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Winnipeggers Brace for Traffic Delays at Portage & Main
Starting Tuesday, October 15, Winnipeggers should prepare for travel delays around the Portage & Main intersection. Various sections of both roads’ curb and median lanes will be closed intermittently over the next four weeks as traffic signals crews undertake pre-construction work. This work is in preparation for major construction in mid-November, which includes the demolition of concrete barricades. Details of the construction staging and associated traffic impacts will be released prior to the start of construction on November 15. The project aims to significantly change the operation of the intersection to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists. Plans include demolishing barrier walls, installing new traffic signals and streetlights, adding a curb extension on the southeast corner to shorten the pedestrian crossing distance across Portage Avenue, and providing more pedestrian space at the corner. Additionally, existing medians will be repaired and adjusted, and new curbs and sidewalks will be installed throughout the intersection to accommodate pedestrian crossings on all four corners. The work is expected to be substantially complete by June 20, 2025, and fully completed by June 27, 2025. This timeline will allow Winnipeg Transit to launch its new Primary Transit Network on June 29, 2025, with the at-grade pedestrian crossing expected to open by July 1, 2025. Future phases of the redevelopment at Portage & Main include additional design work for street-level pedestrian crossings. This work will be part of the Rapid Transit (Downtown Corridors) Preliminary Design Study, set to begin in 2025, which will integrate Winnipeg Transit infrastructure into the final design for Council’s consideration.
Winnipeg Police Investigate Stabbing on Transit Bus
On October 7, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a report of a stabbing on a Winnipeg transit bus near Portage Avenue and Valour Road. Central District General Patrol officers arrived at the scene and found a 40-year-old woman and her 16-year-old daughter with injuries from an edged weapon. The investigation revealed that three suspects on the bus initiated an unprovoked argument with the victims, which escalated to an assault involving an edged weapon. The suspects fled the area before police arrived. During the incident, the victims were also robbed of their personal belongings. Both victims were transported to the hospital, treated for their injuries, and subsequently released. The suspects are described as follows: The Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation and is working to update the description of the suspects. No arrests have been made at this time.
Manitoba Health Advises Residents to Get Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Manitoba Health, Seniors and LongTerm Care has announced that respiratory virus season is upon us, urging all Manitobans aged six months and older to receive their free influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines are currently available at numerous locations, including medical clinics, access centres, pharmacies serving high-risk populations, vaccine clinics, nursing stations, and through public health services. COVID-19 vaccines will be widely accessible starting October 15. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are especially recommended for those at higher risk of infection or severe disease, along with their caregivers and close contacts. High-risk groups include people aged 65 and older, residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities, pregnant individuals, children from six months to five years old, Indigenous people, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Influenza and COVID-19 can cause infections of the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. These infections spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and through direct contact with secretions such as saliva, or by touching contaminated objects and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes before washing their hands. Public health recommends several personal health measures for all Manitobans: For more information on vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases, prevention, treatment, and care resources, visit Manitoba Health’s website. The site also features a vaccine provider map to help locate nearby vaccination sites. For Public Health-run clinics, book appointments online at Petal Health or call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222) Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation to Regulate Long-Bladed Weapons
The Manitoba government is taking action to enhance community safety with the introduction of legislation regulating the retail sale of long-bladed weapons, including machetes, knives, and swords, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Our government is committed to getting tough on crime and this new legislation would help keep our communities safer by restricting access to weapons such as machetes, knives and swords,” said Wiebe. “We’ve heard loud and clear: the purchase of these weapons needs to be restricted. We’re pleased to be moving forward to take real action to make our streets safer.” The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act, or Bill 39, aims to curb the availability of long-bladed weapons to individuals with harmful intentions by implementing several measures: “Manitoba has seen significant success in deterring crime through regulating the retail sale of products targeted for criminal purposes,” Wiebe said. “Access controls, age restrictions, and identification and record-keeping requirements have proven effective at combating crime. Our government is expanding this approach to address long-bladed weapon violence in the province.” The bill defines long-bladed weapons as having a metal blade at least 30 centimetres in length. The definition could be expanded to include additional features or characteristics to address emerging community safety needs. Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expressed support, stating, “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our AMC member nations is paramount. I want to recognize and applaud the efforts of the minister of justice to address the concerns put forth by First Nations leadership with this Long-Bladed Weapons Control Act.” The legislation also applies to online retailers shipping long-bladed weapons to Manitoba addresses. Scot Halley, president of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police, also voiced support: “Edged weapon and machete attacks have dramatically increased in the last number of years, the consequences of which can cause significant life-altering injuries or sometimes be fatal. This legislation is another tool to assist law enforcement in keeping these weapons out of the hands of the gang and criminal elements.” If passed, the bill will take effect upon proclamation and will be accompanied by regulations, including additional weapon features and characteristics and necessary exemptions. The province plans to consult with retail businesses, law enforcement, and Indigenous leadership to develop the regulations in the coming months.
RCMP Arrest Seven in Border Smuggling Incident Near Emerson
On September 28, 2024, at approximately 10:35 p.m., officers from the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) in Manitoba, along with counterparts from the United States Border Patrol, responded to a border incursion approximately seven kilometres east of Emerson, Manitoba, near Road 18 East. Officers from IBET, Morris, Emerson, and St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP Detachments swiftly attended the scene and located an SUV in the area. Observing numerous individuals and luggage in the vehicle, the officers conducted a traffic stop and determined that human smuggling was taking place. Six individuals were arrested under the Customs Act, and the driver was arrested for human smuggling. All were transported to the Emerson RCMP Detachment. Among those arrested under the Customs Act were: The ages of those arrested range from 30 to 53 years old. Semere Haile, 42, from Winnipeg, was charged with human smuggling under section 117 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. He was released under several conditions and attended Winnipeg Provincial Court on October 7, 2024. The six individuals arrested under the Customs Act were handed over to the Canada Border Services Agency for processing. “Crossing the Canada and United States border between the ports of entry is not only an illegal act but a dangerous one,” stated Sergeant Lance Goldau, head of IBET in Manitoba. “For everyone’s safety, we continue to work closely with our United States counterparts to stop incursions at the border.”
Man Charged After Dog Assaulted at the Forks
Winnipeg Police have charged a 30-year-old man in connection to an animal cruelty investigation. According
Winnipeg Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of 16-Year-Old
On October 5, 2024, at approximately 6:02 a.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a gun call in the 500 block of Boyd Avenue. Upon arrival, North District General Patrol officers found a 16-year-old male youth with life-threatening injuries from a firearm discharge at Boyd and Andrews. The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced deceased. The Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation and identified the victim. Notifications have been made to the family. Anyone with information regarding the incident, including video surveillance, is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508
Selkirk RCMP Arrest Man for Impersonating Officer After Highway Stops
On September 30, 2024, at approximately 9:05 p.m., Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a female driver being stopped on Highway 9 in Petersfield, Manitoba, by a man claiming to be an off-duty RCMP officer. The suspect, driving a pickup truck with emergency lights, accused the driver of speeding but left the scene when asked for identification. Despite patrols, the vehicle was not located. The next evening, on October 1, 2024, around 8:00 p.m., a similar incident occurred on Highway 9 near Clandeboye. The same male suspect stopped another female driver, accusing her of speeding and using bright lights. Again, he fled when asked for identification. Following these reports, investigators identified a suspect’s address on Highway 9 in the RM of St. Andrews and attended the residence at 1:10 p.m. on October 1, 2024. After speaking with the suspect, a search warrant was obtained. On October 3, 2024, Selkirk RCMP, the RCMP Emergency Response Team, and the RCMP East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team executed the warrant. A 32-year-old male was arrested for personating a peace officer. Seized items included vehicle lighting equipment, pepper spray, portable radios, and firearms. He was released on an undertaking with a court date. Inspector Chris Lambert, Selkirk RCMP Detachment Commander, emphasized the seriousness of the incident: “While this is a rare occurrence, we take this type of incident very seriously. Thanks to the victims reporting the incidents, we had the information we needed and were able to identify the suspect quickly and arrest him shortly thereafter.”
Female Suspect Arrested in Main Street Stabbing
At approximately 5:00 p.m., North District General Patrol officers were dispatched to a stabbing incident
One Dead Following Police-Involved Shooting
At approximately 12:33 p.m. on October 2, 2024, North District General Patrol officers responded to
Winnipeg Police Investigate Series of Sexual Assaults
The Winnipeg Police Service’s Sex Crimes Unit is currently investigating a series of sexual assaults
Manitoba Increases Minimum Wage to $15.80
Manitoba Labour and Immigration has announced that the new provincial minimum wage of $15.80 per hour is
Manitoba Hydro Reports $157 Million Net Loss for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Manitoba Hydro has announced a consolidated net loss of $157 million for the fiscal year
Winnipeg Police Uncover 3D-Printed Weapons Workshop, Arrest Suspect
The Winnipeg Police Service’s Firearms Investigation and Enforcement Unit (FIEU) has arrested a 40-year-old man
Winnipeg Police Rescue Two Women from Human Trafficking Operation
Winnipeg Police Service successfully rescued two adult females from a residence in the western area
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