Free Press Community Review: East

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Photo by RoseAnna Schick
The Twelve Apostles are a famous rock formation situated along the Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Exploring Australia’s Great Ocean Road

RoseAnna Schick 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026

People who like road trips will love the Great Ocean Road in the southeastern Australian province of Victoria. Known as one of the world’s most stunning drives, it features dazzling scenery of white beaches, coastal cliffs, lush forests, and spectacular natural formations.

Construction on the road began in 1919, when servicemen returned home from the First World War. Carved through rock and hugging the coastline for over 240 kilometres, the Great Ocean Road took more than a decade to complete and was dedicated in honour Australia’s fallen soldiers. Today, it’s considered the world’s largest war memorial.

The Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay, a town southwest of Melbourne. From there it stretches west along the shoreline to Allansford, passing through coastal towns with fascinating attractions and incredible views.

Torquay is famous for surf culture and being the birthplace of some of surfing’s most iconic brands. It delivers the quintessential Australian seaside experience, with an atmosphere that mixes bougie and beach culture, blending laid‑back coastal vibes with world‑class beaches. It’s a great place to learn how to surf, with several schools offering group and private lessons from beginner right on up. While the rest of us quietly sip coffee on the nearest patio and enjoy watching surfers carve up the waves.

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Plans for a mixed-use residential and commercial development on Ravenhurst Street, which will include 11 townhouse-style buildings, including 47 two-storey townhouses with garages and nine single-storey townhouses without garages, and one 10,000 square foot commercial building, were approved by the East Kildonan-Transcona community committee on April 9.

New housing approved across northeast

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

New housing approved across northeast

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee held a regular meeting April 9.

All three councillors — Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), Emma Durand-Wood (Elmwood-East Kildonan), and Russ Wyatt (Transcona) — were present at the meeting. Wyatt currently faces criminal charges of sexual assault and administering a drug with intent to aggrieve or annoy, which have yet to be proved in court. He maintains he is innocent.

During the regular meeting, a number of development plans were discussed.

Plans for a mixed-use residential and commercial development on Ravenhurst Street, which will include 11 townhouse-style buildings, including 47 two-storey townhouses with garages and nine single-storey townhouses without garages, and one 10,000 square foot commercial building, were approved by the committee, with two small changes. A steel bike loop will be installed at each unit lacking a garage, and 24 additional coniferous trees will be planted among the north and east boundary landscaping.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

File photo by Simon Fuller
LRATC’s annual cure-a-thon will be held at the Windsor Park-based school on April 30. In this 2024 file photo, former hairstyling students Kayleigh and Sudip are pictured.

East edition news in brief – week of April 15, 2026

FR Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

East edition news in brief – week of April 15, 2026

FR Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Louis Riel ATC cure-a-thon to run April 30

The school community at Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre (5 De Bourmont Ave.) will come together to support CancerCare Manitoba.

The Windsor Park-based school will host its annual cure-a-thon fundraiser Thursday, April 30 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Lucie Laurin, an esthetics teacher at LRATC, said the event will include a pancake breakfast, bake sale, popcorn sale, car wash tickets, and a silent auction.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Supplied photo by Greg Nykiforuk
Thandi Vera, who plays Dr. Dorothy Watson in Hood & Dagger’s Miss Holmes, grew up in Zimbabwe watching various Sherlock Holmes adaptations with her family, a tradition she continues now that she calls the Exchange District home.

Fresh take on Holmes anything but elementary

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Fresh take on Holmes anything but elementary

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The game is certainly afoot for one local theatre troupe.

Hood & Dagger Productions is currently gearing up for its third show of the season. Miss Holmes, a take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tales, runs May 7 to 10 at the Martial-Caron Theatre at Université de Saint-Boniface.

The production is the company’s largest to date, with 16 locals in the cast and many more working behind the scenes. In this version of the Holmes story, written by Christopher M. Walsh, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson investigate a corrupt police inspector whose wives keep ending up dead.

Thandi Vera, who plays Watson, grew up in Zimbabwe watching various Sherlock Holmes adaptations with her family, a tradition she continues now that she calls the Exchange District home.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Serving the prairies with pride

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Serving the prairies with pride

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Four local tennis players recently represented the prairies with pride on the national stage.

Mariya Gedz, Jett Nguyen, Hudson Joseph Van Den Bussche, and Natalina Zappia all qualified to represent Team Prairies at the Tennis Canada Fischer Indoor Junior National Championships at the U16 level.

The event was held at Club de tennis Île des Sœurs, Montreal, Que., from March 22 to 29.

In the U16 boys singles tournament, Nguyen was defeated by ninth-seeded Ilya Sherifali 6-1, 6-0 in the second round. In the U16 boys doubles, Nguyen and Van Den Bussche lost to Milan Grabovica and Eli Thomas Marks 6-4, 6-3 in the round of 32. As well as his doubles appearance with Nguyen, Van Den Bussche was defeated by Simon Stoyanov 6-0, 6-3 in the first round.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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The first Walk with L’Arche (above) was held in 2005. The 22nd is set for Sunday, May 3.

Celebrating inclusion

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Preview

Celebrating inclusion

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The 22nd annual Walk with L’Arche is not only a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors with some wonderful people, it’s also a celebration of the contributions people with intellectual disabilities make to our communities — and it raises funds for home repairs, musical therapy programs and social initiatives.

It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for L’Arche Winnipeg, which creates homes and social opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, according to communications and fund development co-ordinator Mira Ramlal.

This year’s event will be held at Park City West Community Centre (115 Sanford Fleming Rd.), on Sunday, May 3. Registration begins at 2 p.m., with the walk commencing at 3 p.m.

L’Arche Winnipeg operates six homes and a supported independent living program. Some of the funds generated May 3 will be devoted to repairing those homes, with the remainder devoted to accessible transportation and community programming. Those programs, which provide valuable social opportunities, are not government funded, so the more L’Arche raises, the more experiences it can provide.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Photo by John Kendle
Visitors to this year’s Art from the Attic event on Oct. 4 at St. Vital Centre can anticipate finding thousands of pieces of donated art to choose from. Proceeds from the event go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.

Lewis’ legacy lives on with Grands ‘n’ More

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Lewis’ legacy lives on with Grands ‘n’ More

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Every piece of art deserves a good home, and Grands ‘n’ More Winnipeg plays a big part in making that happen, as well as supporting a cause that’s dear to the hearts of its members.

The non-profit charitable organization is about to launch its 10th annual Art from the Attic campaign, and organizers are keen to get the word out about the initiative, as now is the time that people embark on spring cleaning and are potentially looking to offload items from their homes and cabins.

Art from the Attic is an art sale at St. Vital Centre (1225 St. Mary’s Rd.) where thousands of pieces of artwork will be on sale to the public at affordable prices. This year’s sale will take place Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Every spring, Grands ‘n’ More campaigns for donations of artworks for the sale.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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City news in brief — week of April 15, 2026

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

City news in brief — week of April 15, 2026

FP Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Bike Winnipeg to hold AGM on April 18

Mother Nature may have the last say on when exactly most Winnipeggers will break out their bicycles this spring.

Nevertheless, in preparation for the cycling season, Bike Winnipeg will hold its annual general meeting at Ralph Brown Community Centre (520 Machray Ave.) on Saturday, April 18 between 1 and 4 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

According to Bike Winnipeg’s website, the event will include voting for re-election of several current board members (people must have a paid membership to vote).

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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Avi Lewis holds his first press conference as leader of Canada’s NDP, alongside former interim leader Don Davies, Leah Gazan, MP for Winnipeg Centre, at the Delta Hotel on March 30.

Avi Lewis: A future for the 99 per cent

Winnipeg Centre 3 minute read Preview

Avi Lewis: A future for the 99 per cent

Winnipeg Centre 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Just a few weeks ago, New Democratic Party of Canada members gathered in Winnipeg to choose a new leader. The overwhelming sense of excitement and optimism I have felt since we came together at the convention has not left me.

It’s with deep honour and enthusiasm that I share my heartfelt congratulations to our new NDP leader, Avi Lewis. Avi brings 35 years of challenging power and advancing working-class politics across Canada through his experience as a veteran journalist, educator and activist. Avi has deep roots in progressive politics as the son of Stephen Lewis, grandson of David Lewis, and the husband of Naomi Klein.

I was proud to endorse Avi early on because I supported and recognized his bold, progressive, and democratic agenda. I look forward to working with Avi as we rebuild our party to make room for everyone who believes in social, economic and racial justice.

It was inspiring to join this new wave of energy spreading throughout Canada and culminating in Winnipeg. You could feel the excitement in the air at the RBC Convention Centre and see the energy in the numbers. We broke party fundraising records and welcomed thousands of members at convention, including a record youth turnout, showing that the future of the NDP is bright.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Active Living Centre feeds body and soul

Michele Kading 3 minute read Preview

Active Living Centre feeds body and soul

Michele Kading 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

I recently met with some wonderful people at the Elmwood-East Kildonan Active Living Centre. When I arrived, the main room was in use for a meeting of staff and volunteers. An hour later, it was transformed into a food rescue centre. Dozens of volunteers from Community Helpers Unite organized grocery items donated by local stores. Tables were stacked with potatoes, onions, peppers, cabbages, green onions, mandarin oranges, kiwis, papayas, and more. Word about the Thursday food giveaway had just gone out on social media. Soon, hundreds of people would arrive to save the food from going to waste.

This is just one of the food security programs offered by the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation at the Active Living Centre.

What makes it unique?

“The program is barrier-free” said Louise Peters of CNRC. “If you need it, you take it.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Budget 2026 invests in us

Shannon Corbett 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

It has been a busy start to the spring here in Transcona, and I’m proud to share that on March 24, our NDP government brought forward Budget 2026: Good Jobs. Lower Costs. Better Health Care.

This budget reflects what I hear every day from folks in our community. People want a strong health-care system, affordable everyday costs, and opportunities to build a good life right here in Transcona.

As a former school vice-principal, I know first-hand that one of the best investments we can make is in our young people and in our classrooms. That is why I am especially proud that this budget includes $80 million in new funding for schools. For the third year in a row, school funding is increasing above the rate of inflation, bringing the total to nearly $2 billion for the 2026 and 2027 school year. These investments support classrooms, technical vocational education, and school infrastructure.

We are also continuing to strengthen the universal school nutrition program, which provided more than 30 million meals and snacks to students last year. Through Nello’s Law, we’re protecting this program for years to come so that no child has to try to learn on an empty stomach.

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Parents and parent councils are a valued source of support and feedback for school boards across Manitoba.

An appreciation of parents and guardians

Irene Nordheim 3 minute read Preview

An appreciation of parents and guardians

Irene Nordheim 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The Louis Riel School Board is grateful for the support that we receive from our community – especially the parents and guardians of our students. To state the the obvious, we would not be anywhere without your children attending our schools.

Just as important, though often less visible, is the behind-the-scenes support you provide throughout the year – volunteering, reading with children at home, chaperoning field trips, and recognizing teachers for a job well done. These contributions make a meaningful difference in our schools.

Educational partnerships with parents are most clearly demonstrated through school parent councils. We value their fundraising efforts, their questions and curiosity, and the feedback they provide – both positive and constructive. At the Manitoba school boards’ convention on March 19 and 20, trustees passed the following resolution to support parent councils across the province:

“Be it resolved that the Manitoba School Boards Association lobby the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning to undertake a review of the 2005 document School Partnerships; A Guide for Parents, Schools and Communities, with a goal of providing a more current document that recognizes and supports the role of parents, schools, and communities in the educational success of learners.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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The annual Children’s Hospital Book Market at St. Vital Centre is a treasure trove for collectors of sports books. This year’s market runs from April 24 to 26.

So many sports books, so little time

T. Kent Morgan 6 minute read Preview

So many sports books, so little time

T. Kent Morgan 6 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The Children’s Hospital Book Market will be held at the St. Vital Shopping Centre from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26. It’s hard to believe, but this year will be year 66 for the volunteer-run event that raises funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba through the sale of used books.

The book market always has a special section devoted to sports books, and this columnist will be staffing it from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 24. Stop by to say hello and, more importantly, purchase books. As a reader, collector and historian, I have been adding to my much-to-large personal collection for several decades.

On the opening morning, several collectors will be waiting for the volunteers to uncover the sports books and allow the battles to begin for the treasures. One regular comes for Montreal Canadiens books he doesn’t have. Another goes to the golf section in the hope of finding instructional books that will help his game. Parents ask for recommendations of books that might generate more interest in reading for their athletic children.

The largest section is hockey, and I guarantee it will include at least one copy of Manitoba Hockey: A History, by Vince Leah that was published as a provincial centennial project in 1970 by the Manitoba Hockey Players Foundation. One year I found a copy signed by NHLers Bill Mosienko and Bill Juzda, as well as by the author. A signed copy of Cowboy on Ice, a biography of the colourful former pro Howie Young, often shows up, as it was published in Winnipeg.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Jacks would love to brighten your day

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

Jacks would love to brighten your day

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Hi! My name is Jacks and am a very happy boy, 24/7. I even wag my tail while I’m drinking out of my water dish or eating out of my food dish.

My favourite times of the day are breakfast and dinner, as I love food. Although I’m not a high-energy dog, I really enjoy some exercise but like spending most of my day taking long naps, and you will often find me wherever all the humans are hanging out, especially snuggling on the couch. I would consider this one of my top hobbies.

I am fully house-trained and fully crate-trained.

I am good with adults and older kids, over age 12. I have a strong prey drive, so it’s best that I am not with small pets or other dogs. A fenced yard would be ideal.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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Unfortunately, this is a time of year at which some scammers target students with fake promises of easygoing, high-paying gigs.

Be wary of job scams this summer

Better Business Bureau 4 minute read Preview

Be wary of job scams this summer

Better Business Bureau 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The summer job churn is here and postings for temporary staff are cropping up across the province. It’s an exciting time for many – when we learn the habits, skills and competencies that will carry us into our professional careers. It’s also when we will make lifelong friends and put some money in the bank to get us through another Manitoba winter.

But, alongside the opportunity and excitement lies an increased risk. Scammers are targeting casual workers, especially university students, to see if they can lure them into their fake promises of easygoing, high-paying gigs.

It often begins with an email to a student’s university email account. The scammer may try to impersonate a professor, a human resources service centre or a company in the community. They’ll offer the student a summer job that seems easy and pays well. At some point, the scammer will say that part of the job requires purchasing supplies for the soon-to-be employee or the company. This should alert all your senses. They’ll mail a cheque and tell the student to use it to pay for the supplies before keeping the rest as a payment. The supplies may include gift cards, money orders or prepaid debit cards. The student will be instructed to send these elsewhere or even perform an electronic transfer to another individual.

Since it can take a bank weeks to verify a cheque, the student won’t know that the cheque they received will bounce and they’ll be out all the money they used to purchase these things for the “company”. The scammer will have the prepaid cards or e-transfers, and the student will likely never see that money again.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Photo by Sandy Nemeth
Remember – being a good neighbour is a year-round commitment that literally starts at the end of the leash

Let’s think of others this spring

Sandy Nemeth 3 minute read Preview

Let’s think of others this spring

Sandy Nemeth 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Spring in River Park South, or any residential community, for that matter, is a season of extreme contrasts. It is the time of year when we have both parkas and spring jackets in the closet; drive through puddles one day and on ice the next. We have to be ready for anything and everything. We balance the return of noisy geese, which makes us smile, with the poop soup courtesy of dog owners who don’t pick up after their pets – the latter a sludgy and foul reminder that being a good neighbour is a year-round commitment that literally starts at the end of the leash.

Despite the messy walkways, the energy in the air is undeniable. We begin to think about opening the cottage and planning summer holidays. Garage sales are organized, bikes are tuned up and roller blades are taken out of winter storage. However, while many plan escapes to the lake or dream of summer travel, an equal number are turning that ‘vacation energy’ toward community support. When you consider that, in Manitoba, over 50,000 people access a food bank each month, and families in every part of Winnipeg are struggling to meet basic needs, it’s not hard to see how some of that energy could make a big difference in the lives of others.

As we dream about summer trips and backyard renovations, let’s all take a minute to have a conversation with our families, friends or coworkers on how we can support those in need.

Cleaning out closets? Check with your local church or a shelter to see if they are collecting clean clothes, toys, and household items for those in need. Books to donate? Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service stations are the drop-off spots for the Children’s Hospital Book Market taking place at the end of the month at St. Vital Centre. Making space in the garage? Bikes of every size are always in demand. Wanting to address food insecurity? Check with your community centre or place of worship to see if they are operating a food bank.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

April 19, 2026