Facts Matter: The Winnipeg Sun tracks progress


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Political promises and development projects are often made with great fanfare but quietly fade from public attention over time. Manitobans deserve to know what is being accomplished and what remains unfinished, from infrastructure upgrades to crime reduction efforts. The Winnipeg Sun is committed to tracking these promises, holding decision-makers accountable, and keeping the public informed on issues that matter, including individuals wanted by law enforcement. We will continue to provide updates and ask tough questions to ensure both political commitments and justice remain in focus.

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Stalled for 14 years, Parker Lands development

The Parker Lands development remains on hold after more than 14 years of bureaucratic delays. The project, intended to provide much-needed housing, has been caught in legal battles, policy debates and shifting regulations. Developer Gem Equities has pushed for approvals, arguing that the city’s reluctance is stifling economic growth and worsening housing affordability. Critics say the delays highlight Winnipeg’s struggles with balancing development and regulation. Despite ongoing discussions, no approvals have been granted and construction has yet to begin.

22 years and waiting – North End Treatment Plant upgrades

The City of Winnipeg has yet to complete long-mandated upgrades to the North End Sewage Treatment Plant (NEWPCC) to reduce nutrient pollution in Lake Winnipeg. First ordered by the Province of Manitoba in 2003 and reinforced in 2011 under the Manitoba Water Protection Act, the upgrades are intended to improve nutrient removal and limit phosphorus and nitrogen discharges. The delays, attributed to funding and technical challenges, have led to rising costs, now estimated at over $1.8 billion. Work remains slow as the City continues phased upgrades under scrutiny from environmental regulators and funding partners.

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12 months and waiting, Sio Silica investigation report

The Manitoba government filed two ethics complaints regarding allegations that the former Progressive Conservative government attempted to approve an Alberta company’s sand-drilling project days after losing the Oct. 3, 2023, election. The complaints target former premier Heather Stefanson and MLA Jeff Wharton, accusing them of violating the Conflict of Interest Act by advancing Sio Silica’s project. Despite the serious nature of the claims, the final report on the investigation has yet to be released.

15 months and waiting – NDP’s health-care promises

Premier Wab Kinew promised to reopen emergency rooms at Concordia, Seven Oaks, and Victoria hospitals as part of his plan to “fix” health care. To date, no action has been taken to fulfill this commitment.

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Gillingham’s promises from October 2022

Mayor Scott Gillingham pledged to build 270 modular homes across six sites in Winnipeg, funded by the federal Rapid Housing Initiative. No progress has been reported.

Gillingham also promised to convert 100 city buses to electric models. No action has been taken.

13 weeks – wanted truck driver evading capture

Manitoba RCMP issued a Canada-wide warrant in November 2024 for Navjeet Singh, 25, of Brampton, Ont., who remains at large following a deadly collision west of Altona on November 15. Singh is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and obstructing a peace officer after allegedly running a stop sign at the intersection of provincial roads 201 and 306, striking an SUV. The crash killed a 35-year-old mother and her eight-year-old daughter. Despite ongoing efforts, police have been unable to locate Singh, who remains on the run.

Navjeet Singh
Navjeet Singh, 25, of Brampton, Ont. Photo by RCMP handout /Winnipeg Sun

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