criticism for Premier Wab Kinew- calling for more treatment and getting tougher on drug dealers.
40.00 Part 3- You’ll hear the frustrating experiences of other EK residents trying to get help from the authorities and Schreyer, and the councillor’s explanations and plan to now meet with the community.
Listen for the feedback to the Sun column, the scepticism now facing Schreyer, and a surprising tip about one of the deaths.
How badly is City Hall failing the good people in Elmwood and EK trying to raise their families and live in peace? Damn near 100%.
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The Season 5 Funding Drive is bumped up to $3555, as we head into the home stretch.
The costs of our interviews and investigations are paid for by you, members of the public who value aggressive, old-fashioned, Peter Warren-style reporting.
You can contribute to the campaign goal of $5600 by E-Transfer to [email protected], or by using the Donate tab at ActionLine.ca.