Is Winnipeg Soulless?

As usual Winnipeg is bogged down in controversy. Why do we need BRT? Why do we need a new stadium? Why do we need a Human Rights Museum? Why do we need a better zoo? Why do we need Bears on Broadway. Why do we need more high rise apartments in my neighborhood? Why do we need Ikea?

I don't want THAT in my back yard. Who needs art? Why should we spend money subsidizing education? Why should the city spend money on THAT development?

When did Winnipeg become such a negative place? We might well be the most unimaginative metropolis in Canada. We seem to be satisfied with the status quo.

Perhaps that is what we prefer: never-ending bitching about how bad off we are. But any time something new and creative comes our way we say absolutely not. It's ugly. It costs too much.

Previous generations of politicians at every level have spent our tax dollars like drunken sailors leaving us with a massive infrastructure deficit. Generations of piss poor civic planning in Winnipeg have left us with a real dog's breakfast of poorly maintained streets and traffic lights and sprawl. Add in a government that believes more bureaucracy is the only way to go.

Now we have to fix it. Unfortunately that fix is not inexpensive. We also have to keep living. Too many think that if we just stop spending everything will be better. Maybe, but not so much when we talk about cities. Winnipeg will not grow and prosper if we cannot provide balance. To me balance includes:
* generous social programs and training, taking care of the less privileged, helping them to become contributing citizens
* competent planning and quality infrastructure management and execution
* intelligent transit development
* then there are the intangibles that make a city warm and welcoming: trees and art and sport and culture and learning and food...

Nothing will get done properly in a vacuum. We need a real vision followed by a plan and excellent execution of the plan. That is not available in Winnipeg today. But if it were we don't seem to have the will to do it.

I have a dream of what I'd like Winnipeg to become. I have a passion for Winnipeg that allows me precious little patience for all the negativity, the naysayers and nimbiers that seem to dominate this fair burgh. We second and third guess absolutely everything.

Some will argue reality gets in the way of one's dream. True. But we do treat ourselves from time to time. Maybe splurge on a new jacket. Buy that car we've always wanted. Renovate the kitchen. Small things that are maybe a little more than we can afford but they form part of our fabric of life.

That is what museums and football stadiums and parks and art mean to a city. They also mean different things to different people. I believe we have to provide a myriad of treats for everyone to become a city that is more than mere bricks and mortar.

Or we can stop building anything that might not be necessary for the next 20-40 years while we balance the books and make our roads the envy of the country. But we might well end up a city without soul.

I don't want to live in that city.

Building a Sandbox

About a year ago I discovered on line forums. More to the point I discovered on line forums about Winnipeg. I quickly became addicted. And I spent far too much time pounding the keyboards while participating in many varied discussions about the old home town.

When playing in those forums you "meet" many wildly different people that share in your passion for the topic at hand. Some will agree with you. Others not so much. Some will debate passionately but politely. Others not so much.

It is the not so much peeps that strike a raw nerve in my tolerating coping centre. It is those people that will more likely than not receive an admonition from this writer. More times than naught a polite admonition. Other times less so. Usually the point is made and I move on. Other times it requires more vigorous debate. Good times. Some time.

A couple of months ago the owner and moderators of a particular favourite forum went overboard (in my view) with their moderation of that site. I felt they were going too far and told them so. Long story short they temporarily suspended a particularly popular member of the forum over a rather innocuous comment. I thought the move to be heavy handed and "suspended" myself for the same period. As did other members. These members were the top posters on that site (by volume at least).

When everyone returned from suspension and self-exile the shite hit the fan resulting in many members being banned from the site. And other members banning themselves. I was one of the self-banned members.

That was the genesis of the sandbox. Jonsing over the absence of my most pernicious time consumer I created a new forum for the banned and self-exiled members. Not having any experience in building or running such places I started by creating a Goggle Groups forum. It served its purpose but was slow and clumsy and unattractive. Which led to discussions within the small but growing membership of finding something else.

One member found a free forums site that provided just the vehicle we were looking for. I tried to create our new site with that tool but was quickly frustrated. That led me to a search for similar sites. That is when I found Forumotion.com. And the rest is history.

In very short order "The Winnipeg Sandbox" was created. Let me remind you I had zero experience in such matters. But the tool was easy to use, somewhat intuitive and attractive. Other than the constant niggling a perfectionist brings to the table the sandbox has performed exceedingly well. Our membership after a month has reached almost 50 members, and growing. We are averaging 200 posts a day and have generally outperformed our competition.

And there is little to fear about the moderators and administraters becoming more than the members and their posts. We are mostly self-moderated. The members will tell those that choose to behave innapropriately how they feel. That alone is usually enough. Oh, only after creating the Winnipeg Sandbox was I banned from the other place. The reason? Advertising another forum.

If you are a fan of Winnipeg and wish to become involved in the many varied discussions about Winnipeg why not drop by. We'd love to have ya and you might well find it worthwhile. Tell them a grumpy old man sent ya.

The Winnipeg Sandbox. One month old. Drop by and wish us a happy birthday.

Building Winnipeg to meet the lowest common denominator

Winnipeg has been slow to evolve. Slow and steady is the mantra of citizens and politicians alike. It seems that should someone come up with an innovative, never before done in Winnipeg idea, many Winnipeggers nix it even before the ink is dry on the proposal.

I wonder what it is with us Winnipeggers that drives us to shun progress with such vigour rarely displayed elsewhere.

Several good examples of late include the Human Rights Museum, the South Point Douglas/Stadium proposal, the Polo Park Stadium proposal, the Canad Inns Water Park proposal, the Assiniboine Avenue condo project...

The whining about not having these things is incredible. And yet the volume against those innovative proposals is deafening. For so many reasons. Especially the use of taxpayer money. What astounds me is the number of people who nix these proposals because they are not fully accessible by everybody.

While I believe it would be wonderful for everyone to enjoy equal access to everything, that is not the way the world works. What we get when we build to accommodate the lowest possible denominator is what we have now with many public amenities. Swimming pools and community centres are a couple prime examples. Vanilla.

Many people want other flavours. The trouble is with public amenities we cannot (or will not) afford chocolate or strawberry flavours. And the vanilla flavours are often under-used.

The proposal to redevelop Winnipeg's South Point Douglas area is a prime example. This is a part of Winnipeg that has been allowed to deteriorate to the extreme. Here is a tract of land on the banks of the Red River that is almost completely undeveloped, with little more than one or two dozen ramshackle, run down houses and some modest commercial properties.

Along comes the Aspers with a pretty neat proposal to fully develop that area. Beautiful new water park, retail development on the banks of the River and a $150 million football stadium. Nope, we don't want that here. Save the houses. Some even say we need to save the unaffected neighboring houses: can't have that, the taxes will go up.

Unfriggenbelievable.

The negative-naysayers of this city better give their collective heads a shake. And soon. What these whiners seem to ignore is the fact we don't have a whole lot of people knocking down our doors with fistfuls of loot looking to develop this burgh.

And don't whine 20 years from now at the snail-like pace of development in Winnipeg. We've had a chance to get what others have and we cavalierly waved them away.

Oh, and don't bother rebutting this post here. I see too much of that elsewhere.

Blue Bombers 2008 Quest for the Cup

Let the fearless prognostications begin... The Blue Bombers open the 2008 CFL season on Friday, June 27 against the Toronto Argonauts. The gap between the Stanley Cup final and the beginning of the CFL season seems to grow shorter each year.

But that's a good thing. Basketball does not do it for me and baseball is boring. The CFL is a terrific sport and enjoyable to watch.

In 1990 I had to give up what were great season tickets as a result of my transfer to Toronto. Since my return to Winnipeg in 2006 I have gone to maybe 4 games. This season I have acquired half a set of season tickets. Not just any tickets, but tickets on the 50 yard line, east side on the LAST row of the lowest section. Prime ducats, prime!

The bombers missed a glorious opportunity in 2007 to win the Grey Cup after QB Kevin Glen's arm was broken and the Winnipeg's were forced to start a green-as-grass rookie quarterback in the Grey Cup. In 2008 I fully expect Coach Doug Barry will have learned from that debacle by finding and playing a second string QB. It appears that QB will be Ryan Dinwiddie. The other soft spots included our special teams, all of them (except maybe Kyries Hebert). With place-kicker Troy Westwood released and a rookie in his place I don't know if we've improved there. A still suspect part of the team.

The defense looks awesome. The secondary is a weak spot but there is a gleam of improvement there with a new ball-hawking attitude. We should see an improvement on the minuscule 10 interceptions last year.

All in all I see a solid team that will improve on 2007.

My prediction? Winnipeg 14 wins and 4 losses. Winnipeg wins the Grey Cup.

Racism, profiling or good old fashioned police work?

Last week members of the Winnipeg Police Auto Theft group watched as a Chrysler 300 driven by a black man in gangsta-wear drove through a Starbucks lot twice in quick succession. That aroused their suspicions and the license plate was called into dispatch. The word came back: the car was stolen and off they went after them.

A few blocks later they and other police officers conducted a high risk take-down. Remember Winnipeg is a hostile environment where police officers are being deliberately targeted by car thieves. Several times this year punks have driven directly at police as they attempt to apprehend the punks.

In this case they had no idea who the driver was. He was black. He was dressed like a hood. He was driving a car not normally associated with a black man dressed as a hood. And they understood the vehicle was stolen.

So the police took the driver and passenger down as they would any other perp in any other situation. Guns removed from holsters, drawn and pointed at the bad guys. Forced to the ground. Then cuffed and placed into the back seat of a cruiser.

Only then did the police check the drivers ID, insurance and registration. Only then did the police realize their mistake. Only then were the driver and his passenger released.

Oops. Mistakes happen. The police officer at the scene apologized. The police chief apologized.

Was this profiling? Did the police act differently because the driver was black? Would the police act differently were the driver white but still dressed as a punk gangsta?

Watch the TV show COPS. Not every car pulled over results in a guns drawn and pointed scenario, but a goodly portion of them are. Unfortunately this is what our society has evolved to. There is such a lack of respect that the police simply don't feel safe in what at one time was a pretty innocuous event.

Call it racial profiling if that helps one's holier than thou attitude. The simple fact is the vast majority of crime is conducted by certain people. These people dress in a certain way. Combine these elements in a car not normally seen in those hands and there is cause for suspicion.

Place yourself in the role of the police officer here. They watch a car twice roll through the Starbucks drive through in quick succession. That is a little out of the ordinary wouldn't you agree? So the police did what we expect of them: check the vehicle out. That led to the unfortunate set of circumstances.

Now put yourself back in the role of police officer again. They notice the suspicious activity and do nothing. And it turns out it was a couple hoods casing the joint and eventually robbed it. I bet the uber-righteous amongst us would come down so hard on the police.

Can't win situation in my view.

Addictive Web Space and The Evil Thread Monster

Let's just start off this little ditty by acknowledging I am not even close to perfect. I can be condescending and close-minded. Long winded and opinionated. Biased and temperamental. But mostly I believe I am fair-minded, respectful and tolerant.

I participate in and contribute to a web space that is mostly about Winnipeg by Winnipeggers. There are the typical trolls, funny enough most actually are ex-Winnipeggers who maybe cannot let go but take every opportunity to tell us how great their new found home is and how terrible our home is. But mostly there are an awful lot of typical Winnipeggers that care very deeply about Winnipeg in all its beauty and all its warts.

There are a vast range of philosophies, left, right and centre. Some hard-liners. A few bleeding hearts. Surprisingly enough I don't always agree with everyone all the time. Heh heh. But often enough where I frequently become engaged in animated dialog. It really is an addictive pastime.

Almost all found-ins at this site contribute meaningfully. Some have an incredible knowledge of the history of Winnipeg. There are a few terrific photographers who contribute some amazing pictures showing the best and the worst of Winnipeg. One photographer has such a great portfolio I plan on purchasing some prints for display in my home. Another poster regularly features the history of Winnipeg through his vast archive of historical images and bite-sized historic dates.

A few have special social tendencies that have led to a group of like-minded peeps adopting a north-end Winnipeg community centre.

There are a few eccentric souls and comedians that frequent that space. One might argue I fall into both categories. It makes for a lively space at times.

And then there are the evil thread monsters. One that believes it is his divine right to ensure all claims are supported by facts (reference please). And to ensure the threads stay right on tack - not straying off topic. One who probably tells us too much about his personal situation. One who's agenda is never far from the surface no matter the topic. But mostly the immature, make it personal type that hates challenges to his threads and takes shots instead of making intelligent debate.

It takes all types to make this space what it has become. Mostly though the good far outweighs the bad at this space. So much so that I've mostly ignored my own blog space. What's the difference today you ask, that I've found time to write this new post?

My favourite site is down of course.

Edit. It turns out that the web site was not down. Rather it has blocked my IP address. And at least one other regular there has been blocked. The anonymous poster in my comments area might be a third blocked IP. Note that we have not been banned from the site.

There is one common factor: at least two of us have had unpleasant conflicts with another regular there. That regular owns the web company that hosts that site. Hmmmm.

Arrogance and The Parking Authority

As I drove southbound on Balmoral Street, behind the Great West Life building, I noticed a City of Winnipeg truck parked on the east side of the street, facing Broadway. What made me give it more than a passing interest was that vehicle's driver was crossing the street with a camera in his hand to photograph an illegally parked car. It was then I noticed his truck was a Parking Enforcement vehicle, and it was parked directly in front of a fire hydrant.

Now let's add up the offences here:

1. City of Winnipeg vehicle parked on east side of the street, facing Broadway. This is a clearly marked no parking zone.
2. City of Winnipeg Parking Enforcement driver, crossing the street in the middle of the block. This is jaywalking.
3. City of Winnipeg vehicle was parked directly in front of fire hydrant. A FIRE HYDRANT.
   

I took out my cell phone with its' built in camera, and walked up to the driver, now back in his City of Winnipeg truck. I asked this fellow under what conditions was he allowed to park illegally.

His reply: "as long as he is doing his job."

It was my understanding, wrongly I later learned, that no vehicles were allowed to break traffic laws unless operating under very specific emergency conditions. Which I thought meant that Fire, Police and Ambulance drivers operate under strict conditions under which they could ignore traffic laws.

So I suggested to this individual that he was incorrect. I alerted him to the fact that not even Fire, Police and Ambulance drivers were allowed to park illegally unless under certain emergency protocols. He then drove off.

To my utter amazement he simply drove forward a few car lengths and parked. Again illegally.

So off I went to again remind him that he was not permitted to park illegally. He continued to assert his right to park illegally while ticketing illegally parked cars.

The irony here is delicious.

I didn't expect this arrogant and officious bureaucrat to change his ways. So I called the city Parking Authority. It was just before 5PM so there was nobody home to speak with. I left a message asking that someone call me the next day to discuss this situation.

I'm not so sure I'll hear from the City's Parking Authority... BUT, I mentioned it to a former member of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz' Executive Policy Committee yesterday evening. We all shook our heads and tsk tsked. Maybe I will hear from someone...

--------------------------------------

UPDATE
The Winnipeg Parking Authority actually called me. Credit where credit is due.

Here is the kicker. There is a city by-law that permits ANY city vehicle to park anywhere they bloody well want provided it is a "necessity" of their work.

By-law 1573/77 Section 32

PARKING EXEMPTIONS
32. The provisions of this by-law prohibiting or regulating stopping and parking shall not apply to:
(a) vehicles of the Police Department of the City of Winnipeg;
(b) vehicles of or employed by the City of Winnipeg while in use in connection with work of necessity being done in or near a highway requiring them to stop or be parked in contravention of any such provisions; and
(c) vehicles of the Government of Manitoba, the Government of Canada, or a public utility if such vehicles have the owner’s name painted thereon and are actually engaged in work of necessity on or near a highway requiring them to stop or be parked in contravention of any such provisions.

Necessity is not defined.

So, two sets of rules. One for citizens and one for the government. It is assumed therefor that writing a parking ticket is a necessity and it is acceptable to park illegally to write an illegal parking ticket.

Unbelievable eh?

Two Writers, Two POVs

Leonard Asper wants to own the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Leonard Asper wants to build a big new football stadium. Leonard Asper wants government to kick in 80m dollars.

There are two diametrically opposed schools of thought on this: one heavily weighing in against it; one thinking it would be a terrific addition to the City.

In our fair city we have a plethora (great word eh) of writers that think theirs is the definitive word. One even thinks his is the only view that matters and dismisses others with differing views. Actually, more than one. But that is another story for another day.

Read for your self. Then let's talk. What do you think?

Tom Brodbeck, Winnipeg Sun. Click here.

Randy Turner, Winnipeg Free Press. Click Here.

Is there a middle ground?

Winnipeg, Winnipeg, How I Love Thee Winnipeg

I have only recently begun to participate in this thing called "blogging". It's interesting and addictive.

Whilst I read other blogs I have discovered there are those that have something negative to say about Winnipeg and tend to say it. Incredibly, it's all too often fellow Winnipeggers that niggle at this fine burgh. Or those that have moved away, to discover utopia.

One of my passions is my home town. I'm not sure why. I do know there are many, many other Winnipeggers that share my passion. I also know there are a few that have little use for my city.

During that voyage of discovery I've found myself defending Winnipeg often. I even wrote a letter to the editor of a Winnipeg paper complaining about the propensity of negative stories featuring Winnipeg. Got published!

Remember, this is a blog about Winnipeg. My intent was to post stories that were meaningful to me about... Winnipeg. Since no city is perfect, including Winnipeg, I expect to write posts that are both pro and con.

I'd like some help. But I'll start. What I love about Winnipeg.

• Really nice warm people.
• Great small-BIG city; big enough to have all the amenities; small enough it takes no time to get "there".
• Salisbury House and Gondola Pizza. You just have to grow up with them to know what I mean.
• Great people. Mostly.
• Smog free.
• No traffic jams. Well, only a few. Not worth mentioning really.
• The Winnipeg Jets. This is the most popular non-existent sports franchises known to man.
• The Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Canada's team. Note to world: they will win the 2007 Grey Cup.
• Best Spring-Summer-Fall in the whole world. The winter is "challenging".
• Great arts community. I'm not big on Ballet, Symphonies, Choral stuff. But others are. And we gots some of the very best.
• A gud edumacation sistem. Real afordabble-like too.
• Excellent people. Real easy to meet. Unpretentious.
• Very affordable real estate. It has taken off a bit in the last 3 or 4 years, but still a good bargain can be found.
• Excellent neighborhoods.
• Oh, I should add that the people of Winnipeg are terrific.
  

There's ton's more. I'm hoping to add to this from readers of Winnipeg Dash Blog. If any.

cheers

Dare to Dream

Now that we are right in the thick the Manitoba provincial election the promises are coming hard and fast. The latest election promise has governments bringing NHL hockey back to a hockey-mad city. Both the NDP and the PCs have said they support returning NHL to Winnipeg.

Most voters know that an NHL team in Winnipeg is a long shot at best. Yet they dream of the day. I support those big dreamers. And why not? Yes there certainly are other, more worthy uses of our hard earned tax dollars. And God knows our elected representatives fritter away tax dollars like it's Canadian Tire money.

There are so many that yearn for Winnipeg and Manitoba to be more than it is. Some actually put their money where their mouths are. I applaud and support them. Manitobans will not vote for a party solely on the basis of this pipe dream. But why keep yanking the rug out from under the dreamers?

I say let them dream. And let others think big. THAT is how great things happen. That is how dreams such as the Human Rights Museum happen. Or a new arena or football stadium or rapid transit.

No, Manitobans are not stupid. But we have been held back by naysayers for far too long.

It is time we started thinking that the glass is half FULL. Dare to dream indeed...