To the Standing Policy Committee from Daniel Nemis on Protection and Community Services 575 Pritchard Ave. the City Clerk, Counc

To The Standing Policy Committee From Daniel Nemis On Protection and Community Services 575 Pritchard Ave. The City Clerk, Council Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba 510 Main St. R2W2K2 Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1B9 Tel. # 204 589-2078 Thurs. May7, 2015

Appeal to Neighbourhood Liveability By-Law Order No. 1/2008 Re: 575 Pritchard Ave. EXC N 8F Lot 760 Plan 53 37/8 St J Folder: 15 119536 000 00 NO

1. I have presented photos of my garage exterior walls and roof. The walls are in pristine shape. In the mid 1980’s, my father, while alive was ordered by the city to repair the garage walls and he did so by hiring someone to apply a thick durable coat of stucco. It is still crack free. My disabled 58 year old brother and disabled 98 year old mother living there will testify to that. I am their caregiver since 1999 when I moved in. These photos don’t lie and show the absurd charge or accusation from Michael Lawrence, the City of Wpg. Inspector. This vindication of the garage walls alone renders the By-Law Order invalid. Michael Lawrence has stated “the garage exterior walls lack maintenance.” Without further detail, I question Michael Lawrence’s eyesight and ability.

2. As of Dec. 2014, I am the owner of the home and have been in charge of upkeep and total maintenance. Last year I added a $800.00 chain link fence and gate along the back lane to replace the weather worn wood fence and gate. I also spent approx. $900.00 at the same time to have the driveway in the back beside the garage plowed and the entire back yard covered with gravel to accommodate both my vehicles. Over the years, ITve added several colorful trees and sod to the narrow yard running along the west side of the house from front to back.

3. On July 17, 2012, a Courtesy Advisary letter, which I have submitted, was filled out by Darren, #2813, a Community By-law Inspector, and sent to my home pointing out “long grass and weeds at the back of the property along with grafitti on the garage door. I spoke to the inspector and we discussed which measures to take. There was no mention of exterior garage walls, eaves and downspouts missing, and the garage roof in disrepair. That was 3 years ago and I trust the inspector, Darren, was hired by the city and doing a satisfactory job. But why wasn’t the garage walls, roof repair, missing eaves and downspouts mentioned then. When is the next garage inspection so I can have all my grass cut at the same height.

4. Vandalism and crime is ongoing in my area probably more often than any area in Winnipeg or Canada. Like other home owners, I have been victimized many times from garage door break ins, to broken fences just to name a few. Several years ago when my good neighbour’s 2 teenage sons were alive, I finally found them sitting on the hidden east roof of my garage roof peeling shingles off and throwing them like frisbees. I brought it to the attention of their father to take care of when he was alive. He was wheel chair bound after a horrific beating by the police which provided him with enough compensation to purchase their home. I saw no need to seek compensation from this family. Unlike the City of Winnipeg administrators, we don’t do that to our neighbours who are less well off than others. c7,

On two occasions, including last year, I’ve spent a good deal of time cutting away several trees separating my garage from my neighbour’s garage approx. 4 feet apart. Photos are provided. The branches continued to destroy the shingles on the east side where the 2 teen boys had left off. The roof doesn’t leak. It is not my domicile nor main priority like the roof on my house. Since I’m partially disabled and presently seeing several doctors, time and money will determine when I get to my garage roof and eaves or spouts. A few years ago, the police and fire department were called to put out my van set on fire in the back yard by an arsonist at 2:30 am which could have been worse if my wolf hadn’t woken the 4 people sleeping inside. The arsonist was standing nearby watching another van he had set on fire near my home on another street. The police, whom I called never arrived. When I questioned the fire crew chief, he sheepishly told me he had cancelled the police due to the common occurrence of these fires. After two letters to the Deputy Fire Chief in Winnipeg who transferred blame to the police for not showing and not the fireman’s actions, I wrote letters to city councillors seeking justice. No response. The Hartford Police Sargent assured me he had the information it was the fire dept. who cancelled the police. Sending a letter to the former Attorney General of Manitoba, Andrew Swan resulted in two officers from the Arson Squad coming to my home a few months later to apologize. The photos I have submitted to you show scorched black shingles from the burning van. I would welcome the opportunity, with your help, to open this case in court and seek compensation from the Winnipeg Fire Dept. as the arsonist was allowed to get away. And maybe charges should be laid for dereliction of duty.

5. Over the last 4 years, I initiated a plan to use the Neighbourhood Liveability Act of Winnipeg to report hundreds of homes and buildings who allowed broken steps, fences, doors, windows, siding, roofs, cracked foundations, garbage and overgrown weeds, trees, and grass in their yards to effect the value of surrounding homes that were well maintained. Rather than give you my numerous records with 311, I’ve submitted to you a 11 page document titled, “My Heart of the North” dated October 2014 that was sent to Mayor Bowman and all 15 city councillors. The plan calls for improving a small number of streets where I live that are rife with crime due to the city’s negligence in beautifying the area. For whatever reason, I often discovered the same complaint the following year where the city either hadn’t acted or the owner hadn’t complied. As a retired corrections officer and teacher working in teen jails, detention centres, group homes and Special Ed. classrooms, I know what I’m talking about. To diminish crime and make positive progress in people’s lives, the nest has to be kept clean for people to take pride in themselves and their community. I did my part, I want the Winnipeg City Council to start doing theirs.

6. Across the street from me at 580 and 582 is a derelict duplex that my 90 year old neighbour tells me has stood vacant for 50 years. I complained constantly along with my neighbours and the church minister beside my home long before 311 was created. How long would that eyesore remain in River Heights. A recent conversation with the city after again calling 311 has informed me that the home has now been taken over by the city and is available to buyers. You have threatened me with a possible $1000.00 fine and a 6 month imprisonment for starters if I don’t comply with downspouts on my garage by July 30, 2015. 1 don’t need that level of mental and emotional stress in my life. So let me give you some.

7. The west side of my garage roof is in adequate shape as shown by the photos I’ve submitted. The only neighbour on the west side is a church, which unknowst to them, I help maintain by picking up garbage on their property or reporting crime. The east side of the garage can’t be seen unless you’re looking from the upstairs windows of the two duplexes across the lane inhabited by transient residents who have been reported constantly to the police or 311. I can only conclude that none of my neighbours reported my garage under the Neighbourhood Liveability Act. In fact, Tm certain Michael Lawrence and his superiors are harrassing me for my recent reports to 311 along the backlane near my property. On October 24, 2014, I reported a pile up of garbage at the back of 555 Pritchard Ave., a burnt out vacant home. Numerous 5 year old children were playing in filth and scattering the furniture, bags of clothes and garbage along the lane and across to other homes. Didn’t look like the city was doing anything about it. I’ve submitted that 311 call to you. Then after both my neighbours and I reported to 311 another filthy pile up of garbage burned and scattered at the back of duplex 580 and 582 Manitoba, in March 2015, CBC news did a scathing attack of “Garbage piled in the back lanes of Winnipeg” including my back lane. Didn’t look good for the newly elected City Council. And so, I welcome the opportunity to invite CBC back for a followup on the harassment of homeowners reporting to Winnipeg’s 311. By the way Michael, I sent you a recent photo of garbage overflowing the bins at 552 Manitoba. I’m tired of having to drive over broken glass and wood with nails plus picking up garbage in my yard scattered by the wind. Check your priorities. My neighbour beside me to the east just installed an expensive metal roof on her home and yet is being ordered to paint the peeling paint on her garage. The neighbour east of her in a contemporary, Habitat, immaculate home, just told me he was ordered last fall to remove a desk from his back yard that he uses for carpentry. You’re not making any friends for the city, Michael.

Submitted by: Daniel Nemis Community Services Department• Services communautaires Community By-law Enforcement Services Services communautaires dexécution des reglements

‘VVinriipeg 18 - 30 Fort Street • 30. we Fort, bureau 18 • Winnipeg • Manitoba • R3C 4X3 Teifrel. 204-986-2234 • FaxJTéléc. : 204-986-4094 • www.winnioea.ca

NEIGHBOURHOOD LIVEABILITY BY-LAW NO. 112008 NEIGHBOURHOOD LIVEABILITY BY-LAW ORDER

DATE: April 7, 2015 NOTICE TO: Daniel E M Nemis 575 Pritchard Ave Winnipeg, MB R2W 2K2

RE: 575 PRITCHARD AVE EXC N 8F LOT 760 PLAN 5337/8 ST J Folder: 15 119536 000 00 NO

An inspection of the premises at 575 Pritchard Ave (EXC N 8F LOT 760 PLAN 53 37/8 ST J) in the City of Winnipeg revealed that you are in contravention of The Neighbourhood Liveability By-law No. 1/2008 in the following respects:

A. Property garage exterior walls and roof lacks maintenance — shingles rotted and

twisted; sections of the roof in disrepair — eaves and downspouts are missing. Repair or remove the Accessory buildings 14. Accessory structures, including fences, must be maintained in a condition that is: (a) weather resistant, through the application of appropriate materials, including paint and preservatives; and (b) in good repair.

You are hereby ordered to take such actions as are necessary to remedy the above noted contravention(s) by the compliance date stated below. All repairs shall be made in a manner accepted as good workmanship in the trade concerned and with materials suitable and sufficient for the purpose.

Any work involving structural changes to a building, or to a drainage or plumbing system, or to an

electrical. -systern,--requires a-permit from The-City of Winnipeg. -- -

The City has the right to register this Order by way of caveat against the property at the Land Titles Office.

COMPLIANCE DATE: July 30, 2015

Issued by: lf/L4uA A...A’ Michael Lawrence

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Community Services Department • Services communautaires Community Bylaw Enforcement Services • Services communautaires d’exécution des reglements

18-30 Fort Street • 30, rue Fort, bureau 18 • Winnipeg • Manitoba • R3C 4X3

TeIJTéL :204-986-2234 • Faxiféléc. :204-986-4094 • www Winnipeg ca COURTESY ADVISARY I AVIS OF COURTOISIE

Address I Adresse:

c/09pant/Person In Charge / Propriétaire/Occupant ou Occupante/Responsable: %4:.4cJç a. ,r7, 4 (id// Inspection Date I Date d’inspection:

This is to advise you that the following conditions on your property are in violation of / Nous vous informons par les présentes que votre bien est en contravention avec:

Neighbourhood Liveability By-law/The Neighbourhood Liveability By-law Li The Solid Waste By-Law/le règlement sur les déchets solides Li Doing Business in Winnipeg By-law/le Doing Business in Winnipeg By-law Li Other By-law / un autre reglement municipal

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Phone /Téléphone: 9;s —C 7c2 CW1382: 2009 09 Page 1 of 1

Dan Nemis

From: Date: Friday, October 24, 2014 11:00 PM To: Subject: Winnipeg.ca: Request for Services

The following message was submitted to the City of Winnipeg using a Winnipeg.ca web contact form on behalf of [email protected]. If you did not send this message, please forward this email to 311©wtnnipeg.ca.

Sent: Friday, October 24, 2014 11:00:17 PM Recipient: [email protected] Name: dan nemis Email Address: [email protected] Phone: 204 589-2078 IP: 50.71.144.203 Referring U RL: http://www.wi nni peq.ca/interhom/contact/defau 1t2.stm Subject: Winnipeg.ca: Request for Services Message: Under the Liveability Act of Winnipeg, I wish to report an enormous pile of garbage, bags of clothes, broken furniture in the back yard of a derelict home that is boarded up due to a fire sometime ago. The address is missing but is located on Pritchard Ave. between 553 and 559. Several children around S and 6 years of age play in this pile of garbage and seem to have spread the refuse to surrounding properties. I wish to remain anonymous.

10/24/2014 Page 1 of 3 / Dan Nemis

From: “Michael Silman” Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 12:35 PM To: “Dan Nemis”

Subject: Garbage piles in Wizmipeg back lanes worry residents - Manitoba - CBC News

Garbage piles in Winnipeg back lanes worry residents

With the spring weather melting the snow away in Winnipeg, it’s uncovered large, ugly piles of garbage in back lanes that don’t seem to go away.

One unsightly trash pile in an alley behind Pritchard Avenue has been there for almost a month and continues to grow, according to people living in the area.

One resident said she called the city’s 311 service line about the mess two weeks ago, while another neighbour said she called the city last week.

“I don’t like it at all,” said Tammy Walker, who sees the growing pile of garbage whenever she steps out of her home.

Garbage piles up by a back lane near Mountain Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End on Friday. (Caroline BarghoutlCBC)

Walker said she called the city about a week ago, and “they said somebody was gonna take care of it right away, but it’s still there.”

Cecile Storey says she’s worried the garbage piles will be set ablaze by firebugs sooner or later. A

4/21/2015 1

Our city is in crisis and it’s getting worse. With ever increasing violence against our citizens, even a weak plan to lower crime is better than no plan at all. I’ve never seen a plan from Winnipeg’s City Council except for spending more money to hire more police or helicopters. And then there’s those who redirect their grief against the government for not legislating harsher penalties on the perpetrators. Recently, I’ve sent copies of my plan to the newly elected mayor and city council hoping to generate discussion and then action using solutions that can be easily adopted.

My Heart of the North October 2014

I rn long overdue in writing this letter. Years of thinking of how to improve my neighbourhood comes down to writing ideas at the last second before the city of Winnipeg’s election day, October 22, 2014. It’s a rush job and I apologize, but I believe the ideas are sound, inexpensive to implement, cost saving, and provide a greater measure of safety for families to raise their children.

I live in an area inundated with crime and poverty. Some might say, it is one of the most blighted dangerous areas in any Canadian city, but I love living here. I grew up in a similar depressed area of Winnipeg. Although I have no statistics to quote, I do have 33 years achieving incredible success with violent, behavior problem teens as a counsellor, a teacher, a principal, and care giver in correction facilities, detention centres, group homes, and special education classes. I suspect a high percentage of crime in Winnipeg comes from my neighbourhood. Winnipeg has been given the well known title of “Murder Capital of Canada.” I want to change that. I’m advocating a pro-active plan to halt or diminish further violence. My reputation and successes in my work area are well known and documented. For starters, as a reference, contact Gary Doer in Washington if there is any doubt.

The area I’m targeting is bordered by Main St., to Arlington St., Sutherland Ave., to Mountain Ave. However my ideas, I believe can be applied to other low economic areas of Winnipeg.

1. Four years ago, I started an initiative to apply the Liveability Act of Winnipeg to each residential home and commercial building in my area. According to city records, I reported hundreds of addresses that needed repair or upgrading from overgrown grass to faded fence boards. It wasn’t fair in my opinion that some properties, especially gang or drug houses, devalued surrounding homes that were beautifully maintained. The improvements in fences, steps, roofs, siding, windows, doors, and garbage free lawns became noticeable. The common thinking in my business is before you can change one’s negative lifestyle, mindset, or self image, one starts by living in a clean nest. The police reported this year that crime was down in my area. Do you think my contribution helped. “Ya think.”

2. It would be beneficial if the city introduced a bylaw that required property owners to install addresses in the back of their homes as well as the front and enforce it. This could certainly make it easier for police and utilities to locate addresses from the back lane. Furthermore, city home inspectors dressed in orange vests could report backyards that aren’t maintained as well. Criminals often avoid the work of keeping their nest clean and detest prying eyes.

3. With several billion dollars of infrastructure upgrades required in Winnipeg, I’m proposing that all residential frontage roads be eliminated wherever possible over time if a back lane already exists. Do we have a reason for maintaining two roads, a front and a back, that need plowing, repairs, and cleaning. When a road needs to be replaced or dug up to replace an aging sewer line, isn’t it less costly to replace the area with sod instead of concrete. Of course it is. This puts a park in front of every home for children and families to play safely. Who knows, maybe unforeseen demographics will take place such as barbeques moving from the back of the house to the front and neighbours getting to know one another better.

Large paving stones can be laid down like a track in the front to accommodate, police, fire, and ambulances. Moving companies will have to seek permission to use the same track. A much smaller path can be plowed in the winter. Grass can be cut in the front by volunteers using city owned riding mowers. Taxes should drop if front roads aren’t being plowed, cleaned, or patched. Sewers become cleaner and require less maintenance.

Now about the larger issue of parking. In Wildwood Park and off of Lyndale Dr. the 10 ft. wide back lane has been expanded with 6 ft. of asphalt on both sides for parking. The 2 ft. variance between the lane and fence means home owners only need to move fences and garages back 4 more feet. Most lots can accommodate two parked cars. Visitors or families with 3 or more vehicles can get permission from neighbours who don’t require the extra space. Not everyone has a car or needs to use the back lane for parking. Overflow parking for visitors can be created by indenting the front and end of every block where concrete and not sod exists. Some streets especially in the West end of Winnipeg have cars bumper to bumper out front. Creative problem solving such as acquiring derelict homes to become parking lots is one solution.

It’s just a matter of time before every home has an electric car to plug in at the back. The front is impractical for plugging in.

And how does removing the front street, an incredible multibillion dollar saving over 20 plus years [I assume the longevity of a road] effect crime. Homeowners only need to watch out for theft and vandalism on one street instead of two. Will the streets be easier for the police to monitor. I suspect yes, as people move to alarms and special lighting in the back. Strangers become more noticeable walking down the open unhindered front street and busier back lane. Not good for the bad guy.

Kingsbury Ave. is an example of a wide back lane that is used for busy traffic. Feeder streets like Redwood Ave. and Burrows Ave. will probably receive more traffic with my plan. There is an easy solution coming up and it involves eliminating parking on these busy streets.

Let’s ask the police, fire men and ambulances for their input. There can be no harm in designating one street in my area as a trial example. I just altered my driveway in the back lane to prepare for such a plan.

4. Installing street cameras have proved fruitful down town. As a start, I propose we do the same on Main St. and Selkirk Ave. Even dummy cameras have an element of deterrence when bad guys can’t discern which cameras work and which ones don’t. An article I read awhile ago claimed one camera can survey an entire block perhaps even a back lane. To monitor cameras, I wonder if old folks homes can assist. 3

5. Garbage flying about, especially on busy streets doesn’t bode well for tourism or new families considering whether to move into the area. Recently, I saw a pizza cook sweeping the sidewalk late one night outside his store on Selkirk Ave. I know all levels of government have an expense account to offer each store owner in this area a broom, a dust pan and garbage bags. Not only will it buy good will, it sends the message we want a clean neighbourhood. Using the Liveability Act, each store owner becomes responsible at the end of the day to sweep debris in front of their store. Good role modeling becomes contagious for the entire area to emulate. In addition, there seems to be an absence of garbage bins along the streets. Why? I know homeless people choose to search through the bins. Won’t locked bins put an end to that. I’d hate to start taking photos to prove my point.

6. To create a healthy positive community that we can be proud of, we need to beautify our neighbourhood. Graffiti taggers as a rule won’t paint over another artists work. Let’s see the city offer funds towards more murals on bare store walls. No excuses. Thus, we become the “Mural Capital of Canada.”

Selkirk Ave. can anchor the area for beautification advancement. Let’s try planting exciting colorful trees in the dozens of square empty plots lining the street side walks from previous trees. We shouldn’t ever be deterred by vandals destroying property and beauty. A few affordable trees at a time each year will be a marked improvement to the defeatist attitude the city has adopted in abandoning this area. I invite anyone to my yard to admire two of my favourite trees. The Golden Chokecherry with its year round glistening golden bark which can be seen in front of the Goldeye baseball stadium. Or, the European Mountain Ash unlike it’s cousin grows straight up and won’t obscure traffic, street lighting, or endanger pedestrians. It’s bountiful clumps of orange or red berries summer and winter offers a festive look as if it was Christmas year round.

The side walks along Selkirk Ave. are deplorable. The elderly and disabled shouldn’t be at risk when trying to shop along a donkey path. Paving stone repairs can be done a block at a time each year since funds are scarce and other city repairs take priority. But do it we must.

Let’s gather store owners along Selkirk Ave and discuss change. First, what is lacking is a large artistic sign or arch at Selkirk and Main St. welcoming shoppers and visitors to the area similar to Transcona Ave. along Regent Ave. or at Pembina Hwy. on Corydon Ave. Nothing small, plain, and cheap looking, if you please. School students and residents living in the area can be invited to submit their prize winning drawings or ideas. Other locations can be found in the community to support a welcome sign. At the foot of the north side of the Arlington bridge on the north east side of Sutherland Ave. is a 20 by 40 foot empty lot ideal for a small grassy green plot with green Spruce and Poplar trees, a wood bench, flowers, and a welcome sign. Along Salter St. after crossing the Slaw Rebchuck bridge on the north east side, opposite Children of the Earth School is a very large empty lot on the corner that could become a children’s park for stay at home parents with another welcome sign. The message promoted is that we put children and families first.

Second, there needs to be a name change for the area. Living in “The North End” is a badge of honor for some but really has a terrible reputation or stigma of crime and poverty for the rest of Winnipeg. Again let’s poll the students and residents for their submissions. I like “Heart of the North”, and thus, I live in the “Heart of Winnipeg.” 4K

Third, let’s suggest that store owners create a common, colorful, unique, attractive theme agreeable to all with their store fronts that will become a popular destination for everyone. Academy road has a short block of stores before the St. James bridge that are placed further back from the road giving a resort town appearance. Osborne Village was a collection of turn of the century buildings until a fire removed one of them and plain steel concrete replacements sprung up. Not nice. Poor planning and urban design. I like the pioneer theme that one store at 571 Selkirk Ave has adopted using a rustic looking wood siding, painted window frames, flower boxes, and steel window trappings of long ago. In St. Boniface along Provencher Blvd. one can see small, two storey, wood buildings painted in colors that appear to capture a French Habitat settlement. A wonderful theme. Woodshops at schools like the one at Knowles Centre on Henderson Hwy. have a carved wood sign out front that would support a historic theme. Maybe a different theme can be adopted. A bright colorful house on the corner of Burrows Ave. and Andrews St. is painted orange and yellow creating a fun festive appearance that Selkirk business owners might not see anywhere else. Something a little simpler and cheaper is a single string of neon lights along the building roofs which can be seen on the east side of Main St. at Selkirk Ave. Another striking beautification suggestion is a petrifried or dried tree branch painted a vibrant blue and can be viewed in the front yard off Kildonan Dr. at the corner of Woodvale and Rossmere. Homeowners in my area can provide their limbs both literally and figuratively. I recommend this bright inexpensive addition to a drab Main St. median boulevard that is sorrily lacking in flowers and trees. I wonder why when the rest of Winnipeg has beautiful displays on their main streets. Please don’t say it’s because of vandalism. I persevered with destructive teens and never gave up and neither should city council.

7. And don’t tell me these changes are too costly. Raising taxes is a fools solution. The south side of Portage Ave. has had hundreds of millions of dollars pour in from city council the last few years while the north side of Portage has been abandoned.

In my area we don’t have the $200 million dollar stadium for 10 games and a few summer concerts for 30,000 fans. What does the other 730,000 citizens get while having their grand children pay for this extravagance. They didn’t get the million dollar road improvements that the stadium got because of its’ ridiculous location. Thank-you David Asper and all the city councillors who pushed or caved in to this project. My son played five years for the University of Manitoba Bisons without ever asking for a new stadium. They only wanted a new dressing room. The Old Exhibition Grounds across from the McPhillips St. Casino would have worked just as well for a new stadium or probably better with traffic flow, parking, and not offending residents. The stadium isn’t even winterized no matter what Thomas Steen told me before council’s vote. I’m sure Mr. Chipman got what he wanted with the MIS. Centre. Let’s be open about why the football stadium doesn’t have a retractable roof.

My area doesn’t benefit from the contentious, the billion dollar fiasco, the absurd, rabid spending, Rapid Transit System. It’s a road beside a road for only one type of vehicle. It gets students to the University of Manitoba a few minutes faster than the University Pembina Express bus and fans faster to both the football stadium or Goldeye stadium. Gee. How many alarm clocks can a billion dollars buy. Rapid Transit isn’t even a tourist attraction. As a volunteer last week, I tried showing it to visiting music dignitaries being driven to different venues for the Break Out West Music Awards. They couldn’t see it when I pointed it out. It’s not unique and will need the same maintenance as the transit buses from Motor Coach who were the only ones who prospered. No thank-you’s will be handed Out by my four children and grand children who will be expected to pay for this. If they choose to leave Winnipeg like so many of our young people for more progressive and less taxed cities, you will see a very lonely angry father run for city council and my wrath will be at your doorstep.

I want to see a proposal made for a monorail, the same idea proposed by the last great mayor of our city, Stephen Juba. It’s 21 St. century thinking because it’s unique, and a tourist draw from North Dakota, Minnesota, southern Ontario, Saskatchewan, and northern Manitoba. Who wouldn’t want a ride just to enjoy flying through the canopy of trees that Winnipeg is famous for. The more favourable location would include arrivals from the airport, past airport hotels, past the Polo Park Shopping Centre and massive parking lot for south west commuters working or enjoying themselves downtown, past the University of Winnipeg, through the Exchange area and Red River college on Princess St., to downtown hotels, restaurants, Centennial Concert Hall, Museum of Man and Nature, MTC. Theatre Centre, Shaw Goldeye Baseball Stadium, MTS. Jets Hockey Centre, The Forks, Via Rail Station, the Human Rights Museum, and the Art Gallery, before returning to Red River Community College on RT.90. and the airport again. A redesigned Ellice Ave. and Notre Dame Ave. are just some of the streets that need considering to connect these major points of business and interest that makes our city famous. I’m certain businesses will jump at the chance to provide warm escalators given the potential clients and shoppers stopping by. It would put Winnipeg on the map just as much as the Winnipeg Jets. The monorail would prepare Winnipeg and our grand children to enter the 22nd. century. It shows businesses and families that this city is run by visionaries, not the myopic planners who built a too- small hockey arena on a crowded downtown street or a poorly located, limited seating, open roof, football stadium with disastrous access and parking. The monorail not only has less winter maintenance to contend with, but with enormous cheap hydroelectricity in this province as an added bonus, it can snake around street corners and buildings a lot more effectively than “Rabid Transit” or Light Rail both requiring large tracts of land to build on. This city with it’s flat plain is ideal for a monorail. The monorail may not have the ridership support as the University of Manitoba, but it would become a post card jewel to showcase to the world very much like the rather sparse but attractive Louis Riel cable walking bridge with the million dollar toilet.

My area doesn’t house the new cost riddled Police Headquarters also built south of Portage Ave. I hope that City Council and Chief Clunis can guarantee a significant drop in crime for misspent millions without asking for another million dollar helicopter. Taxpayers want value for their tax dollars.

The final project south of Portage is the controversial, hugely expensive, Human Rights Museum where the once green, open Forks stood on the banks of the picturesque Red River. I saw a patch of grass at the Forks the other day if greedy land developers want to snap it up, slap down some concrete, and put up condos. But, since I and thousands of other Canadians are paying for this mind boggling expensive museum that is somebody else’s dream and that could have started off in a more affordable building before moving up the ladder to bigger cites, shouldn’t we have been consulted about its’ outside design, its’ location, and it’s cost, for starters. It’s a world class idea to be sure but I believe my rights were trampled. I live in an area where human rights are questionable every day. A few years ago, Gail Asper was quoted in the news that she was embarrassed and upset while escorting visiting dignitaries through Winnipeg’s poorer areas. She certainly had her chance to change that if citizens had been consulted about the museum. This city is sorrily lacking a city planner. Just look at the strangely colorful, out of place, building that was recently erected along Watership Drive on the banks of the Red River and blocking the turn of the century old James Power Station. Incredibly, it divides Stephen Juba Park used for walkers, cyclists, nature lovers, and wedding parties snapping photos. Somebody needs to investigate how this business deal was ever undertaken. Somebody at city hall was sleeping. Surprise, surprise. All Winnipeggers know the name of the former, very capable, city entomologist, Taz Stuart whom we entrusted with fighting mosquitoes. I wonder if anyone knows the name of our city planner.

8. We are a poor city in a have not province and we have a taste for expensive toys. While world catastrophes like ISIS terrorists and the Ebola virus could easily devastate our world, are we saving and preparing for such potential tragedies. The flood a few years ago was a wake up call that we weren’t prepared. Toys cost money and so do combating unpredictable catastrophes that endanger our health and safety. I don’t think we have our priorities straight at city hail. I haven’t seen a single mission statement from a single government official. I haven’t heard anyone say we saved money and put it aside for any of the projects mentioned earlier. I have heard it said that the province and federal government will contribute to our mega projects justifying the huge undertakings. And just where does the province and federal government acquire these large sums of money. This explains why we are taxed so heavily from all three governments.

I believe city council should have to be a good parent planning the betterment for it’s citizens, it’s children. Has it? Would a competent parent go into debt risking the loss of the basic needs of their children. Read #7 again. Would a caring parent buy a couch while the children sleep on a worn out, torn, lumpy mattress. Our city council chose to purchase expensive toys over basic needs. Would a loving parent favor one child over another. City council chose the development of the south while ignoring the north side of the city. It’s hard to educate and demand parents to be responsible. With a government who fails us, “we can’t fix stupid, we can only fire it or vote it out.”

Maybe there’s an alternative solution. In the province, there is a child advocate or ombudsman to insure everyone is working towards the child’s betterment. Maybe we need a citizen, a leader, a strong individual or group of individuals who have no political ties or hidden agenda, and who have the mandate to stay on elected officials who are trusted to make sensible financial decisions for our citizens. School divisions have parent councils that work closely with administrators. Something like that needs consideration since electing officials to represent our interests is no guarantee. Human error and mistakes are unavoidable and understandable. But, a pattern of horrific decisions should never go unchecked, since the results could be devastating and long term for many years. Recently, I read a revealing article about how Saskatchewan became a growing, booming, have-province far surpassing Manitoba. They got rid of the “OLD BOYS CLUB” and the way government was conducted. Not a bad idea to implement for our failing Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football club. Hmmmm. Food for thought in the upcoming election.

9. Although there are many wonderful hard working police officers in our city, I’ve met my fair share of rotten apples that have spoiled the barrel. If we’re going to order another expensive batch of officers, thinking that it will halt crime, then we should really go all out and put an officer in every home. While starting my career in the early seventies at the Manitoba Youth Centre, the staff to resident ratio in a cottage was 26 boys to one. No one even dared suggest we hire more staff. We had no luxuries like having a helicopter, batons, or mace to enforce our role as counsellors, rec. organizers, surrogate parents, and home makers. Notice I left out guards. Our cottage was violence free. We had 7

the realistic mindset that we were there to civilize, socialize, humanize the same angry violent teens that we have today. To use an unsavory analogy, juvenile delinquents may still choose to steal an old ladies purse, but we don’t want them sadistically kicking her when she resists or gives up. Purses are expendable, people aren’t. We had a working recipe and a work ethic that guaranteed everyone’s safety. Garry Doer once asked me why I stayed since the pay was low and I had two university degrees. He stated that 85% of his staff left every 6 months. I replied simply, “Success is addictive.” I suggest Chief Clunis you clean house or continue operating like the Bomber Football team. Note, that if you want society to operate with a non violent, respectful, caring attitude, then all your officers need to consider operating as role models and ambassadors in a city known for it’s friendly people by being lenient, sensitive, and human instead of issuing tickets to fill the city coffers. In other words, to experience leniency, you must teach leniency. When is the last time an officer issued a traffic ticket but torn it up instead with a firm fatherly warning.

10. I agree with Chief Clunis when he was quoted in the news as explaining that there are mutiple factors that explain the dysfunction of persons in our society. I’ll only touch on three that I’ve focused on with unlimited success. First, organizing healthy daily activity for bored inactive teens at risk is well known and practiced by many group homes and correction facilities. The second, creating a stress free environment is also practiced by staff. Stress often makes people sick, who then feel tortured, are desperate for relief, and often make poor decisions for self harm or exploding their anger directly at others. The third is less well known and probably seldom practiced consistently. Teaching “values”, is in my opinion the best strategy for replacing negative behavior and a hurtful mindset with a productive, positive, life script. A list of the main values are: caring, sharing, respect, honesty, courage, leadership, a strong work ethic, and sensitivity to others. Portage Home for Boys does an outstanding job of teaching values to incarcerated juveniles by using positive peer pressure. The following initiatives can be introduced into the “Heart of Winnipeg” that cover the three factors mentioned.

11. I’d like to propose that the city mandate a moratorium on any future building of structures along all creeks and rivers and all abandoned rail lines within city borders. Furthermore, all present structures when demolished will not have new structures rebuilt. The city will acquire the land at fair market value over a hundred year period. The waterways and river banks belong to all the people of Winnipeg and not just the few who can afford to live or build there. It’s a travesty that the city fathers allowed developers to sell out future generations. Calgary citizens have the Bow River. Toronto citizens have the Humber River. Minneapolis citizens have the Mississippi River. Scenic roads, walking paths, cycling paths, and a park like setting needs to return along river property that our forefathers explored. Look at the disappearance of Omand’s Creek near Polo Park, once a natural habitat for wild life, because box stores and city council saw dollar signs. Sad and shameful. The city saw increased tax revenues and a chance for, “the skies to open up and a chorus of heavenly angels singing hallelujah, no more taxes.” When was the last city park developed such as Kildonan Park or St. Vital Park. Land developers should never have carte blanche to do as they wish and determine how the city should look especially if it involves nature. I’ve seen developers create row housing because its’ lucrative and they can. 12. My vision is to create a vast “Inner Green Circle” within Winnipeg that becomes attractive to all who want to stay fit, busy, and competitive in a variety of sports. Let’s give our children a vision that they can look forward too. Garbage Hill or Green Hill near the airport is an excellent training area for both young and old athletes who choose to walk, jog, or cycle. It’s potential hasn’t been tapped. With a little attention from the city to clean the multitude of broken glass along the gravel paths and a little landscaping, this site could easily become a tourist attraction for a wonderful view of the city skyline or breath taking sunsets. Another possibility is having the city assign someone to get the surrounding airport hotels and airport on board to provide transportation and then live music to two natural amphitheatres at the top of the hill. The sports possibilities can develop too. We may not rival the Calgary hill used for the down hill ski jumps, but we can start small as a gift for budding Olympic athletes. Didn’t Manitoba send a measly two athletes to the Olympics several years ago. If Empress St. on the west side is closed and then the tracks eventually removed on the east side of the hill, this area could become a park like anchor for the development of a large green inner city circle that expands southward over the deserted rail tracks above the Assiniboine River and connects to the cycling path running east along Bishop Grandin Blvd. Then north along Lagimodiere until turning towards the Gateway/Raleigh cycling path. Turning west towards Chief Peguis bridge over the Red River and heading further west to McPhillips St. or even Rt. 90. The edge of the airport field may have to be considered before meeting up with Omand’s Creek that heads through Dominion Bridge and back to Garbage Hill. The “Inner Green Circle” might take 100 years to expand and widen into a sports mecca with other sports venues such as tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, swimming pools like Pan Am, skate board parks, cross country ski trails and warming shacks. What an adventure the youth can have to explore their city safely and connect with other neighborhoods. But the path can be started today connecting already existing paths.

13. I think our three levels of government representing “The Heart of the North”, Ross Eadie, Dennis Chief, and Kevin Lamoureux need to unite and make a strong recommendation to relocate the CPR. Rail lines bordered by Logan Ave and Jarvis Aye, from Higgins Ave. and Main St. to Keewatin Ave., but on one condition. A caveat needs to be part of that initiative that this mile long park, like Assiniboine Park prohibits the development of structures especially both residential and commercial unless specifically designed to enhance the world renown park that will unfold. And no high rises more than two stories will border the surrounding streets. There’s plenty of research showing that green areas in a neighborhood reduce stress.

It’s not as important that the three officials succeed, but that they make the effort as many times as possible each year. What a legacy they can tell their children and grand children. We would hate to see a rail accident where bridge supports are knocked out again or even worse, an explosion like Lac-Megantic in Quebec. This idea is long overdue and will unite the “Heart of the North” with the rest of Winnipeg. The park will be a million dollar boon to Winnipeg’s growth and indirectly to its’ economy. Imagine horse stables to ride through the heart of the city or hay rides in the winter, or water parks, or ski doo races, or dog sled races, or cross country ski trails. How many cities can boast of a park of this magnitude in their centre.

14. In the meantime, I suggest that an abundance of both small Street parks, or larger, spring up in the “Heart of the North” to relieve the stress that parents may feel while raising their family or making ends meet. For example, the block long open space behind St. Olga’s Catholic church on McGregor St. can be researched for availability. I’ve never seen children playing tennis on the courts at Pritchard Ave. and Charles St. Basketball courts may be more practical or the expansion of the children’s park nearby on Manitoba Ave.

The land along the banks of the Red River north of Redwood Ave. and east of Main St. behind the Greek Orthodox Church with the colorful yellow minarets is presently being used to store numerous trucks and heavy equipment. A real head scratcher to see potential river land used like this when it could easily allow St. John’s park to expand its’ borders. I think heads should roll if these are government vehicles.

In my 65 years of passing by St. John’s, this beautifully maintained picturesque park looks empty most of the time. Viewing it or passing by this green space like our many golf courses, which I admittedly have long given up has always made me calm, relaxed, and proud to live in Winnipeg. I get the same inner glow at Shaw Baseball Park even when the game excitement wanes. That’s why I feel adding a baseball diamond to this park is a positive initiative as long as schools, neighbours, and Manitoba Sport agree there is a need. Cutting trees and installing fences aren’t necessary. There may be room for two or three more diamonds that wouldn’t disrupt the green space or quality of the park. Games are generally played in the evening and on the weekends. I wonder if people, especially parents will be drawn to the local excitement and participate. Perhaps local businesses along Main St. may support the teams and enjoy the added business. I’m offering my help to get the first trial diamond groomed as I have done this before in Fort Garry.

15. Both Inkster Blvd. and Burrows Ave. have a wide, grassy, tree lined, median boulevard running from Main St. to McPhillips St. Once students, gym teachers, residents, and sport centres are surveyed, let’s consider putting a light gravel path down the centre like that on Wellington Cres. to accommodate, walkers, runners, dog owners, and parents pushing carriages. Of course, traffic speeds would have to be lowered to at least 30 to 35 km./hr. to create a calm safe area. Just because we’re not the captains of our streets, the MLA. and the Premier need to be approached to assist in lowering speeds. After all, there is a school and school children on both streets so a lower speed of 30 km./hr. makes good sense.

If we go ahead with the paths or not, I suggest we work together to conduct 3 races using both streets as a circular course during the summer with potential festivals to enliven the events. This can only build pride for individuals and the area. Creating lively events gives people a choice in following a positive direction and goals too strive for. One is a foot race. I’m sure schools, neighbourhood volunteers, and sports stores will get on board if asked. The second race is a bike race similar to the popular Cobblestone Classic once held in the Exchange area. The third race is a lot more ambitious either cycling or running connecting “Heart of the North” to Garbage Hill.

Again this requires a great deal of planning and organization. I’m offering my time plus a total of $300.00 in the first year towards the prize money spread out evenly over different classifications in each race. I’m expecting each level of government to match my offer or more to show their support. I wonder if the School of Social Work on Selkirk Ave., The Indian Metis Friendship Centre, Ndinawe, and a host of other government sponsored organizations in the area would gladly lend their support. Old folks homes as well as residents in the area can also be canvassed for volunteers. I’d hope group homes would also lend a hand. There is nothing more gratifying and beneficial as seeing a teen at risk connect with an elder. The dynamic coupling is crucial for succeeding with misled youth attracted to gangs and drugs. The results are life changing.

I’ve had some experience in organizing events, such as a helping, starting role in the Children’s Festival. My major concern is not whether it can be done or succeed. Most good projects die out quickly if someone doesn’t take charge the following year. My suggestion is for a list of organizations such as Sports Manitoba take charge for two years with the following organization overlapping in the second year, so that good ideas are passed on mid growth is never watered down.

16. I touched on teaching values earlier because of my life time success with this strategy. I propose we have a few billboards erected in the area especially at the gates to our community. The cost might be prohibitive, but we need to consider one or two to get our message across to all who enter or live in the “Heart of the North” with good or bad intentions. Quite a few years ago a common message was, “Have You Hugged Your Child Today.” Again the area can be polled for winning positive messages. My own suggestions are, “Our Community Hugs Their Children”, “Be a Helper, Stamp Out Crime, and Snap a cell Photo”, “Be a Leader, Say No To Crime, Call 911”, and “Working Together For A Friendly Safe Clean Neighbourhood”.

17. Potholes have garnered more anger among all the other issues in our coming election. Selkirk Ave. is undoubtedly a bit of a donkey path needing more than just patching, but the money isn’t there. Patching will have to suffice. It’s true, pot holes ruin cars, but unrealistic tax increases ruin nerves. Creating further debt or taxing people who can’t afford one more hit to their income is evident of wannabee leaders who never grew up poor or hungry or can’t empathize with struggling wage earners. Our youth is hurt by escalating taxes as much as parents and the elderly on fixed incomes. Creative solutions is what we expect of our leaders when our backs are to the wall. And in Winnipeg, the massive debt and desperate need to maintain services has our backs to the wall more than ever before. No family could survive such a debt and increasing expenditures. Further spending needs to halt immediately or else stress will escalate and violence will result. Anyone proposing otherwise is out of touch with reality. We can’t fix stupid but we can fire it or vote it out.

18. Here’s an example of a creative cost saving solution to lower stress. My stress comes not from potholes but from the slow long line ups that turtle on the road any time of day. If intersection lights are synchronized in our city, I’m not feeling it. I’m proposing no left turns 24-7 at any controlled intersection except where the median lane is indented. I certainly can’t be the only one fuming behind a line up of cars because one car at the head of the lineup or all of them are waiting to turn left. So instead of idling or waiting for a few cars to turn on the green arrow or amber light, the rest of us make a hasty turn to the curb lane to move through the green or yellow light. Do that a few times a day and one’s blood pressure begins to rise. Traffic should always flow smoothly and safely. Isn’t uninterrupted smooth driving preferable to speeding from one red light to the next or sitting with slow moving cars. Round-abouts are being tried on a small level and the results aren’t in.

A few years ago, city workers were laying huge sewer pipes on Salter St. between Logan Ave and Cumberland Ave., a fair distance. Nobody could turn left on the restricted two lanes for many months. Either you turned left on Logan or after Cumberland. I’m sure people planned their route long before they got to the restricted area. When I had to turn left, I chose to turn right instead, and traveled to a back lane or side Street parallel to Salter. When I reached a cross street, I turned left. I believe these mini cloverleafs can be manufactured by simply widening back lanes. It’s not perfect but far cheaper and safer than idling in traffic for long stretches. Continuing with traffic flow, why do most bus stops occur before an intersection instead of after. If a car sits waiting to turn left and a bus stops to pick up or drop off passengers, instead of a bottle neck, a barricade is created at a green light.

Traffic conditions affect most Winnipeggers, so why not experiment with one or two streets in the “Heart of the North” and record the results. Another recommendation is to prohibit parking 24-7 along the curb lane on any major street. I’m sure with one or two cars blocking a lane, they can park in the back lane instead of forcing cars and buses to zig and zag in and out of lanes. Most stores have parking lots which they pay taxes on. Expensive curb lanes shouldn’t become expensive parking lots. If smaller stores can’t share or afford a parking lot, side streets or widened back lanes with back door access may be one solution. I’d like to hear from transit drivers, emergency vehicles, shop keepers, and Auto Pac about freeing up the curb lane.

One final suggestion is to experiment with speed limits on one or two streets to once again lower stress and meet the needs of different drivers. On McPhillips St. with 6 lanes or Main St. with 8, let’s try raising the speed limit in the median lane to 65 km/hr. to allow faster drivers faster access especially for our younger drivers. In the curb lane, where only buses are allowed at certain time restrictions, let’s lower the speed to 30 to 35 km/hr. for all those who wish to cruise home driving slowly and stress free especially the elderly. I wonder what the outcome would be for drunk drivers choosing a slower lane not that I’m advocating drunk driving. I’m a teacher. Compromising and being proactive is good for everyone. Cyclists near the curb and pedestrians on the side walks would benefit with slower traffic as well. Baby Boomers are rapidly becoming a larger majority of drivers on the road.

19. Here’s an easy stress reducer for the city to consider. On the two lane residential road on Selkirk Ave. west of McPhillips St. and before Railway St. is a treacherous, narrow, extremely well used, short passage way to Keewatin St. A game of “Chicken” is played every minute by motorists driving east, stopping because of parked cars and facing oncoming cars going west. Day after day, 24- 7, year after year, this clearly is a stressful road to travel. If a school bus has stopped which it often does on this street, a train crossing would seem faster. The remedy is a “no brainer”. The inexpensive course of action to take would be to erect signs preventing parking on the south side of the street 24-7, and lowering the taxes there for homeowners. The more expensive route to take and more practical given the heavy traffic this street receives all day every day, would be to make Selkirk Ave. west of McPhillips St. a one-way going west and widen the back lane along the Hydro lines to create a one way going east. Then city councillors can focus on how our streets are planned in a neanderthal fashion and who is responsible.

20. Anyone can walk or drive in my neighborhood and find suggestions for improvements. Along Selkirk Ave., there are several empty lots. These lots often become dumping grounds, or strewn with debris, and are short cuts for residents trying to get from their homes to Selkirk Ave. It’s no secret that criminals also take advantage of these short cuts to evade the law or avoid detection from businesses or residents in the area. How much safer would pedestrians feel knowing strangers cannot jump out at them from dark unsuspecting areas. My proposal is to present a bylaw to force owners of vacant lots or boarded up dwellings to erect an open view, chain link, fence at least 6 ft. in height, on the front, back, and side of their property if necessary, with a locked gate for emergency personnel, with a newly sodded or grassy interior, and responsibility for a tidy, clean, well maintained, weed free, garbage free area. This bylaw will impact heavily on those landlords sitting on property they choose not to develop but are a neighborhood eye sore that devalues neighbouring properties.

I have one such derelict home across from my house for more than 40 years. You won’t see that in River Heights. A time frame can be made to allow property owners to comply with the bylaw or sell. But a “For Sale” sign does not excuse these property owners from complying with the bylaw that requires a fence and simple maintenance of their property. The only exception to this bylaw that I think is reasonable are lots without a fence but which have undergone remarkable landscaping, beautification with flowers, shrubs, benches, or trees to benefit the neighbouring structures and people living in the area. Two examples already exist on Selkirk Ave. and are a visual delight. Has anyone thought of offering annual awards to houses or some form of recognition either in the paper or free advertising for businesses for their outstanding landscaping or beautification of their structure.

21. For many years now, I have been baffled seeing empty lots or derelict homes standing year after year without the city taking affirmative action to rid my neighbourhood of a ghost like appearance. My suggestion is for the city to purchase the lots or tear down the decay and offer the entire lot or half of the lot for the neighbours on either side to purchase. Taxes will still have to be made on the newly acquired property. When I see homes being built, especially Habitat Homes with zero clearance from their neighbours, I shudder at how easy and inviting it is for the criminal to break in or vandalize property. Criminals prefer operating in seclusion, darkness, without possible detection. There are several homes on my street close to Main St., where newly built homes by Winnipeg Development have substantial, wonderful space, more than 15 ft. to 20 ft. of space between neighbours. Only a bylaw will insure that developers or builders, no matter how good their intentions, stick to designing a home that insures some neighbourhood safety for the home owner.

I’m not expecting all or any of my suggestions to be warmly received. Everyone has their own perception with what is wrong in Winnipeg and what is needed. My facts might be off as I didn’t research every detail. My focus was mainly on where I live, my community, the “Heart of the North” because any present plan to diminish crime was either too expensive, or mostly nonexistent. Naysayers will surely attack my ideas because that is what they do. They have no ideas or plan to offer of their own and very little experience. They “practice being stupid.” And there lies the real crime. I’ve done my job, now do yours. I’ve forgotten more than I remembered, but will write another day. I wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.

I’m free to answer any questions, if you call Dan Nemis 204 589-2078