Downtown Buzz

What's going on at the ACCU today? Every time I went it there the line up was a mile long, so I have to wait until Tomorrow. Yeah, I am one of those people who can never find my bank card when I need one, so I end up in the like and that's not good when you have only one hour lunch period. Today I had two hours but the time went pretty quickly with all the errands I had to run. I just couldn't stand in line.

There are lots of parking available downtown since Govt announced it is weaning civil servants from practically free parking. Don't know how long this will last as some of us are addicted to driving no matter what.

It did not take very long for the parking companies to jack their prices up so every one's scrambling. I imagine they are weighing their options to pay big bucks for parking, ride a bicycle or take the bus. I believe more people should take alternative transportation - like walking or riding or even taking the bus. It is good for the environment and good for our health.

Believe me when I tell you we are getting fatter on unhealthy foods in the city. I walk around a lot and every two person I see is over weight, every 5 person is obese. So do yourself a favour let's get off our fat behinds and start walking. I do not recommend going to gym and paying money to do something you can do for free. Exercise with a purpose - walk or ride to work.

Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux works with a young helper to release hundreds of ladybugs that will help keep the plants in the new Millennium Library Park, that opened today, healthy and environmentally friendly.

July 20, 2012

MILLENNIUM LIBRARY PARK OFFICIALLY OPENS

Winnipeg, MB – A beautiful and inviting urban green space has come to life behind the Millennium Library in downtown Winnipeg. The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister for Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and other dignitaries, gathered today to officially open the park.
This active and viable green space includes a Learning Commons, Urban Wetland, Millennium Plaza and Prairie Garden. The City and Downtown BIZ will work together to offer educational and cultural programming, as well as recreational and entertainment events.
Under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), the joint federal-provincial-municipal funding to the Millennium Library Park totals $2.1 million ($700,000 from each level of government).
“The new Millennium Library Park is an example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity here in Winnipeg,” said Minister Toews. “By investing in community spaces and local infrastructure, we are securing the continued success of our cities while providing a solid platform for future growth.”‪
“Library resources are a gift to the mind, and this new park is a gift to our spirit of wellbeing by providing a relaxing atmosphere where people and families can enjoy and appreciate nature in the midst of Winnipeg’s downtown,” said Minister Lemieux. “A successful partnership toward a common goal has made the merging of these two gifts possible.”
“I hope Winnipeggers will visit this new outdoor space now that it has been entirely revitalized,” said Mayor Katz. “This new urban green space is a wonderful complement to the Millennium Library and will be a welcome oasis for downtown workers and visitors alike.”
The Millennium Library Park redevelopment was spearheaded by the Winnipeg Library Foundation, which has worked to raise funds to enhance Winnipeg Public Library programs and services for over 15 years. This initiative is the Foundation’s largest project since the redevelopment of the Millennium Library in 2005. Fundraising is continuing for additional enhancements to the park, and opportunities are still available for corporate or individual sponsorship of some significant park features.
“We know that projects like Millennium Library Park don’t happen without the support and cooperation of elected officials, civic leaders and concerned citizens,” said Karen Keppler, past chair of the Winnipeg Library Foundation. “Once again, it’s gratifying to see years of hard work pay off and we are so grateful for all the people who helped make it happen.”
Two public artworks, emptyful and Sentinel of Truth, are also integral to the revitalization of the park. These works, created through the Winnipeg Arts Council, were conceived of and planned as part of the project from the very beginning of the renovation process.
“Including art in the planning of public spaces is a sure sign that Winnipeg continues to be an enlightened and progressive city,” said Laird Rankin, a representative of the Winnipeg Arts Council. “One of the Council’s goals is to provide the citizens of Winnipeg with access to the arts.  Emptyful does this in a big way, both literally and figuratively.”
The Downtown BIZ co-ordinates many events and programs in the downtown each year. With the opening of the Millennium Library Park, the BIZ sees ongoing opportunities to co-ordinate
programming efforts with groups such as the Millennium Library – with initiatives and events like our Out to Lunch concert series and Yoga and Zumba in the Park – helping support a collective vision in making the downtown a vibrant and engaging place to work, shop, live and play.
“Green spaces like the Millennium Library Park help foster connections between communities and the natural environment, allowing for a more breathable and liveable city,” said Stefano Grande, executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “The Millennium Library Park will positively shape and re-energize our downtown, playing an important role in providing families, youth, students and kids a place to learn, play, hang out and share experiences.”

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Assaults in the Winnipeg Downtown

You may have heard about two women in the area around CityPlace being assaulted (one sexually) by a young aboriginal male

http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2009/11/02/11611246.html

You should know that these incidents:

1. Occurred in the stairwell between the CTV building and the CityPlace parkade located on Hargrave across from MTS centre.
2. Occurred very quickly and, while disturbing, were not of a serious or violent nature.
3. The suspect fled the scene quickly.
As a result MTS Centre Security are increasing their patrols in that area.
This is a reminder that staff should take reasonable and normal precautions when outside the office either on breaks, or walking to or from our offices.
Plan your route
Travel along well lit, busy routes - avoid shortcuts down alleys
Know where to go for help
Plan to travel with a group or make use of the Safewalk program: Downtown Biz Safewalk Program at 958-4627 (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday noon to 11 p.m.)
While on route
Don't display purses, IPods, jewelry or other valuables
Walk quickly and with purpose
Pay attention to your surroundings
If alone, walk or wait near others
Keep your distance from doorways or other locations where someone could hide
Trust your instincts - avoid persons or situations that might be a problem
Going to your car
Park in well lit areas
Have your keys ready
Check inside vehicle before getting in

Thanks

Paul Robinson
Risk Management Specialist

Manitoba Public Insurance
711 – 234 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 4A4

Office 204.985.7162 Mobile 204.781.8893 Fax 204.985.8058


Monday, November 2, 2009
PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS - PUBLIC ADVISORY
On October 26, 2009 at approximately 5:00 p.m., a 33 year old female was struck in the lower body by an unknown male while exiting a building in the 300 block of Graham Avenue. The suspect then fled the area. The victim did not require medical attention.

On October 29, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a 30 year old female was physically and sexually assaulted while exiting a building in the 200 block of Hargrave Street. The victim screamed for help and the suspect fled. She was not injured as a result of the assault.

It is believed that same suspect may be responsible for both assaults. Due to the close proximity of the assaults, police would like to advise the public to be mindful of their surroundings and personal safety at all times.

The suspect is described as a male, Aboriginal in appearance, 14-16 years of age, 5’03”-5’06” tall, weighing approximately 130-140 pounds with a thin build and had short dark cropped hair.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect or the incidents is asked to contact investigators at 986-8430 or CrimeStoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).