WINNIPEG - July 15, 2011 - At its annual conference this week in St. John's, Newfoundland, The Canadian Institute of Planners presented the 2011 Award for Planning Excellence, in the Planning category, to the City of Winnipeg for the "OurWinnipeg/SpeakUpWinnipeg" long-term planning framework.

OurWinnipeg is the blueprint that will guide land use and development for the City over the next 25 years. SpeakUpWinnipeg is the multi-faceted public engagement initiative through which city planners reached out to citizens and stakeholders - over 42,000 of them - to determine their vision of what Winnipeg might look like in the future.

"This recognition speaks volumes to the tremendous dedication and efforts demonstrated by those behind the development of the inclusive OurWinnipeg plan, including those who participated through the SpeakUpWinnipeg initiative" said Mayor Sam Katz. "This plan has been touted as the most creative and collaborative planning process ever undertaken in our city and is receiving world-wide attention for its grassroots approach."

With the recent approval of the plan by the Province of Manitoba, OurWinnipeg is another step closer to being implemented. The document will receive its third and final reading by Winnipeg City Council at its meeting July 20, 2011. Once passed, OurWinnipeg will replace Plan Winnipeg 2020 as the official development plan guiding growth and change for the city.

WINNIPEG - July 15, 2011 - Today, Mayor Sam Katz and the Corydon Avenue BIZ along with Councillor Jenny Gerbasi, Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry Ward as emcee, announced the commencement of a $390,000 streetscaping enhancement project along Corydon Avenue.

"Whether you live in the Corydon area or come for the boutiques, bistros, festivals or galleries or gelato, you know you're in a uniquely vibrant location," said Mayor Sam Katz. "I am very proud, as mayor, that the City is continuing to invest in this unique 'go-to and must-see' spot in Winnipeg through phase 2 of the streetscaping enhancement revitalization plan, so we keep the vibrancy of Corydon growing."

The project includes the installation of five pairs of festoon rope lighting poles at Lilac Street, Arbuthnot Street, Cockburn Street, Hugo Street and Daly Street intersections; new banner installations between Stafford Street and Nassau Street; bicycle parking areas at Daly Street and Hugo Street and 76 new concrete planters throughout the Corydon Avenue BIZ area.

"This project is about maintaining the vibrancy in this unique character neighbourhood, it's about the people and it's about a lifestyle," said Katia von Stackelberg, Executive Director, Corydon Avenue BIZ. "Dynamic things are coming together for Corydon Avenue and it is very exciting! Corydon Avenue BIZ and its members are anxious for this project to get underway and look forward to continued projects for Little Italy."

This project is funded through the renewed Building Communities Initiative (BCI) partnership between the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg with each partner contributing equally to the $300,000 project, as well as a $90,000 contribution from the Corydon Avenue BIZ. The project is part of the $10 million BCI II funding announced in July 2010, dedicated to 39 neighbourhood infrastructure projects located throughout Winnipeg.

Construction will begin in October 2011 and is expected to be completed in May 2012.

WINNIPEG - July 15, 2011 - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is reminding residents to take precautions during periods of high heat and humidity.

Be sure to check on seniors - particularly those who may be isolated from friends and family, as well as young children and pets who may be more susceptible to heat related illnesses during extreme temperatures. Isolated seniors and the disabled are at greater risk of heat related illnesses.

Do not leave children or pets in vehicles. In the confined space of a car, temperatures can climb so rapidly that they overwhelm a child or pet's ability to regulate his or her internal temperature. In a closed environment, the body, especially a small body, can go into shock quickly, and circulation to vital organs can fail.

Extreme heat safety tips:

• Avoid going out into the heat, especially in the mid-day hours.
• If outside, wear loose, light colored clothing and wear a hat with a brim.
  
• Drink plenty of water - at least eight glasses a day.
  
• Get into an air-conditioned space or a cooler area like a basement.
  
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed to block the sun.
  
• Use cool baths or showers, cool towels and washcloths to cool the skin.
  
• Slow down, avoid or minimize physical exertion.
  
• Don't leave any person or pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Heat related illness can be mild to severe. The symptoms of heat related illness are as follows:

• Extreme fatigue and weakness
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Light headedness or fainting

Here are some examples of heat related illness:

Heat Cramps
Although heat cramps are the least severe of heat health problems, they are a warning sign that your body is not coping well with the heat.

Heat exhaustion
Exertion in a hot, humid place will cause the body to lose fluids through heavy sweating. The blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a mild form of shock. If this goes untreated, the victim's condition will worsen, the body temperature will continue to rise, and heat stroke might occur.

Heatstroke
Heatstroke is an emergency. Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of heat stroke should seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. With heatstroke the temperature control system which produces sweating to cool the body simply stops working and the body temperature can rise high enough to cause brain damage and death. A victim in this situation needs to be cooled quickly.

Symptoms of heatstroke are:

• Red, flushed skin - may become pale
• A body temperature of 106°F (41°C) or higher
• Seizures
• Extreme headache
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Sweating ceases
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

For more information on extreme heat safety, visit:Province of Manitoba