Encampment cleanups dumped
Weekly cleanups at some large homeless encampments will not resume.
On Thursday, city council cast a final vote to end a cleanup pilot project at the sites for good, after it ran from June to October 2024.
The program targeted three major sites along Assiniboine Avenue, Waterfront Drive and Maple Street. While it aimed to improve cleanliness and public safety, it did not noticeably reduce the risk of fire and only made sites cleaner for a very short time, a city report found.
City staff will revert to typical operations, meaning cleanups could still be ordered on an as-needed basis.
Chief construction officer approved
City council has unanimously approved the appointment of a chief construction officer.
Council voted to name Tom Sparrow to the role on Thursday. He has 35 years of experience and has led major construction projects across Canada.
Mayor Scott Gillingham has said the new hire will help the city get good value for the services it purchases.
Sparrow’s work will include reviewing a recent audit of the north end sewage treatment plant upgrade.
Changes approved following audit on mega project
City council has approved a few changes aimed at strengthening oversight on Winnipeg’s most expensive infrastructure project.
A recent audit found the city has followed its own policies on the north end sewage treatment plant upgrade. Its last official cost estimate is $2.38 billion, though water and waste officials warn that could rise to $3 billion.
However, the audit warned the city’s current processes aren’t set up to handle such a large, complex project.
On Thursday, council approved calls to have the city’s chief administrative officer seek a contract to help create a “fit-for-purpose governance model” that streamlines oversight of the project.
The vote also directs city staff to accelerate audit response timelines so urgent recommendations related to reporting and performance are implemented by mid-2025.
Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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