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Neighbourhood action teams to fix variety of issues in Winnipeg communities
Neighbourhood action teams to fix variety of issues in Winnipeg communities

CBC

time4 days ago

  • General
  • CBC

Neighbourhood action teams to fix variety of issues in Winnipeg communities

Social Sharing A new crew of City of Winnipeg workers trained to perform a variety of tasks will spend the next several months fixing problems in neighbourhoods across the city. But rather than sending a crew to do one job, like fill a pothole or trim a tree, the neighbourhood action teams will focus on one area, tackling all service requests, before moving on to the next. It fulfils an election pledge from Mayor Scott Gillingham to create teams of workers capable of taking care of the many smaller issues that often pile up on the city's to-do list. "They're teams that are cross-trained to take care of multiple issues at once, all in one visit," Gillingham said at a news conference in Machray Park, alongside team members and other public works department staff. The program includes three teams of six people, with equipment to perform jobs like filling potholes, fixing broken signs, sidewalk repairs, clearing tree debris, and boulevard maintenance. Priority areas will be determined by a combination of 311 requests, communication with area councillors, consultation with business and community groups, and input from neighbours. Gillingham says if someone sees a crew working on their street, they can report problems directly to the team members, who will take care of it. "It's a smarter, faster way to deliver public service and it puts residents first," Gillingham said. The team has already been working for months, starting over the winter clearing snow around transit stops, and learning to do other things on the job. They plan to rotate through all wards in the city between now and October, spending four weeks in each area, starting with Mynarski, Daniel McIntyre and River Heights-Fort Garry. St. Jonn's neighbourhood resident Tyrone Diese says he thinks the teams will make a more noticeable difference in the appearance of the community. "I think that's a great idea, because at least everything's getting done at once rather than, you know, something gets done here and there [and] it never seems like it is ever finished," he said. Diese has a list of things he'd like to see fixed around his neighbourhood, "Up on the end of the block, there's trees that are actually blocking your view when you're driving … That's dangerous, right? And there's a lot of spots like that." Fixing signs, filling potholes Director of Public Works Jim Berezowsky says they will be there with a number of pieces of equipment to deal with a number of problems at once. "If it's a curb, you might be doing … a minor asphalt repair, and then what you're doing as well is you're scheduling that for more permanency down the road," he said. On top of looking for people who could do a variety of jobs, the city selected team members based on their ability to communicate with community members. Colin Campbell worked as a city arborist for 15 years before joining the team. "I've learned how to work asphalt and do all kinds of other city jobs that weren't in my scope previously," he said in an interview. "I'm fixing signs and things of that nature. It's been a good learning experience." Team co-ordinator Keenan Boles says they've already been out in a few areas and people are coming up to them to point out things that need to be done. "Almost daily … they've heard from at least one resident, whether it be identifying additional issues that they need to be taken care of at the time or even just coming out with commendations and thanking them for the service that they provided because they've been waiting for that service," Boles said. Public works chair Janice Lukes admits it will be a challenge or the teams to get everything done. "Four weeks — we'll never solve all of this, but we can target and hone in and focus on specific areas," she said. The program is expected to cost about $2.7 million a year.

Community shows support for unhoused woman allegedly targeted by driver in Brossard, Que.
Community shows support for unhoused woman allegedly targeted by driver in Brossard, Que.

CBC

time03-06-2025

  • General
  • CBC

Community shows support for unhoused woman allegedly targeted by driver in Brossard, Que.

Social Sharing Dozens of people gathered on Montreal's South Shore on Tuesday to show solidarity with a woman experiencing homelessness who police say was intentionally struck by a car last week. Standing before the crowd with a cast on her leg and bruises on her knee, Caroline Derome delivered a brief but emotional message. "I feel a lot of love, and it's absolutely helping me right now," she said, addressing supporters and members of the media. The rally, held in Brossard near the site of the incident, was organized by local shelters and community groups who say the event is a stark reminder of how vulnerable unhoused individuals remain. On May 27, Derome, 44, was struck by a car just steps from where she'd set up a tent the night prior on a residential street. The mother of two says she lost her job due to mental health issues, then lost her home. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her legs and needed surgery for a broken ankle after the incident. The driver, 46-year-old Luigi Fragomele, was charged with dangerous driving, assault with a weapon — in this case a vehicle — leaving the scene of an accident and mischief. He remains in custody, with a bail hearing set for Thursday. While the motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear, representatives from community groups said the situation highlights the importance of treating everyone, regardless of their housing status, with dignity and respect. "There's no face to homelessness," said Pierre Rousseau, who manages Halte du Coin, an emergency shelter in the area. "You wouldn't believe how many people I see, people I shake hands with, who don't even realize they're living in a homeless situation." Martine Audate, who works with the Brossard Consultation Table, a local organization that supports people in vulnerable situations, said the rising cost of living is creating more instability across the South Shore. "People think it's easier here than in downtown Montreal, but it's not," Audate said. "It's still very hard to get housing here." For now, Derome is staying with her brother as she recovers from her injuries. She says the support she's received from the community has been crucial to her healing, both physically and emotionally. "I feel privileged," she said.

Celebrating Unity and Volunteerism on International Trails Day 2025
Celebrating Unity and Volunteerism on International Trails Day 2025

Yahoo

time26-05-2025

  • Yahoo

Celebrating Unity and Volunteerism on International Trails Day 2025

Trans Canada Trail partners with community groups to honour volunteers and their impact on the world's longest trail OTTAWA, ON, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Trans Canada Trail is excited to join communities throughout the country to celebrate International Trails Day 2025 on June 7. Events in nine provinces and two territories will highlight the dedication of volunteers and community groups in preserving the 29,000-kilometre trail system that connects Canada from coast to coast to coast. These 13 celebrations will showcase the many ways local volunteers contribute to the nationwide Trail's maintenance and improvement. Each location will offer its own unique way for the public to engage with the Trail, with activities ranging from trail clean ups and tree planting to fun runs and guided trail tours. Celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June, International Trails Day is a celebration of trails and what they mean to communities around the world. "When we come together to celebrate the Trail, we celebrate what it means to be Canadian," says Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail. "Nature is essential to Canada's national identity and trails are a vital way for people across the country to enjoy our vast natural landscape. International Trails Day is a perfect time to recognize how our trails connect us not only to nature, but to one another as well." International Trails Day 2025 Event LocationsAll events are free and open to the public and media. Alberta: High Rockies Trail, Kananaskis British Columbia: Sea to Sky Trail, Pemberton Manitoba: Crow Wing Trail, St. Pierre-Jolys; North Whiteshell Trail, Seven Sisters Falls New Brunswick: Fundy Footpath, St. Martins Nova Scotia: Westville/Stellarton Trail, Westville; Forest of Hope Trail, Potlotek Ontario: Waterfront Trail, Thunder Bay Prince Edward Island: Confederation Trail, Morell Quebec: La Montagnarde, Eastman Saskatchewan: Wakamow Valley Trail, Moose Jaw Northwest Territories: Town of Hay River Trail, Hay River Yukon: The Carmacks Boardwalk, Carmacks These events mark the culmination of the 2025 Trail Care Grant program, which is generously supported by Athletic Brewing, Columbia Sportswear, and Toyota Canada. This annual program provides funding to local trail groups, enabling them to undertake projects that enhance trail sections and support volunteer initiatives. For more information on each event and how to participate, visit Resources Find an International Trails Day event near you Explore Trans Canada Trail's interactive map Learn more about the Trail Care Grant Program About Trans Canada Trail The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world and it is always growing. It reaches every province and territory and connects all three of Canada's coastlines. Each section of the Trans Canada Trail is managed locally and supports different activities and community needs. Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada's nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that receives funding from the Government of Canada (through Parks Canada), various provincial and municipal governments, and generous donors. SOURCE Trans Canada Trail View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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