WINNIPEG - November 7, 2008 – Committed to communicating directly with the citizens of Winnipeg, today Mayor Sam Katz along with Chris Stevens, VP/General Manager for CHUM Radio, announced ‘Say it to Sam’, a new show to be hosted by the Mayor on 1290AM CFRW.

Raccoon Carney will co-host ‘Say it to Sam’, a solid hour with Mayor Sam Katz taking calls live on air.

“The best part of my job is hearing from the people that I am directly accountable to,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Whether it is on the phone, over email, or through faxes and mail, I am always happy to communicate with Winnipeggers. But quick sound bites on the radio or snippets on television or in the newspapers is not enough information for Winnipeggers. I look forward to having the opportunity to engage the public and hear their ideas for making our city even better.”

“We’re thrilled to launch this new program for our listeners, and invite all interested citizens to tune in for what we believe will be a quality hour of interactive radio with Mayor Sam,” said Chris Stevens. “Winnipeg is a great city to live, work, and play. This show will be your opportunity to become informed, educated, and involved first hand with the issues that matter most. We encourage your participation.”

‘Say it to Sam’ will include a variety of civic issues and feature special guests from the city’s public service along with other passionate Winnipeggers.

‘Say it to Sam’ will be airing on Tuesday, November 18th on 1290 AM CFRW and continue to air on the third Tuesday’s of the month at 11am.

WINNIPEG - November 7, 2008 – The public is advised that with an accumulation of ice pellets and snow of approximately 10 cm overnight, and more snow expected, City of Winnipeg snow clearing activities will continue around the clock and throughout the weekend. A truck plowing operation was initiated early this morning on main routes, bus routes and collector streets and is continuing throughout the day.  Front end loaders are being used to clear snow at intersections and bus stops. Salting on main routes is on-going and sanding of residential streets is scheduled to begin this evening and will continue throughout the weekend to address traction concerns.

Plowing of sidewalks on main routes is also underway and will be followed by plowing of sidewalks on bus routes and collectors this weekend. The condition of sidewalks on residential streets will be assessed early next week to determine plowing requirements.

Plowing of back lanes will begin on Saturday and take place daily between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and will continue until completed.

“We are monitoring the condition of streets on an ongoing basis,” said Bruce McPhail, Manager of Streets Maintenance. “We will be making an assessment to determine if additional plowing is required.”

Public snow disposal sites on McPhillips Street, Kenaston Boulevard and Ravelston Avenue are open.

The estimated cost of this snow clearing activity is approximately $1 million.

Motorists are reminded to “drive to road conditions” and are asked to use extreme caution when approaching or driving near any plowing and salting/sanding equipment.

Although no parking bans are currently in effect, individuals are invited to sign-up online for the City’s e-mail notification process regarding parking bans that will be put in place this winter at winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParkingBans/

Plowing operations commenced in accordance with the City Council-approved Snow and Ice Control policy, which can be found online at http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Snow_Clearing_Policy/default.asp 

WINNIPEG - November 7, 2008

WINNIPEG - November 7, 2008 – With this first snowfall, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service urges citizens to use caution and not over exert themselves while shoveling heavy snow.  Senior citizens and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart or lung disease should avoid shoveling heavy snow.  All members of the public are reminded to use extra caution when walking outside in the presence of the snow and ice conditions to limit the potential for injuries due to falls.

For more information, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority provides safe snow shoveling tips at www.wrha.mb.ca