Our Communities

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Isla Taylor is the goalie with the St. James Rockets U11 A1 girls hockey team.

‘Like the sun on a rainy day’

Troy Westwood 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Isla Taylor is 10 years old and attends Sansome School in Westwood.

“My favorite class is gym,” she said. “My teacher, Ms. Paul, makes the day exciting and I love seeing my friends, doing sports council, and being a patrol.”

Isla loves school and she also really, really likes sports.

“I play hockey, swimming, tennis, golf, softball, and handball and I want to start ultimate and volleyball next,” she said.

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Make-A-Wish lights up the Gates

Emma Honeybun and Jesse Brogan STAFF REPORTER / Special to FP Community Review 4 minute read Preview

Make-A-Wish lights up the Gates

Emma Honeybun and Jesse Brogan STAFF REPORTER / Special to FP Community Review 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

The Gates on Roblin glowed with lights, sparkles and joy on Nov. 25 as several Wish Kids, accompanied by their families, piled into a banquet space to view their special Trees of Joy Christmas trees, created by Make-A-Wish Canada.

The trees had been decorated down to the finest detail with goodies and decorations pertaining to each child’s individual interests by several of Make-A-Wish Canada’s Trees of Joy partners, including the Winnipeg Police Service and the Winnipeg Jets. The specifications of each tree had been requested months in advance.

Once the children found their trees — which was easily done, considering how individual they were — they were given a ‘magic wand’ and watched the creations come to life in front of their eyes, all while applause and encouragement echoed throughout the room.

Trees of Joy events are held across Canada during the holiday season. Make-A-Wish paired Wish Kids with corporate donors to create holiday magic for families facing hard situations at a joyful time. The Gates on Roblin (6945 Roblin Blvd.) hosted the event free of charge.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Compost drop-off program ‘exceeded expectations’

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Compost drop-off program ‘exceeded expectations’

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

After a year of gathering food scraps, Compost Winnipeg is making a heap of difference.

Starting in October 2024, Compost Winnipeg has operated a citywide community food waste drop-off program, whereby residents can drop off food waste for no cost at 17 locations. As a result, over 345,700 kilograms of food waste was diverted from landfills after a year.

“It very much exceeded our expectations,” said Karrie Blackburn, sales and customer service lead with Compost Winnipeg. “When planning this, we anticipated two bins per site, but quickly most graduated to five, six, or seven, or in the case of Dakota Community Centre, nine bins, and as many as two collections per week. The program was well received by Winnipeggers, and respectfully, too.”

As a result, Compost Winnipeg is looking to expand the program by offering more places for food waste to be dropped off for composting.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

File photo by Simon Fuller
From left: Mandy Furney, general manager at Valley Gardens Community Centre (218 Antrim Rd.), and Karrie Blackburn, sales and customer service lead at Compost Winnipeg, are pictured in a 2025 file photo. The centre is one of 17 drop-off locations.

Committee denies application for front driveway

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Preview

Committee denies application for front driveway

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

The Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan community committee held a regular meeting on the morning of Nov. 24. Several plans for the area were discussed.

Notably, the committee denied plans for a non-conforming approach at 958 Alfred Ave., which would have allowed for the construction of a front driveway for a single-family home currently only accessible from the back lane.

“I am a senior living alone, and during the last year I have been mugged (twice) in the back lane upon leaving my house,” the applicant wrote.

“I have become very afraid of leaving or entering my home through the back-entrance driveway. I avoid going out or coming in after dark. In times past, I have also missed a doctor’s appointment due to snow and ice build-up in my back lane, and not being able to make it out on time.”

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

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The back lane behind a house on Alfred Avenue, where a senior resident claims to have have been mugged twice, resulting in the need for a front driveway. The plans were denied by the Lord Selkirk–West Kildonan community committee.

East edition news in brief — week of Dec. 3, 2025

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

East edition news in brief — week of Dec. 3, 2025

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Glenwood C.C. to hold Christmas market on Dec. 6

Glenwood Community Centre (27 Overton St.) will hold its annual Christmas craft and vendors market on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

More than 30 local vendors and crafters will be showcased, and tickets will be available for silent auction baskets. There will also be a craft zone for kids, organizers say.

Visit glenwoodcommunitycentre.com for more information.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

File photo by Simon Fuller
Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre will be holding its Breakfast with Santa event on Dec. 7. The centre is among the east Winnipeg-based facilities holding festive events in the next few weeks. Pictured in this file photo, from left, are NGCC’s executive assistant Carmelle Remillard and president Sean Fedorowich.

Pumpkin Promise proves a big success

— FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

Pumpkin Promise proves a big success

— FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

The numbers are in, and there’s proof positive Chris Okell’s Pumpkin Promise fundraiser portrays the power of the pumpkin.

This fall, the River Park South resident once again held the fundraiser at his southeast Winnipeg home, which included the display of massively sized, carved pumpkins and a fireworks display on Halloween.

He began the initiative more than a decade ago in memory of his mother, Marietta, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2010.

Okell recently presented a cheque to CancerCare Manitoba for $18,250, representing the fruit of his labours.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Supplied photo
Pictured, from left: CancerCare Manitoba’s Donna Laurin is presented with a cheque by Chris Okell.

City news in brief — week of Dec. 3, 2025

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Winnipeg

St. Amant’s gift wrap, coat check to run until Dec. 24

St. Amant Foundation’s 15th annual gift wrap and coat check is back in business at St. Vital Centre (1225 St. Mary’s Rd.).

The volunteer-staffed station gives holiday-season shoppers the chance to hang up their coats and shop in comfort, and to have their purchases wrapped in support of a good cause.

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Brighten up the holiday season at local events

Jesse Brogan Special to FP Community Review 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

It doesn’t feel or look much like it, but December is here and Headingley, Starbuck, and La Salle are hosting holiday events in the coming days and weeks.

Headingley Senior Services is holding its annual holiday luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at noon in the Headingley Community Centre (5353 Portage Ave). The $25 ticket covers a full holiday meal with turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, plus door prizes, a 50/50 draw and holiday games. Call 204-889-3132 for more information.

Starbuck Hall in Starbuck, Man., is hosting a ’50s themed holiday luncheon on Friday, Dec. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hall will be decorated for the holiday season, with little pink cars as centrepieces of each table, themed games such as Name that Tune and Get-to-Know-Each-Other Bingo will be played. Prizes will be awarded to those wearing best ’50s-inspired costumes. Call 204-736-2255 for more information.

Back in Headingley, the annual Christmas breakfast is a free event at Headingley Community Centre on Saturday, Dec. 6. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, bacon, and beverages, with gluten-free options also available. There will be pictures with Santa, prizes, a 50/50 raffle, children’s activities, and a special visit by A Living Fairytale, a locally owned family business specializing in children’s entertainment.

Picture perfect

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Picture perfect

Emma Honeybun STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Until Dec. 4, Red River College Polytechnic is hosting the Canadian World Photographic Exhibition, featuring work from shutterbugs across the country. Illuminated by overhead sunlight in the college’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae campus building (319 Elgin Ave.) in the Exchange District, the exhibit is a showcase of Team Canada’s entries in the 2025 World Photographic Cup, where it placed sixth overall.

The only entry from the flatland provinces, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, was Should I Stay or Should I Go, by RRC Polytech professional photography instructor, Jocelyne Hebert. Hebert has been teaching at the college for four years and graduated from the photography program herself in 2001.

The exhibition opened Nov. 20, and Hebert described the recognition as nothing short of “insane.”

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Photo by Emma Honeybun
Jocelyne Hebert (pictured), a photography instructor at RRC Polytech, was a member of Team Canada in the World Photographic Awards.

Windsor Park schools band together for good cause

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

Windsor Park schools band together for good cause

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Collège Beliveau and Windsor Park Collegiate recently held a collaborative charity auction in support of United Way Winnipeg. The event encouraged teachers and faculty to place bids on a selection of donated prizes, all of which were gone in a flash. This was the second annual edition of the event, according to Robbie Mager, principal at Windsor Park. Last year’s auction raised $8,000, while this year’s met the lofty goal of $10,000. Teacher Patrick Gagné (pictured) was the auctioneer.

“We’re trying to be as collaborative as possible,” Mager said, of the relationship between the two schools involved. “We hosted the event last year… we thought it would be awesome to reciprocate back (at Collège Beliveau).

“I think it’s amazing. It’s a great cause and true to our hearts. It’s fun to see all the different people who have donated their time, it was a great result,” Mager said.

“It was a great community event,” said Andrea Kolody, a Collège Beliveau teacher, adding that people “are not shy” to lend a helping hand to those in need.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Living the dream

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Living the dream

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Keylyn Filewich is living her dream.

The southwest Winnipeg native and basketball player has signed a contract with Östersund Basket in Sweden’s premier women’s basketball league, SBL Dam, marking her fourth season as a professional player.

Prior to her move to the Scandinavian nation, the former University of Winnipeg forward (who has also played centre during her career) spent time in Germany’s second tier with VfL VIACTIV-AstroLadies Bochum, where the team won the championship in her last year, when she also finished the season as MVP.

“When I finished in Germany, I wanted another chance to experience a different culture, and I had a teammate in Bochum who had played in Sweden and spoke very highly about the experience and bought into (head coach Max Tandberg Vall’s) vision,” Filewich, 27, said.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Supplied photo
Keylyn Filewich, pictured centre, is a south Winnipeg native who is earning a big reputation in professional women’s basketball. The 27-year-old has signed a professional contract with Östersund Basket in Sweden’s top premier women’s basketball league, SBL Dam.

Investing in our community

Doug Eyolfson 3 minute read Preview

Investing in our community

Doug Eyolfson 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Investing in Our Community: Budget 2025 Delivers for Winnipeg West

As we head into the holiday season, I want to send my warmest wishes to everyone across Winnipeg West. This time of year encourages us to pause and reflect on what matters most. I continue to be inspired by the generosity, resilience, and community spirit I see every day. Families have faced real challenges over the past year, and Budget 2025, which was presented in the House of Commons on Nov. 4, was shaped directly by the concerns many of you raised. I am proud that we passed this budget in the House so these investments can move forward and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Supporting affordability for families

Affordability remains the issue families raise with me most often, and the budget takes practical steps to ease daily financial pressure. A middle-class tax cut will save two-income households up to $840 a year. Continued investments in early learning and child care are lowering fees across the country and helping parents return to work with greater confidence. The Canadian dental care plan is expanding so more children and low-income households can receive essential dental care.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

On Nov. 12, at the Naawi-Oodena site, representatives of all three levels of government announced a Direct Build project which will create 320 new homes, with at least 40 per cent offered below market value to support families with moderate and median incomes. Pictured are (from left): Manitoba Housing Minister Bernadette Smith; Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr; Winnipeg West MP Doug Eyolfson, Saint Boniface – Saint Vital MP Ginette Lavack; Winnipeg mayor Scott Gillingham; Chief Gordon BlueSky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation.

Medinav: Making health care more accessible

Uzoma Asagwara 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Happy fall, Union Station!

Our government is committed to making health care more accessible for everyone — and that means giving folks the tools to get the right care, at the right time. One of the ways we’re doing that is through Medinav, Manitoba’s new online booking system for same-day and next-day appointments at participating clinics, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Medinav is simple, secure, and designed to keep emergency rooms and urgent care available for those who truly need it most. Instead of waiting hours in an emergency room for a non-emergency concern, you can book an appointment online and be seen quickly at a clinic. This helps reduce strain on hospitals and ensures critical care spaces stay open for emergencies.

Where can you book?

Bill 48 hurts those who need help the most

Mark Wasyliw 3 minute read Preview

Bill 48 hurts those who need help the most

Mark Wasyliw 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Bill 48: The Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act has now passed. I was the only MLA to vote against it.

The Kinew government is trying to sell this bill as compassion, as “treatment” for people struggling with substance and mental health issues. But anyone who reads the law or listens to the people most affected knows the truth. Bill 48 isn’t about treatment; it’s about jail.

Under this law, a non-violent Manitoban in the throes of addiction or a mental health crisis, someone who has committed no crime, can be arrested by police, stripped down to one layer of clothing, have their shoes, belt and personal property taken away and be denied the right to call a lawyer. They will be locked in a windowless, solitary confinement cell for up to 72 hours, sleeping on a thin mattress on a concrete floor, with the lights kept on 24 hours a day. They will not be allowed to shower or change their clothes. They will eat their meals just feet away from a toilet, on camera, with no privacy at all.

People who have lived through similar conditions describe them in one word: humiliating.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Free Press file photo
A room in the new sobering centre in Winnipeg.

Pool reopening marks significant investment

Matt Allard 3 minute read Preview

Pool reopening marks significant investment

Matt Allard 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

After being closed for extensive renovations, the Bonivital Pool, located at 1215 Archibald St., reopened to the public on Monday, Nov. 17.

There were two phases to renovations, and this was the second time since 2019 that the pool was closed. The first phase called for immediate, crucial repairs, and the just-completed second phase has made the facility accessible to all. Over $1 million was invested in the first phase, and $9.88 million in the second. In total, more than $10 million was invested in the last six years, marking a strong commitment to aquatic and recreation services in the St. Boniface ward and contributing to the overall health of the community. These investments will ensure the operation of the pool for decades to come.

On Nov. 19, I was pleased to join Mayor Scott Gillingham and Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas), who sits on council’s executive policy committee as chair of the community services committee, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the pool’s reopening.

The City of Winnipeg contributed $5.36 million toward this project. At the ceremony, we also recognized the Province of Manitoba’s $4.52 million contribution from the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community fund.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Supplied photo
St. Boniface city councillor Matt Allard joined Mayor Scott Gillingham and Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 19 to mark the reopening of Bonivital Pool.

Listening and learning together

Ginette Lavack 3 minute read Preview

Listening and learning together

Ginette Lavack 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

As we move from the vibrant colours of fall toward winter’s quiet beauty, I’ve been reflecting on the conversations and commitments that have shaped these past few months. Every day as your Member of Parliament, I’m reminded that progress begins with listening — and that the heart of Saint Boniface – Saint Vital is its people.

This fall, I’ve been focused on strengthening ties between federal programs and local needs. As parliamentary secretary to the Indigenous Services Minister, I’ve been meeting with Indigenous leaders and groups, and am learning about the important work they are doing to ensure clean water, safe housing, and reliable infrastructure for their communities.

In Parliament, I was proud to vote in favour of Bill C-3, which amends the Citizenship Act to make our system more inclusive and responsive. I also spoke about gender-based violence and the urgent need to protect Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people — a reality that demands action and compassion.

Here at home, and in Ottawa, I’ve been engaging with groups both local and national in scope on issues that matter most – affordability, housing, and cultural vitality. These conversations guide my advocacy in Ottawa. Whether it’s supporting programs that help families manage rising costs or championing initiatives that celebrate our Franco-Manitoban heritage, my focus remains on strengthening the fabric of our community.

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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

December 6, 2025