WINNIPEG - December 10, 2008 – Committed to addressing the priorities of Winnipeggers, Executive Policy Committee today tabled their final recommendations to council regarding the 2009 Capital Budget and the 2010 to 2014 Five Year Capital Forecast.

After consultation at the various standing policy committees, EPC made the following recommendations:

• That funding for Active Transportation Corridors be increased by $500,000.00 for 2009 and the Public Service report back on the recommended active transportation plan;
• That funding for Local and Regional Sidewalk and Curb Renewals be increased by $500,000.00 for 2009;
• That funding for Downtown Enhancement be increased by $200,000.00 in 2009 in order to carry out the work at Old Market Square and the Manitoba Hydro Tower;
• That funding for Lane Renewals be increased by $500,000.00 for 2009;
• That $250,000.00 in funding for Active Transportation be transferred from the Land Acquisition - Transportation Right of Way account, for a feasibility study of the Red River crossing options from South St. Vital area to the University of Manitoba.
• That $400,000.00 in funding be identified in 2009 for Image Route Enhancements / Streetscaping and reallocated from prior years’ authorizations.

“Council appreciates all the delegations who made strong, passionate, and thorough presentations to the various standing committees and executive policy committee over the last couple of weeks,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “We have worked together to find a balance despite competing priorities in difficult economic times.”

City Council is scheduled to consider the preliminary 2009 capital budget on December 16, 2008 at a special meeting of council.

WINNIPEG - December 10, 2008 – The public is advised that a truck plowing operation was initiated this morning at 11:00 a.m. on main routes in response to recent accumulations of snow and will continue throughout the day.

Sanding of streets is ongoing to improve traction on the roadways in advance of the afternoon rush hour, and will continue around-the-clock.

Front-end loaders are being used to clear snow at intersections and bus stops.

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

The annual Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban remains in effect until March 1, 2009. Motorists should be aware that vehicles must be moved by 2:00 a.m. from streets designated as snow routes. Citizens may to call 775-SNOW (775-7669) or go to www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks for more information. Individuals may also sign-up online for the City of Winnipeg’s e-mail notification process regarding parking bans.

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

WINNIPEG - December 10, 2008 – In recognition of the outpouring of sympathy over the passing of Councillor Brenda Leipsic, a Book of Condolence has been placed in the Council chamber staircase in the Council Building at City Hall, 510 Main Street.

Doors to the Council Building are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The book will be available for signing until City Council’s meeting of December 17th.

All citizens are welcome to come to City Hall to share their thoughts, stories, and reflections.

For those who are unable to visit City Hall, an electronic Book of Condolence has also been placed on the City of Winnipeg’s website at www.winnipeg.ca.

WINNIPEG - December 10, 2008 – Finding ways to be active this winter season is made easier with a number of fun and exciting options available in the Winter 2009 Leisure Guide. Those interested in aquatic fitness will find a range of programs available that include specialty aquatic fitness classes designed to assist those living with Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

These specialty aqua fitness programs use the physical properties of the water to assist with healing and exercise. Beyond the social atmosphere, the benefits of these programs are that the water provides a safe environment to exercise in and allows for the exploration of more challenging movements. Participants are able to move in the water without the fear of falling and hurting themselves. Specialty aqua fitness program instructors are certified as aqua fitness instructors with the Manitoba Fitness Council and are additionally certified as aqua fitness instructors with specialty training for MS and Arthritis.

The Winter 2009 Leisure Guide is available at all civic libraries, indoor pools, arenas’ leisure centres and over 200+ retail locations including Safeway, 7-Eleven and Macs. The Leisure Guide can also be viewed on-line at www.winnipeg.ca.

Registration began Monday, December 1, 2008, using one of the following methods:

• On-line at www.winnipeg.ca/leisureonline
• Phone-in: 311
• Fax: Recreation Services, 311 or 311 
• Mail: Recreation Services, Main Floor, 395 Main Street, R3B 3N8
• Drop-off registration: Main Floor, 395 Main Street; Fort Rouge Leisure Centre, 625 Osborne Street; Freight House Recreation Complex, 200 Isabel Street;  St. James Civic Centre, 2055 Ness Avenue.
• In-Person: Main Floor, 395 Main Street; any City of Winnipeg indoor pool.