Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Sam Katz today delivered a State of the City Address focused on Winnipeg’s healthy business environment, opportunity presented by new development and initiatives, and a commitment to building a better community.
Mayor Katz began his remarks by addressing the difficulty many Winnipeggers are facing without water service as a result of frozen water pipes. “Our number one priority right now is helping all those families without water service,” he said. “We know how difficult this is for homeowners, renters, businesses and community organizations.”
City of Winnipeg crews are at work seven days a week to thaw frozen pipes. Wherever possible, the City is helping to install temporary water supply from neighbouring homes. The City is also offering support to citizens by providing access to drinking water and City facilities.
The Mayor reviewed the City’s healthy population growth and economic growth, while highlighting a number of City of Winnipeg achievements, such as record investment in local and regional street renewal and record building permit values.
“We achieved another milestone in 2013. Total declared construction value for building permits in Winnipeg reached a record $1.8 billion,” he said. “That speaks to some of the major construction projects happening in our city, both public and private.”
The Mayor outlined the opportunity presented through new recreation initiatives and a revitalized downtown. He took note of development and renewal at Red River College, the University of Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba, the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights - each supported by the City of Winnipeg.
“The Canadian Museum for Human Rightsâ��is going to add a whole new dimension to that sense of what it means to be a citizen of Winnipegâ��I am convinced that it will become one of the great markers of our identity,” he said.
Finally, the Mayor spoke about the importance of helping to build a better community for everyone, with initiatives such as Emergency Paramedics in the Community (EPIC) and investments in City recreation centres, libraries and pools.
He highlighted the work of a Community Task Force to End Homelessness, formed by the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council and supported by the United Way of Winnipeg. The long-term strategy to end homelessness in Winnipeg will be delivered later this spring and Mayor Katz encouraged all Winnipeggers to take part in the discussion.
“I know the Task Force wants to shift our thinking from ‘managing homelessness’ to ‘ending it,” he said. “I support this conviction and when the plan is released, it will merit everyone’s attentionâ��Let’s listen to the Task Force, let’s listen to each other and let’s work together to find solutions to this problem.”
The Mayor concluded his remarks by calling on all Winnipeggers to keep working together to seek opportunities, solve problems, and make Winnipeg the best city in the world.