Community Correspondents – Our Communities

Free Press file photo
Winnipeg Transit recently introduced 60-foot battery fuelled buses to its fleet.

Out with the old, in with the new

Andrew Braga 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

After spending decades deteriorating on shelves at Winnipeg Transit’s complex in South Osborne, 26 binders containing thousands of photos spanning 123 years of history have been handed over to the city’s archives.

The photos document the complete history of changes to Winnipeg Transit’s system and fleet – from horsecars in the 1880s to electric cars in the 1890s up to the many iterations of diesel-powered buses that became ubiquitous here and around the world. The most recent photo is from 2005.

Fitting, perhaps, that they should be sent to the archives now. The first fuel cell buses in Transit’s fleet hit city streets about two months ago, and the first two 60-foot-long, battery-fuelled articulating buses just last week.

Also fitting is that their charging station is at the same complex where the photos sat gathering dust in South Osborne, on the same street where the first electric car took its experimental inaugural run on Jan. 28, 1891.

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Reflection helps instill life lessons

Donna Minkus 3 minute read Preview

Reflection helps instill life lessons

Donna Minkus 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

The end of January is a little late to be making New Year resolutions – most of which would have been broken by now anyway.

So instead of resolutions, I decided I would reflect on some things I learned during the past year. Some are the consequence of growing older –and while I’d like to say wiser, that might up for debate. Others were brought about by circumstances, and particularly the death of my brother Roger, who suffered much more than anyone should have to; leaving me to question beliefs I’ve held all my life. A parallel lesson involves letting go of perceived notions of fairness; telling people how you feel about that while they are still with us; and trying to find peace in life.

Without getting into specifics, here are some general comments about how I dealt with these issues and what I learned, in the hope that these will lighten the burden for others who may share them or something similar.

Life lesson No. 1: Make life matter. As we age, we think more about what our life represents. During our working years, we have little time or energy to think about what we’ll do when we have time. But after years of golf and whatever, many people feel something is missing. That something could be purpose. Volunteering or finding other ways to contribute to society can help with this. For me, it involves activism and shedding light on injustices – to people and animals – by writing about the need for change.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

Adobe Stock photo
Reflection oftens leads to valuable conclusions.

Working toward a new global order

Ben Carr 3 minute read Preview

Working toward a new global order

Ben Carr 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

After a nice break from Ottawa that allowed for time in the riding to catch up with constituents and visit with family, I was ready to get back to Parliament. I brought with me the voices, concerns, and priorities I heard from constituents over the past few months. Time spent at home in the community is grounding, and it sharpens my focus on what matters to folks. I am eager to bring local perspectives to the national table as the chair of the Prairies and North caucus and advancing the issues that matter most to families and communities in the House of Commons and in committee.

Recently, Prime Minister Carney delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that I believe will be regarded as one of the most consequential of our century. I strongly encourage those who have not seen it to take a look. The prime minister highlighted the realities that Canada and the world face today, in light of a rapidly shifting global order, and the role we can, and must, play to remain strong in the face of it.

Some of the key messages from the speech include the following:

“Canadians know that our old, comfortable assumption that our geography and alliance memberships automatically conferred prosperity and security is no longer valid.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

Supplied photo
Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr, pictured here with Prime Minister Mark Carney, believes Carney’s speech in Davos was one of the most consequential of this century.

Supporting Manitoba’s living history

Nahanni Fontaine 3 minute read Preview

Supporting Manitoba’s living history

Nahanni Fontaine 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

I am pleased to celebrate two important cultural institutions in our community, the Seven Oaks House Museum and the Polish Canadian Museum and Archives, both of which play a vital role in preserving the stories that shape our province. These organizations recently marked meaningful milestones and received support through the heritage grants program, helping ensure their important work can continue far into the future.

The Seven Oaks House Museum holds a special place in Winnipeg’s history. As the oldest surviving home in the city, it offers a powerful connection to Winnipeg’s earliest days and honours the families whose contributions helped build our communities. The site reflects the legacy of John and Mary Inkster and their Scottish Métis family, whose home was deeply woven into the growth of what would become our city.

Today, the museum serves as a place of learning and reflection, where the past is preserved through historic structures and Red River architecture. It offers Manitobans the opportunity to better understand daily life in the 19th century and the foundations upon which our province was built. I encourage everyone not to miss the chance to visit this important piece of our shared history when the museum opens again during May long weekend.

I also want to uplift the Polish Canadian Museum and Archives, formerly known as the Ogniwo Polish Museum, which proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. Located here in St. John’s, the museum has spent four decades protecting and sharing Polish Canadian histories through a growing collection shaped by community generosity and care.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

Free Press file photo
The Seven Oaks House Museum is the oldest surviving home in Winnipeg.

Aging and the modern age

Beatrice Watson 3 minute read Preview

Aging and the modern age

Beatrice Watson 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

Is there anything modern about aging? I do not think so. Since time immemorial, age has been the daunting problem no one could solve. Not getting old yet living a long life and looking fresh and youthful is still the dream. We often feel discouraged by wrinkles, sagging arms, or any evidence of aging – except when applying for jobs, when we suddenly want our years of experience to matter.

Many people are anxious about aging and dying, especially about losing independence or living in a care facility.

When I was young, growing up in a village in Guyana, 65 years was old, ancient — 70 was winning the longevity jackpot. Today, 65 is the new 45. We are living longer and with this comes an explosion of age-related issues, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s and other chronic or debilitating conditions.

In my circle of friends, which is mostly immigrant women, there is concern about entering a long-term care facility or having the wrong gender of health-care workers assigned to provide personal care. Older women often talk about feeling afraid when someone, especially a young man, participates in their personal care – such as bathing or changing diapers. To address these concerns, women should have confidence in their personal care choices. We are at a vulnerable stage and need peace of mind, not extra stress. Allowing older adults to choose their caregivers helps protect their dignity, particularly when they do not have anyone else to speak up for them. However, male workers might interpret such choices as unfair treatment under the Manitoba human rights laws. I do not have the answer to this, but these women would like to be accommodated.

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Yesterday at 2:01 AM CST

Adobe Stock
Getting older is daunting for the best of us but correspondent Beatrice Watson reminds us to value every moment of life.

Health care the biggest issue Manitobans face

Cindy Lamoureux 3 minute read Preview

Health care the biggest issue Manitobans face

Cindy Lamoureux 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

All too regularly we read news accounts of negative patient experiences, struggling and overworked health-care staff and, sadly, deaths of patients waiting for care. All of these things affect our likelihood to seek medical attention, and they do not do justice to the good experiences and good work that is being done in our hospitals and emergency rooms.

The NDP ran on a promise to “fix” health care, blaming everything bad on previous PC government cuts and mismanagement. That said, this government is now two-and-a-half years into its mandate and billboards around Winnipeg still read “Same Shift…Different Day” – a point that is underlined by the continued stories in the news.

The federal government is investing tens of millions of dollars in Manitoba (and other provinces) to support health-care infrastructure. I believe there is a golden opportunity for the province to use some of this money to reopen the Seven Oaks Hospital emergency room. This is something the NDP government promised during the election campaign and it is badly needed in the North End.

The government is good at saying it is listening, but there has been little action. While it campaigned on reopening the ER at Seven Oaks hospital, there is no timeline, announcement, commitment or even sketched-out plan.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Free Press file photo
If Winnipeg hospitals are considered unsafe by nurses, we can infer they are also unsafe for patients and visitors.

Building connections in River Park South

Billie Cross 3 minute read Preview

Building connections in River Park South

Billie Cross 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

As we begin a new year, I want to wish everyone in River Park South, and across Seine River, a very happy and healthy 2026. The start of a new year is always a great time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and to look ahead to the moments that will bring us together in the months to come.

A big part of that foundation comes from the work of the River Park South Community Association. Through its efforts, our community continues to be a place where people feel valued, supported, and proud to call home.

Throughout 2025, the River Park South Community Association was busy bringing neighbours together with a variety of community events. These included a spring craft sale with nearly 30 local vendors, the community garage sale in June, and the association’s annual general meeting. Each gathering offered residents a chance to connect and take part in community life.

The association also hosted its annual Canada Day celebration, which continues to be the largest event of the year. In the fall, a meet-and-greet was held for the Louis Riel School Division trustee by‑election nominees, and during the holiday season, the association sponsored four families through the Christmas Cheer Board’s hamper program. I was proud to support this program by serving as a drop-off location for donations.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Supplied photo
Billie Cross, MLA for Seine River, celebrating Canada Day 2025 with board members of the River Park South Community Association.

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Celebrating St. Norbert’s heritage

Billie Cross 3 minute read Preview

Celebrating St. Norbert’s heritage

Billie Cross 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and is feeling refreshed as we welcome the New Year. As we begin 2026, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on the rich heritage and culture of our community here in St. Norbert.

Each year, our friends at the St. Norbert Community Centre proudly host St. Norbert Heritage Days, a beloved winter tradition that brings neighbours together to celebrate our shared history. This year’s Heritage Days will be held on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7, and will feature activities for all ages, including an incredible baked potato buffet.

The first evening kicks off with a beer garden and live bands, making it a perfect Friday night out with friends. Guests can also enjoy hearty comfort foods ideal for a cold winter day, such as soups and tourtière.

Day two offers fun for the whole family, beginning with a delicious pancake breakfast in the morning. In the afternoon, community members can gather around a bonfire to warm up and spend time with neighbours, followed by a fireworks display to cap off the celebrations.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

St. Norbert C.C.
St. Norbert Heritage Days runs Feb. 6 and 7, featuring activities for the whole family.

Better health care for Riel

Mike Moyes 3 minute read Preview

Better health care for Riel

Mike Moyes 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

As your MLA for Riel, I’m pleased to share several important developments that will strengthen health care access, support older adults, and make everyday interactions with our health system simpler and more reliable for families across Manitoba.

One of the most significant steps forward is the creation of the Manitoba seniors’ advocate, an independent office dedicated to ensuring older adults receive the support, dignity, and care they deserve. The seniors’ advocate will provide a clear, trusted voice who will be monitoring services, identifying gaps, and advocating for improvements across housing, health care, transportation, and social supports. This is an important commitment to transparency and accountability, and it reflects what many of you have told me – seniors deserve a champion who is fully focused on their wellbeing.

We are also modernizing how Manitobans access their health information with the launch of the digital health card; this follows the shift to a plastic health card last year. This secure, convenient option allows you to carry your Manitoba Health coverage right on your smartphone. For families juggling multiple cards, or anyone who has ever misplaced one, this is a practical improvement that brings our health system into the digital age. Instructions for obtaining both the digital and plastic cards are on the Manitoba Health website – www.gov.mb.ca/health – or you can always contact my office for assistance.

The province has also introduced www.MediNav.ca, an online system designed to make booking medical appointments faster and more user friendly. MediNav allows you to search for available appointments, manage bookings, and receive reminders, all in one place. This is part of a broader effort to reduce frustration, cut down on phone line wait times, and give Manitobans more control over their own care.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Supplied photo
Riel MLA Mike Moyes, minister of environment and climate change, shared some laughs during Dakota Collegiate’s seniors night

CBC’s St. James connections

Fred Morris 3 minute read Preview

CBC’s St. James connections

Fred Morris 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

During the summer of 2025, I was interviewed at the CBC studio at 541 Portage Ave. about restoring proper bus service to the Grace Hospital. I immediately thought of the many St. James connections to our national broadcaster.

CBWT television went on the air for the first time on May 31, 1954, and many residents of St. James-Assiniboia have worked there over the years.

The first weather man was Ed Russenholt. For the next eight years, Ed became famous for concluding his weather report by drawing a heart over Winnipeg in the middle of Canada on his weather map. In 1968, Ed wrote The Heart of the Continent: Being the History of Assiniboia - the Truly Typical Canadian Community, which detailed the history of Assiniboia from 1811-1945. Scott Oake a Gemini Award-winning sportscaster, his late wife Anne and son Darcy spearheaded the construction of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre on Hamilton Avenue The facility is named in memory of the Oakes’ oldest son, Bruce, who died of a drug overdose.

During the 1940s, Gladys Whitehead sang as a soloist with Geoffrey Waddington’s CBC Orchestra. Ernie Mutimer produced the Red River Jamboree in the 1950s. Donna Andert was a singer on radio and TV who was often featured at Chan’s Moon Cabaret on Main Street. Howie Swan performed on a CBC Radio show called the Red River Barn Dance.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Supplied photo
Peter Mansbridge, former host of CBC TV’s The National, was one of many St. James–Assiniboia residents who worked for CBC Manitoba.

In the arms of the angel

Heather Innis 2 minute read Preview

In the arms of the angel

Heather Innis 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

We can’t see them, hear them or touch them. But I truly believe in guardian angels.

For some context – 2025 was a rough year for my family. My teenage daughter (who gave me permission to write about this), was born with a congenital heart condition and required multiple surgeries as a newborn. This past year, she spent over a month in the hospital which culminated in flying to Edmonton for another open heart surgery last fall. The fact that now – after numerous visits to children’s emergency, infections, complications, and a late-night ambulance ride to the hospital – she is still able to do all the teenager-y things she loves to do, such as go to the mall and hang out with friends is evidence enough for me that guardian angels must exist.

If more proof is needed, we were recently driving home after a cardiac appointment at the HSC Children’s Heart Centre and were stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I inched forward slowly, as the roads were very icy. Halfway through the intersection, a van suddenly sped through the red light, crossing right in front of us.

If we had started moving even a few milliseconds earlier, that van would have slammed right into the passenger side of our car – right where my daughter, still recuperating from her open heart surgery, was sitting.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Adobe Stock illustration
Correspondent Heather Innis needs no further proof that an angel looks out for her daughter.

Fresh fruit and vegetables for Chalmers

Susan Huebert 3 minute read Preview

Fresh fruit and vegetables for Chalmers

Susan Huebert 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Being able to find groceries, especially fresh food, is essential for people in any neighbourhood. For residents of Elmwood and Glenelm, a recent Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation event offering free fruit and vegetables was a good chance to stock up on these necessary food items.

According to a Dec. 4, 2025, Free Press article by Ian Bickis, researchers with the Food Price Report predicted an inflation rate of up to three per cent for fruit and six per cent for vegetables in 2026, which will add almost $1,000 in costs for a family of four. In Elmwood, the problem of high costs is exacerbated by limited access to fresh food.

The Winnipeg Foundation’s website notes that Glenelm, Chalmers, and Elmwood are food deserts, where “residents face significant barriers to obtaining fresh, nutritious food.” Although the RNJ Supermarket recently opened its doors, fresh food at the store is still somewhat limited.

For some residents of the area, the Better Access to Groceries (BAG) program is a good way of getting the food they need for nutritious meals. With smaller bags for a family of three to four people costing $5, and larger bags for five to six people costing $10, the program provides nutritious food for many people. For people unable to manage the cost or the amount of food they would receive a new food rescue program could be the answer.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Photo by Susan Huebert
On Jan. 5, the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation offered free, rescued fruit and vegetables to neighbourhood residents.

Kudos to the young around us

Anne Yanchyshyn 3 minute read Preview

Kudos to the young around us

Anne Yanchyshyn 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

In 2024 I wrote in glowing terms about the Grade 12 students at St. Vital’s Collège Jeanne-Sauve entertained our Dakota House seniors with dancing, conversation, laughter and food. It was an ‘event.’

Likewise, I’ve written about students at Dakota Collegiate annually entertaining a gym full of St. Vital seniors with a mix of musical numbers, laughter, dainties and a draw-by-number prize

Recently, 20 Grade 5 and 6 students from Victor Mager School walked to our dwelling and back to meet and chat with seniors. They gifted us each with a pen, pamphlet, and a hand-drawn, framed picture. Mine read “Be kind to others.” It was inspiring to see.

So why not write up the young people who work at preparing and serving food at Dakota House?

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Photo by Anne Yanchyshyn
The staff and servers at Dakota House (some of whom are pictured here) are very much appreciated by the residents.

Gritty Sports is a family affair

Louise Hedman 3 minute read Preview

Gritty Sports is a family affair

Louise Hedman 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

A new sports store arrived in East Winnipeg late last summer, located at Unit 6, 1500 Regent Ave. West.

Tracey Wilkinson and her sister, Carrie Kull, grew up in Transcona, skating at the East End Arena, playing ringette, and volunteering alongside their parents in almost every role the community needed. That early involvement fostered in them a lifelong connection to sport and a dedication to giving back. Today, Carrie is the heart of Gritty Sports, keeping the shop organized and running smoothly, while continuing the family tradition of supporting youth and local sport – and she will always greet you with a smile.

Tracey and her husband, Brent, have remained deeply involved in local youth sports. Together, they founded the Manitoba Timberwolves, a non-profit youth hockey organization, and have organized popular 3-on-3 hockey tournaments beloved by kids across Winnipeg. Brent has coached hockey, baseball, and mountain biking, and has become a trusted, friendly presence at Spring Hill. He has also earned a strong reputation as a Blademaster skate sharpener, known for his precision and skill.

The Wilkinsons raised their three boys — a 15-year-old and 14-year-old twins — in a highly active sports environment. Over the years, the boys spent their winters at Gateway Arena, fully immersed in hockey practices, games, volunteer shifts, and building friendships. They now spend time helping out at Gritty, making the store a true family operation. Snowboarding, mountain biking, and outdoor activity have always been central to the family’s lifestyle. Adding to the fun and warmth of the shop is everyone’s favorite dog, Bo Bichette, a cavapoo who brings smiles to customers every day.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Supplied photo
Gritty Sports is located at Unit 6, 1500 Regent Ave. W.

Orpheum Theatre brought future stars to town

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Preview

Orpheum Theatre brought future stars to town

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Winnipeg’s Orpheum Theatre closed its doors 80 years ago this week. During its time as a vaudeville house, it hosted many acts who would go on to be top stars.

The California-based Orpheum Company owned a chain of theatres in the U.S. and had associate agreements with several U.K. venues. Winnipeg was its first venture into Canada.

Orpheum’s Winnipeg theatre opened on March 13, 1911, on the east side of Fort Street between Portage and Graham avenues. It seated 1,875 patrons and its in-house orchestra was said to be the largest in the city.

Each week, a new travelling show featuring several acts arrived. The fare was typical of vaudeville with a mix of dancers, singers, musicians, acrobats, comedians, and the odd animal show.

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Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

Robert McInnes postcard collection
The Orpheum Theatre on Fort Street is depicted in this undated photo.

Stepping up for our neighbours

Doug Eyolfson 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

As we begin 2026, I want to thank the people of Winnipeg West for the care and kindness you show one another. Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded that what makes our community strong is how we step up for our neighbours, especially during the winter months.

That spirit is at the heart of the winter clothing drive supported by my constituency office in partnership with the St. James Assiniboia 55-plus Centre. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, and winter can be especially challenging. A warm coat, mitts, or a scarf can make a real difference. I am grateful to everyone who donated or helped spread the word. This is neighbours supporting neighbours in the truest sense.

Like many of you, I have been troubled by recent acts of vandalism in our city, including at Congregation Shaarey Zedek and Habibiz Cafe, a Palestinian-owned local business. While these incidents did not happen in Winnipeg West, they affected people across Winnipeg and surrounding municipalities. Hate and intimidation, no matter who they target, have no place in our community. We are strongest when we reject division and choose respect, understanding, and compassion.

In December, I had the privilege of celebrating Hanukkah at the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Learning Centre. At a time when anti-semitism is rising both at home and abroad, moments such as these are powerful reminders of the importance of faith, resilience, and showing up for one another. Hanukkah’s message of bringing light forward together feels especially meaningful right now.

February 5, 2026