Winnipeg News and Media from Manitoba, Canada

Bombers’ QB Buck Pierce to Coach Inner-City Youth

May 22, 2013 05:50 PM in Sports • 0 Comments

Posted by Tyler Sutherland

Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Dave Donaldson, U of W president and vice-chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, and Blue Bomber quarterback Buck Pierce on the front lawn of the University of Winnipeg on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. (HANDOUT)

Winnipeg Blue Bomber quarterback Buck Pierce and former Blue Bomber Dave Donaldson are joining the University of Winnipeg Wesmen as adjunct coaches.

The two will coach inner-city youth in flag touch football when the U of W’s new UNITED Health and RecPlex opens next year.

“Partnering with exceptional athletes Buck Pierce and Dave Donaldson to host this established and successful football program enhances our community learning and community athletics mission,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, president and vice-chancellor.

Crash Kills 2 Near Portage la Prairie

May 22, 2013 04:20 PM in News • 0 Comments

RCMP Crest Logo Two people were killed Wednesday after a crash on the Trans-Canada Highway near Portage la Prairie.

A vehicle collided with a semi-trailer truck hauling hogs at around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 16.

Details are minimal regarding the crash until next of kin have been notified.

The driver of the semi wasn’t injured.

Motorists can expect minor delays at the scene as police continue to investigate.

– Staff

Former Olympic Track and Field Coach to Assist Bisons

May 22, 2013 01:56 PM in Sports • 0 Comments

Alex Gardiner (FLOTRACK.ORG)

The University of Manitoba has brought on former Olympic head coach Alex Gardiner to assist with its track and field program.

The Bison alumnus will join the coaching staff for the upcoming 2013-14 season.

The 63-year-old completed his tenure as the Olympic head coach for the Canadian track and field team at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, before being let go in January with chief high performance officer Martin Goulet due to the team’s poor showing.

New Community Spray Pad to Open in West Kildonan

May 22, 2013 12:38 PM in News • 0 Comments

Posted by Sarah Klein

Splash Park A new spray pad is in the works for families in the West Kildonan area to enjoy by early next summer.

The city and province are contributing a combined $400,000 for the project, located at the West Kildonan Memorial Community Centre wading pool on Perth Avenue.

“Families from the West Kildonan area will enjoy summer that much more when this much needed free recreational facility is built in the heart of their neighbourhood,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “This project provides a safe, healthy and fun outdoor play environment for our community’s youth.”

Design plans will be completed this summer with construction commencing in the fall.

Gretna Border Crossing Closes Amid Flooding

May 22, 2013 10:33 AM in News • 0 Comments

Posted by Brian Schultz

Overland flooding has forced the temporary closure of the Greta border crossing affecting all Canada-bound traffic from North Dakota.

Highway 18 south of the border is also closed, which is impacting travel on Highway 30 into Manitoba.

Travellers and commercial traffic seeking entry into Canada should consider the following alternate crossings:

Emerson Highway 75/Pembina US-I29 (24 hours)
Tolstoi Highway 59/Lancaster US-59 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Winkler Highway 32/Walhalla US-32 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

Travellers can monitor the situation by calling the border information service line at 1-800-461-9999 or checking highway conditions online.

Not a Bad Day for a Stroll

May 22, 2013 10:02 AM in Photos • 0 Comments

A pair of Canada geese and their goslings walk near Sutherland Avenue and Main Street Wednesday morning. It will be a perfect day for a stroll, as the forecast calls for sunshine and a high of 20°C. It may be a good idea to slap on some sunscreen as well, as the UV index will reach 7. The sun will remain for the next few days until Saturday, where periods of rain and a high of 15°C is expected. (MAURICE BRUNEAU / CHRISD.CA)

RCMP Investigating Homicide on Pauingassi First Nation

May 22, 2013 09:42 AM in News • 0 Comments

RCMP Crest Logo Two young people have been arrested after a man was found dead on Pauingassi First Nation Tuesday morning.

RCMP were called to a residence for a disturbance just before 8 a.m. and are calling the death a homicide.

Charges haven’t yet been laid, but police say the deceased and suspects knew each other. All are residents of Pauingassi First Nation.

The name of the deceased hasn’t been released and an autopsy is scheduled in Winnipeg later today.

RCMP continue to investigate.

– Staff

Airport to Stage Live Emergency Exercise

May 22, 2013 09:01 AM in News • 0 Comments

James Richardson International Airport (WINNIPEG AIRPORTS AUTHORITY)

An emergency exercise will be staged tonight at Winnipeg’s James Richardson International Airport.

Winnipeg Airports Authority says the exercise will involve a simulated incident on the airfield with on-airport and off-airport emergency response vehicles and personnel participating.

The exercise will be performed at an undisclosed time and location, and not impact airfield or terminal operations.

Regular emergency response services will be available at all times in the event of a real incident at the airport during the exercise. If severe weather or other operational concerns arise, the exercise will be postponed.

– Staff

Arbor Day Celebrations Planned at Assiniboine Park

May 22, 2013 08:15 AM in Entertainment • 0 Comments

Arbor Day is Saturday, May 25 at Assiniboine Park (HANDOUT)

Certified arborists are presenting a day full of fun at the Assiniboine Park Nature Playground this weekend.

On Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the annual Arbor Day “All Trees Tell a Story” Celebration will have children experiencing tree climbing, zip-line rides and a self-propelled climb to see what an oak flower looks like, before it becomes an acorn. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there will also be children’s crafts and activities, storytelling and information booths.

“We’re very excited to partner with Trees Winnipeg as we celebrate Arbor Day,” said Kaaren Pearce, Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s director of grounds. “There are hundreds of trees in Assiniboine Park with fascinating stories that are older than Winnipeg itself. Arbor Day allows us to celebrate those stories with the community.”

Click here for a schedule of events.

Cyclists Gearing Up for Annual BikeFest

May 22, 2013 07:30 AM in Entertainment • 0 Comments

A cyclist performs a stunt during a previous year’s BikeFest at The Forks (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA FILE)

Bicycling enthusiasts are pumping up their tires and oiling up their chains for the fifth annual MEC BikeFest.

Mountain Equipment Co-op will host the gathering on Saturday, June 15 at The Forks, where Winnipeggers are invited to dust off their bikes and get geared up for summer.

The free event will include bike polo matches, trials and demos, live music, a gear swap, vendors and displays, and prize draws.

A bicycle valet service will be available to all riders to leave their bikes in a secured parking lot, rather than locking it up unattended.

All activities are free and will run from noon to 5 p.m.

– Staff

City Universities Receive Millions in Research Grants

May 22, 2013 06:58 AM in News • 0 Comments

The University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg have been awarded federal funding for grants and scholarships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The U of M will receive nearly $10 million over the next five years to support research in a variety of areas, including magnetism at the nanoscale, learning and memory, and geothermal energy. The U of W will get $2.2 million to fund its own research projects.

Doc Walker to Perform Free Show at Assiniboine Park

May 21, 2013 03:42 PM in Entertainment • 0 Comments

Doc Walker (HANDOUT)

Canadian country music stars Doc Walker will perform a free concert at Assiniboine Park this summer.

The guys will rock the Lyric Theatre on Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m. as part of the 2013 Red River Co-op Summer Entertainment Series.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Doc Walker as a special feature act this season,” said Trevor Clearwater, director of park services. “They’re a fantastic band and I have no doubt that we’ll see record numbers of people at the park for this concert.”