From: Kim the Traffic Reporter
To: talk@kick.fm
RE: Report on City Centre Community Committee meeting, Tuesday June 8th
The councillors in attendance were Harvey Smith, John Orlikow and Jenny Gerbasi, dealing with the Active Transportation proposed bike lane on Sherbrook from Ellice to Notre Dame.
There were several presenters against this bike lane including Belinda Squance from the Ellice Street Cafe as well as a representative from the West End Biz and an apartment owner on Sherbrook.
Also presenting were Mark Cohoe of Bike to the Future, Anders Swanson and Tim Hiebert who are in favour of this bike lane.
1) Belinda and Gloria (West End Biz) have requested more time to gather information regarding this bike lane. Both indicating that there has not been enough information for the residents and businesses in the area to have an informed opinion on this issue. Also stating that the consultation process has been somewhat lacking.
Though the West End Biz had been involved with putting up posters for the open houses, it was found that most people thought it was all about cycling and did not realize the impact it would have on their community. It wasn't until a second poster put out by the West End Biz was put up that the community realized what would happen to their neighbourhood.
Belinda said she spoke with community activist Nick Ternette who indicated he hadn't heard anything about this proposed lane or the effect it would have on the area residents and businesses.
Belinda asked if the city had done any bike counts or if there were numbers available of people from the Health Sciences Centre who had requested the bike lanes or number of people who would get out of their vehicles and onto a bike? Belinda further went on to say that even cyclists indicate that Winnipeg is a fairweather cycling city.
2) Time is being requested to look at other options and alternatives than to closing down the east side of Sherbrook, including perhaps using Furby or Langside as a possible route for the remaining two blocks to Cumberland. Another option being proposed is to use the east side as a bike lane during peak times instead of all day. More dialogue is being requested with the businesses of whom 25 would be affected by this change on Sherbrook, as well as with residents who were unaware of the impact this lane would have on their community.
3) Belinda stated that the Ellice Street Cafe doesn't stay open from just the community alone, but needs the people driving into the area from other parts of the city to fill up the Cafe. Belinda said "they come to the restaurant, go across the street to get their hair cut". So they are spending money in the area.
4) Belinda quoted from a radio broadcast an interview by Marty Gold on The Great Canadian Talk Show with Kevin Nixon the Active Transportation Coordinator for the City of Winnipeg. The interview aired on Feb. 1. The quote was Kevin Nixon saying he "wouldn't do anything in any councillors ward they weren't comfortable with".
Councillor Harvey Smith requested a repeat of the quote.
5) Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner from the West End Biz is also requesting time to study this issue and the impact it will have on the community. Gloria did say that they (West End Biz) was not against a bike path nor against cyclists even planning to put in bike parking for the cyclists, but is asking to work with the bike groups to find a compromise.
6) Regarding parking, Gloria indicated that their own Biz patrol people can testify to the fact that parking on Sherbrook is full at any given time. Saying "if you remove one lane, where are the rest to go?" Gloria also indicated that other streets often have full volume now and wondered if it was really fair to the businesses and residents?
One option being presented is a rush hour commuter route for bikes, the rest of the day parking would be allowed. Or perhaps re-route commuter routes to quieter streets. Gloria indicated that when speaking with many cyclists, the cyclists wouldn't mind a quieter street as well. The West End Biz would like to work together to find something that works for the community, businesses, residents and cyclists.
Councillor Orlikow asked about the surface lots in the area, perhaps restaurants in the area who aren't open during the day, could look at using them. Gloria responded that the students attending the University of Winnipeg park on residential streets even with the restrictions and there isn't enough space for shared parking. Gloria further went on to say that the area is growing and more parking is going to be needed.
7) Another presenter, Leon Mueher who owns a 37 suite apartment building on Sherbrook stated that they "are the only apartment block that has any substantial parking". While this apartment building is not directly impacted, does impact other rental units in the area. Mr. Meuher informed the committee that there are 250 units in the area between Ellice and Sargent and that less than 15% of them have parking. That this area is one of the most densely populated areas. In the time Mueher has been on Sherbrook he had five cars in the lot, eight years later he has twenty. Mueher said "the neighbourhood is changing and already there is no parking" and that "don't take parking away from people".
8) Mark Cohoe of Bike to the Future bike lobby group (it is noted that Bike to the Future is well represented on the Active Transportation Advisory Committee) was a presenter in favour of the bike lane on Sherbrook. Cohoe did say that they want to "convince people to get out of their cars and onto a bike". One of the reasons why Bike to the Future is in favour of this lane is because it connects to other Active Transportation routes such as Alexander linking both Red River campuses, connecting to Bannatyne, McDermot as well as other routes leading out to St. James. Also connecting with the industial sections of Erin and Wall which according to Mark Cohoe bring lots of job opportunities.
Cohoe indicated that cyclists need to feel safe and comfortable on a bike route to use it as well as keeping the riders off the sidewalks. Also creating a route that is direct is important, to achieve this an exclusive space for cyclists where the riders are safe and that there are controlled crossings at intersections. Cohoe indicated that the budget for this project is $228 000.00, there is not enough money to add additional traffic devices if the project is moved to another location. Cohoe indicated that bike routes need to be direct in distance and time and that cyclists "can't be stopping, starting, stopping, starting, stopping and starting" meaning along these routes which does not allow for directness of travel.
9) Mark Cohoe provided traffic counts for a variety of locations regarding Sherbrook, though he did not indicate from where he received these counts. The counts are:
At Broadway and Sherbrook: 22 500
Sherbrook and Portage: 53 500
Sherbrook and Ellice: 18 800
Sargent west of Maryland: 17 700
Sargent east of Sherbrook: 12 300
Cumberland and Sherbrook: 15 000
Notre Dame and Sherbrook: 41 400
Notre Dame west of Maryland: 31 300
(please note I will discover other traffic numbers by the end of the report)
10) Cohoe did say that "parking is probably a significant issue", that there may be an ability for shared parking as there are lots of surface parking lots and perhaps an option of sharing nightime and daytime parking. Regarding the issue of loading zones in the bike lane Cohoe indicated one option is to restrict the hours for off loading which could be a short term solution and that a more long term solution may be pushing the loading zone into the boulevard which would only take out one immature tree.
11) Cohoe then contradicted himself, saying he didn't "feel there is much of a parking issue" and that "parking is available on side streets". Cohoe offered this option of perhaps having a cut through walkway from the side streets to Sherbrook. Cohoe said that "we put a priority on free parking in this city, there is not such thing as free parking whether it's in front of your house or parking in front of your business. It's paid for, there's a cost. Everybody ends up paying for parking whether they are using it or not". One alternative parking options Mark Cohoe put forth was shared parking. Cohoe indicated that many apartments tend to be empty during the day and that perhaps the spots could be shared.
12) Cohoe indicated that this bike lane would give an opportunity for people in other parts of the city to come into the Sherbrook area. Visiting the West End Cultural Centre, Ellice Cafe and safeway. Cohoe indicated that people would come into the community and spend money in the shops of the area. That making the bike lanes comfortable for people will give them the opportunity to live car free. Which will bring more money into the community as that income won't be spent on gas for their cars.
13) Councillor Harvey Smith asked "you talk about not having enough resources, there are other projects throughout the city, could savings from other projects be used?" Cohoe replied "there are 37 projects so there isn't flexibility to move from one project to another project".
14) Councillor Gerbasi suggested the idea during peak times the lane becomes a commuter lane. Cohoe indicated he'd had no chance to look at that option, that he has no numbers available and that Sherbrook is still an important commuter route for HSC.
15) Another presenter was Anders Swanson who is a member of Bike to the Future, the Active Transportation Advisory Committee, the Mayor's Environmental Advisory Committee and is with One Green City. Swanson was presenting on behalf of One Green City stating that this organization is a "volunteer project helps support any and all community organizations that agrees with the mandate which is to create a network of safe direct cycling routes throughout the city as soon as possible".
Swanson indicated that in 2008 it was pinpointed as to what kind of cycling infrastructure was needed in the West End area by the people in that area. Swanson did say he "feels strongly" that the network on Sherbrook should proceed and that it doesn't make any sense to move the planned bike path. One reason why moving the path would be a mistake is because of budgetary reasons.
16) Swanson stated that "in principle every road in Winnipeg is an Active Transportation route" Swanson wants people to very aware of that. According to Swanson, the idea is to make sure the cyclists can travel from place to place safely. The reasons for people travelling via bicycle even if they don't feel safe on the road, according to Swanson are for economic reasons, health reasons and ethical reasons. Swanson brought up the plight of the Polar Bears which have been inthe news recently and that the bears would be gone in 30 years. Swanson went on to say that the "simplest thing to do what we can to get people on bikes cause it's fun, it has benefits for the entire city including people who drive". Swanson said "certain compromises need to be made in order to implement cycling infrastructure".
Swanson also indicated that for the last 50 years infrastructure has been designed exclusively for cars and that it is "prohibitive" for people who want to travel under their own power. Swanson went on to indicate that only 25% of the road budget is used to maintain the road, 75% is used to build new roads, because of parking and transit corridors don't have a bicycle oriented culture.
17) Swanson did say that "any perceived or real threat to ones livelihood is to be taken seriously". Swanson did say he appreciated Belinda and Gloria are important to the community. That the West End has the highest load share in cycling and walking in the city and that there are job opportunities, theatre and commercial possibilities and that people can very easily not own a car which would save 17% of their income.
18) Swanson admitted that while about 50% of polls are inaccurate, he quoted one poll that said "70% of people in Canada are willing to cycle to work on dedicated cycling infrastructure that takes less than 30 minutes", this poll was done in 1998. Swanson also pointed out the cycling culture in such places as Copenhagen, Scandanavia, France and Germany and that you can "ask people whether they want to arrive at work with nice tight buns". Swanson also indicated that you can "arrive at work with a non-guilty conscience and can do it in a bike lane with a big smile on your face".
19) Regarding moving the bike lane to Furby, Swanson indicated that he uses this street a lot and understand why it is being presented as a possible option to Sherbrook, however according to Swanson, the cost could be $250 000.00 at every major intersection to get people through safely.
20) Swanson concluded his presentation by saying "certain compromises need to be made" and that he looks "forward to a solution coming forward that is local and that is cognizant of the fact we have to get people on bikes, have to get people on buses. This is very important to the West End". However, Swanson did indicate that it wouldn't be a good idea to motion to remove this section of the bike lane from Sherbrook, citing the loss of funding from the Federal Stimulus Package, saying it would "make a big jump forward as a city, that it's right to approve".
21) Katherine Thompson-Wieser was the next presenter who was also in favour of the bike lane on Sherbrook. Wieser who works at the Health Sciences Centre WRHA Capital Planning is an avid cyclist who is looking to dispose of her vehicle. However, Wieser indicates that she is not confident enough with the safety of the bike lanes to do so and would like to see the bike lane on Sherbrook and Maryland. Wieser indicates that she would like to cycle to Misericordia Hospital for meetings there, but doesn't feel safe on Sherbrook to do so. Wieser also indicated that she isn't "keen" on the idea of having to go around another two blocks and would prefer a more direct route.
22) Tim Hiebert also a presenter in favour of the bike lanes indicated that he has gotten rid of his vehicle and that he volunteers in the community at a co-op bike repair shop. Again, was very much in favour of the bike lane on Sherbrook.
23) Kevin Nixon the Active Transportation Coordinator for the City of Winnipeg was the next and final presenter.
Nixon briefly told the committee that the city made calls for direction changes in the last 10 years with Plan Winnipeg and Speak Up Winnipeg. Included was an Active Transportation study, increasing the load share of AT the goal being to increase the cycling and pedestrian population. Nixon did indicate that they were not trying to "replace the automobile", but instead wanted to give people the option if they want to use Active Transportation. Nixon indicated they had been working on this for the last three years.
Kevin Nixon stated that it "started with a comprehensive public consultation with people who were interested in cycling, trails, anyone else who would listen".
Nixon further went on to say that it had been "difficult to get the average person to pay attention".
24) Regarding Sherbrook/Maryland, Nixon told the committee that it was a key part of the network and that though they (AT) hadn't done a lot of actual bicycle counts, Bike to the Future has done a number of them. Nixon also pointed out the OTTO cycle program which put GPS units on cyclists which gave them an idea as to where the cyclists were going.
Nixon brought out a map that showed a variety of routes that had been covered by the OTTO cycle programs, showing Sherbrook/Maryland to have been a very busy route. The committee was told consultants agreed with the analysis of the bike activists and came to the same conclusion that IT HAD TO BE SHERBROOK/MARYLAND. Nixon indicated that Furby and Langside were not good candidates because of the traffic on the cross streets was too heavy.
25) Nixon further went on to say that "Sherbrook/Maryland is a key cog in the network". An analysis of Ellice determined this street was not a good candidate. Some of the reasons being parking issues as well as narrow streets and heavy traffic flow. This forced St. Matthews to be the next street in the network as it connected with Maryland which was needed to connect to the rest of the network throughout the city. The advisory committee is also looking at proposing a winter cycling network which would include Sherbrook/Maryland, Nixon stated indicated that it was shown to be needed.
26) Nixon told the committee that they had "done alot of public consultation on these projects, the amount of consultation is extensive, way beyond what any developer is forced to do". Nixon went on to say "it is in the same league as the Disraeli Bridge Project, those projects are $160 million, ours is $228 000.00, we're doing similar amounts of public consultation".
Nixon also said "obviously we don't have it done right yet".
Nixon indicated that he was encouraged by the compromises, but he "doesn't think there's any question it has to be these streets".
27) Councillor Gerbasi asked "what is the compromise you can support?" Nixon replied that a number of issues had been mentioned that he thought were "interesting".
28) Councillor Smith asked "why don't you like Furby or Langside, why those are ruled out?" Nixon's response was about the heavy traffic that would have to be crossed, such as at Portage, Ellice and Sargent. Because crossings aren't at those streets and it would create a problem with traffic flow to add additional lights or pedestrian corridors so close to Sherbrook, would disrupt the system.
29) Councillor Smith asked about compromises that Kevin could come up with, Nixon responded that he was interested in a couple, such as a bike lane for part of the day which according to Nixon could be done. Another option would be to allow loading zone parking in the bike lane or to have the loading zone into the curb, though Nixon indicated it would have to be looked at as they "wouldn't want to mess with the trees".
29) At this point time was short and the committee meeting had to come to a halt. It was decided that a decision would not be made this day but instead would pass over to another committee meeting. Brad Sacher the Director of Public Works attended this meeting, but was unable to present due to lack of time.
I spoke briefly with Councillor Smith on Wednesday June 9th, he indicated that time was being given to look at some of the compromises and that on June 29th at a Public Works meeting more would be discussed, potentially looking at removing this section from the Active Transportation network.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Kim's Thoughts:
I have many thoughts on this issue, some of which include parking. It was mentioned that there was plenty of parking available on the side streets..no there's not.
-- Even when the University of Winnipeg is not in session parking is still at a premium.
When the students return in the fall, parking becomes even worse well at least until they learn to move their cars. By forcing the residents and visitors on Sherbrook to park on these streets it's only going exacerbate an already over-crowded situation.
-- As for shared parking with apartment buildings in the area so most of the buildings are empty during the day..ok well unless for some reason you aren't out that day or are sick then what happens? Can't ticket the people in their paid for parking spot..you know the spot you pay in your rent? Where does the other vehicle park? Can't ticket them as private parking falls under an entirely different set of by-laws and the parking authority can't walk in to tag unless requested by the management of the building to do so. I see problems there.
-- I would really like to know where Mark Cohoe received his figures. The ones I came across don't quite match his. I looked at the 2008 average weekday daily traffic counts on regional streets, this is what I found:
Broadway at Sherbrook: 20 600 (between the Maryland bridge and Wolsely) the count is 22 000.
Headed down Broadway at Sherbrook the count is 19 900 (westbound)
Traffic going down Portage at Sherbrook is 50 200 (westbound)
Sherbrook at Ellice through to Sargent: 19 100
Sherbrook Sargent to Cumberland: 17 400
Westbound Sargent at Maryland: 16 900
Sherbrook north of Notre Dame: 16 400
Westbound Ellice at Sherbrook: 18 400
Westbound Sargent at Sherbrook: 12 800
Notre Dame at Sherbrook: 31 300
Westbound Notre Dame at Maryland: 41 400
Seems not all our numbers match and I found these numbers on a city webpage.
Yup let's lose a whole lane of parking for a few hundred cyclists versus a couple of thousand vehicles.
-- Mark Cohoe and Anders Swanson were quite clear on wanting everybody to get rid of their cars. Oh goody. I wonder if Mark and Anders have ever played hockey? I ask this because if they had kids who played and had to schlepp all that equipment on a bike, well I really wonder what they'd say then about getting rid of a car.
Really to tell people to get rid of their cars is rude as well as impractical. Ok bring up Cophenhagen or other places in Europe. First most people in Europe wouldn't travel 500 kilometers in a snow storm to see a hockey game..but we do. Am I going to do that on a bike..yeah that could happen. And when I see a sky blue pink with purple polkadot pig fly by my window then I'd change my tune. Not likely to happen. Oh wait secondly if I want to go to the beach I'd have to leave a couple of days early because well. .it's a big country with lots of long distances to travel. Will I do it by Greyhound Bus? NO!..Wait go back to the flying pig thing again.
-- Not everybody likes to cycle, not everybody can cycle. If we all got rid of our cars, who is going to take granny to the doctor? On a bike? Ok so all this is a little out there, but you get my point.
It's simply not going to happen and the bike lobbyists are just going to have to live with it.
Cars are here to stay, that's not going to change no matter how much they try to force the issue.
-- Personally I think it's selfish and greedy of the bike lobbyists to demand an entire neighbourhood should cave to their whims.
Close a business or two, ok, more people out of work. Like there isn't a recession now. Squeeze the folks parking on Furby and inconvenience hundreds on Sherbrook. Spend millions of tax dollars only the way they say. Good plan.
Well those are a few of my issues..have lots more but only so much room. Marty I'm quite sure you will raise plenty of issues. Guess we will have to wait and see what kind of compromises these groups can come up with and if the neighbourhood can live with them or will there be all-out rebellion?
Stay tuned for the answer, I know I will.
Showing posts with label HSC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HSC. Show all posts
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
"Award winning" Winnipeg Parking Authority creates HSC "ghost town"
First, we look to the Downtown Biz website, in a posting entitled
"The Winnipeg Parking Authority Staff Recognized by International Institute/Winnipeg’s Parking Authority has been recognized by the International Parking Institute with several major awards."
Earlier this year, the WPA was identified by Manitoba Business Magazine as one of the Province’s Top 75 Companies. David Hill also received a Mayor’s Business Improvement award for his work with the Downtown BIZ.
"Our Board was unanimous", said Stefano Grande, Executive Director of the Downtown BIZ, "our city parking environment is vastly better than it was years ago, it’s great for business, and we appreciate the the City’s leadership in getting us there"... "It’s good to see these people striving for excellence".
For businesses and residents outside of the Downtown Biz catchment area, they might interpret that definition of "excellence" as meaning :
"it's good as long as the other areas of downtown are the ones getting screwed over and not our members".
Today at 4 PM, we''ll have news of MORE bullying of the Exchange District by the Parking Authority.
In this post, we look westward towards the West Alexander neighborhood, where the civic agenda is set by the perceived needs of the Health Sciences Centre, on run-down and impoverished residential streets where parking costs TWICE the normal rate- $2.00 an hour.
---------------
From: Kim the Traffic Reporter
To: talk@kick.fm
Hi Marty
I went for one of my little strolls through the HSC area on Friday Apr. 9 and Sat. Apr. 10.
I can tell you with no word of a lie that my jaw dropped. I have never ever seen a ghost town around HSC. But that's what it has turned into at this point.
If it is the goal of the Parking Authority to remove on-street parking in that area, then they are well on their way to achieving that goal. Even the residents aren't parking on their streets.
Definitions:
C= cars
P = permits
R = receipt
N = no receipt/Verrus payment
Res = residential permit
H = handicap
T= ticket/tag
April 9 Start 1:25/finish 3:30 April 10 Start 1:07/finish 2:40
Winnipeg Ave - Tecumseh to Arlington:
c: 11 c: 11
p: 10 p: 9
res: 1 n: 2
McDermot - Tecumseh to Arlington
c: 4 c: 5
p: 4 p: 4
n: 1
Bannatyne - Tecumseh to Arlington
c: 14 c: 10
p: 6 p: 3
r: 6 Res: 1
n: 1 n: 5
t: 1 t: 1 (warning)
Tecumseh - William to Bannatyne
c: 5 c: 2
p: 1 p: 1
r: 4 t: 1 (monetary)
no further vehicles on Tecumseh
Tecumseh - Bannatyne to McDermot
c: 4
r: 3
h: 1
no vehicles past this point.
Bannatyne - Dead End to Tecumseh
c: 20 c: 2
r: 13 r: 2
h: 6 - 2 with receipts
t: 1 (warning)
William - Arlington to Tecumseh (south side)
c: 1 c: 1
h: 1 r: 1
William - Tecumseh to Arlington (north side)
c: 2 c: 2
r: 2 r: 1 (expired)
n: 1
William - Tecumseh to Sherbrook (south side)
c: 22 c: 15
r: 19 r: 9
h: 3 - all with receipts n: 3
h: 3 - 2 no receipt
William - Sherbrook to Tecumseh (north side)
c: 19 c: 21
r: 17 r: 18
h: 2 - 1 no receipt (AB permit) n: 1
h: 2 no receipts
t: 1 -no park not in car count
McDermot - Sherbrook to Tecumseh
c: 28 c: 14
r: 20 r: 6
h: 3 no receipts (outside CancerCare) h: 3 - 2 no receipt
n: 3 n: 3
t: 2 t: 1
Olivia - McDermot to Dead End
c: 7 c: 1
r: 7 r: 1
Notre Dame - Pearl to Emily (north side)
c: 3 c: 2
r: 2 r: 2
n: 1 no further vehicles past this point
no further vehicles past this point
Notre Dame - Victor to McGee (south side)
c: 4 c: 3
r: 4 r: 3
Pearl - McDermot to Notre Dame
c: 8 c: 8
r: 7 r: 6
h: 1 with receipt n: 1
t: 1 (warning)
1 tag in loading zone not in car count
McDermot - Sherbrook to Furby
c: 5 c: 3
r: 3 p: 1
h: 2 r: 2
McDermot - Furby to Kate
c: 12 c: 1
r: 6 r: 1
n: 6
Note: 5 of the vehicles were waiting to pick up kids from the school
Kate - Bannatyne to McDermot
c: 4 c: 1
m: 4 special permit m: 1 special permit Ronald McDonald
Ronald McDonald House House
Kate - William to Bannatyne
0 vehicles c: 1
p: 1
Bannatyne - Kate to Lydia
0 vehicles c: 1
n: 1
Lydia - William to Bannatyne
0 vehicles c: 1
h: 1 no receipt
Bannatyne - Lydia to Furby
c: 8 c: 2
m: 1 r: 2
r: 5
n: 1
h: 1 no receipt
Bannatyne - Furby to Sherbrook
c: 8 c: 8
p: 1 r: 5
r: 5 n: 1
h: 2 - one with receipt t: 2 (one warning, one monetary)
Furby - William to Bannatyne
c: 5 c: 4
p: 1 p: 2
r: 3 r: 1
h: 1 - no receipt n: 1
no further vehicles past Bannatyne
Furby - Bannatyne to McDermot
c: 4
r: 3
h: 1 with receipt
Furby - McDermot to Notre Dame
c: 4
r: 4
A couple of troublesome areas:
* Furby from Bannatyne to McDermot is split by a backlane that leads to Sherbrook. There is no paystation on the North side of that backlane.
* On Tecumseh between Bannatyne and McDermot there is a backlane on the south side of that lane there is no paystation. If you were to speak to Judge Sundstrom he would tell you that a backlane constitutes a natural break in the road which means, the Parking Authority needs a paystation there. However, why throw good money after bad. Those stations are not making any money.
* William, Tecumseh, Winnipeg, Bannatyne, McDermot and McDermot from Sherbrook to Tecumseh used to be filled with cars. Now there is plenty of parking. The mobile crews used to handle most of those streets, would chalk them and would pick up a fair amount if they only did it once every few weeks. But now? Not so much.
* On Friday Apr. 9 I noted 5 no parking violations and 4 no stopping violations.
On Saturday Apr. 10 I noted 3 no parking, one no stop and 1 to close to a crosswalk violations. On neither of those days did I see an enforcement officer. I also saw minimal tickets.
For the Saturday tickets, mobile crews simply don't have time to handle meters. They have a huge area to play with not to mention checking all the parking lots and selective enforcements. No time. And why were some of the meter tickets warnings and others not?
But that's what I found.
PS - subsequent to this survey, Kim sent us this:
From: Kim the Traffic Reporter
Subject: Re: something I found on my morning walk
To: talk@kick.fm
Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 11:09 AM
"The Winnipeg Parking Authority Staff Recognized by International Institute/Winnipeg’s Parking Authority has been recognized by the International Parking Institute with several major awards."
Earlier this year, the WPA was identified by Manitoba Business Magazine as one of the Province’s Top 75 Companies. David Hill also received a Mayor’s Business Improvement award for his work with the Downtown BIZ.
"Our Board was unanimous", said Stefano Grande, Executive Director of the Downtown BIZ, "our city parking environment is vastly better than it was years ago, it’s great for business, and we appreciate the the City’s leadership in getting us there"... "It’s good to see these people striving for excellence".
For businesses and residents outside of the Downtown Biz catchment area, they might interpret that definition of "excellence" as meaning :
"it's good as long as the other areas of downtown are the ones getting screwed over and not our members".
Today at 4 PM, we''ll have news of MORE bullying of the Exchange District by the Parking Authority.
In this post, we look westward towards the West Alexander neighborhood, where the civic agenda is set by the perceived needs of the Health Sciences Centre, on run-down and impoverished residential streets where parking costs TWICE the normal rate- $2.00 an hour.
---------------
From: Kim the Traffic Reporter
To: talk@kick.fm
Hi Marty
I went for one of my little strolls through the HSC area on Friday Apr. 9 and Sat. Apr. 10.
I can tell you with no word of a lie that my jaw dropped. I have never ever seen a ghost town around HSC. But that's what it has turned into at this point.
If it is the goal of the Parking Authority to remove on-street parking in that area, then they are well on their way to achieving that goal. Even the residents aren't parking on their streets.
Definitions:
C= cars
P = permits
R = receipt
N = no receipt/Verrus payment
Res = residential permit
H = handicap
T= ticket/tag
April 9 Start 1:25/finish 3:30 April 10 Start 1:07/finish 2:40
Winnipeg Ave - Tecumseh to Arlington:
c: 11 c: 11
p: 10 p: 9
res: 1 n: 2
McDermot - Tecumseh to Arlington
c: 4 c: 5
p: 4 p: 4
n: 1
Bannatyne - Tecumseh to Arlington
c: 14 c: 10
p: 6 p: 3
r: 6 Res: 1
n: 1 n: 5
t: 1 t: 1 (warning)
Tecumseh - William to Bannatyne
c: 5 c: 2
p: 1 p: 1
r: 4 t: 1 (monetary)
no further vehicles on Tecumseh
Tecumseh - Bannatyne to McDermot
c: 4
r: 3
h: 1
no vehicles past this point.
Bannatyne - Dead End to Tecumseh
c: 20 c: 2
r: 13 r: 2
h: 6 - 2 with receipts
t: 1 (warning)
William - Arlington to Tecumseh (south side)
c: 1 c: 1
h: 1 r: 1
William - Tecumseh to Arlington (north side)
c: 2 c: 2
r: 2 r: 1 (expired)
n: 1
William - Tecumseh to Sherbrook (south side)
c: 22 c: 15
r: 19 r: 9
h: 3 - all with receipts n: 3
h: 3 - 2 no receipt
William - Sherbrook to Tecumseh (north side)
c: 19 c: 21
r: 17 r: 18
h: 2 - 1 no receipt (AB permit) n: 1
h: 2 no receipts
t: 1 -no park not in car count
McDermot - Sherbrook to Tecumseh
c: 28 c: 14
r: 20 r: 6
h: 3 no receipts (outside CancerCare) h: 3 - 2 no receipt
n: 3 n: 3
t: 2 t: 1
Olivia - McDermot to Dead End
c: 7 c: 1
r: 7 r: 1
Notre Dame - Pearl to Emily (north side)
c: 3 c: 2
r: 2 r: 2
n: 1 no further vehicles past this point
no further vehicles past this point
Notre Dame - Victor to McGee (south side)
c: 4 c: 3
r: 4 r: 3
Pearl - McDermot to Notre Dame
c: 8 c: 8
r: 7 r: 6
h: 1 with receipt n: 1
t: 1 (warning)
1 tag in loading zone not in car count
McDermot - Sherbrook to Furby
c: 5 c: 3
r: 3 p: 1
h: 2 r: 2
McDermot - Furby to Kate
c: 12 c: 1
r: 6 r: 1
n: 6
Note: 5 of the vehicles were waiting to pick up kids from the school
Kate - Bannatyne to McDermot
c: 4 c: 1
m: 4 special permit m: 1 special permit Ronald McDonald
Ronald McDonald House House
Kate - William to Bannatyne
0 vehicles c: 1
p: 1
Bannatyne - Kate to Lydia
0 vehicles c: 1
n: 1
Lydia - William to Bannatyne
0 vehicles c: 1
h: 1 no receipt
Bannatyne - Lydia to Furby
c: 8 c: 2
m: 1 r: 2
r: 5
n: 1
h: 1 no receipt
Bannatyne - Furby to Sherbrook
c: 8 c: 8
p: 1 r: 5
r: 5 n: 1
h: 2 - one with receipt t: 2 (one warning, one monetary)
Furby - William to Bannatyne
c: 5 c: 4
p: 1 p: 2
r: 3 r: 1
h: 1 - no receipt n: 1
no further vehicles past Bannatyne
Furby - Bannatyne to McDermot
c: 4
r: 3
h: 1 with receipt
Furby - McDermot to Notre Dame
c: 4
r: 4
A couple of troublesome areas:
* Furby from Bannatyne to McDermot is split by a backlane that leads to Sherbrook. There is no paystation on the North side of that backlane.
* On Tecumseh between Bannatyne and McDermot there is a backlane on the south side of that lane there is no paystation. If you were to speak to Judge Sundstrom he would tell you that a backlane constitutes a natural break in the road which means, the Parking Authority needs a paystation there. However, why throw good money after bad. Those stations are not making any money.
* William, Tecumseh, Winnipeg, Bannatyne, McDermot and McDermot from Sherbrook to Tecumseh used to be filled with cars. Now there is plenty of parking. The mobile crews used to handle most of those streets, would chalk them and would pick up a fair amount if they only did it once every few weeks. But now? Not so much.
* On Friday Apr. 9 I noted 5 no parking violations and 4 no stopping violations.
On Saturday Apr. 10 I noted 3 no parking, one no stop and 1 to close to a crosswalk violations. On neither of those days did I see an enforcement officer. I also saw minimal tickets.
For the Saturday tickets, mobile crews simply don't have time to handle meters. They have a huge area to play with not to mention checking all the parking lots and selective enforcements. No time. And why were some of the meter tickets warnings and others not?
But that's what I found.
PS - subsequent to this survey, Kim sent us this:
From: Kim the Traffic Reporter
Subject: Re: something I found on my morning walk
To: talk@kick.fm
Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 11:09 AM
Good Morning Marty
While I was on my morning walk I noted that
- The paystation by the Women's Pavillion (p/s 3286) has been repaired.
- The paystation on Lydia just north of Notre Dame (beside Frank Motors) HAS BEEN REMOVED.
- Yet, one block further away from HSC, on Kate, the pay to park system continues.
But I also found something interesting. On the North side of Notre Dame by Rebel Waltz Tattoo (873 Notre Dame) there are some signs that don't match. That area is a 1 hour time limited zone from 9-1530 mon-fri with arrows pointing east/west. Above those signs are the rush hour signs morning/afternoon again with arrows going east/west (No stopping 0700-0900 and 1530-1730 mon-fri).
Between 873 and 875 Notre Dame is a driveway that leads to a small parking lot as well as heading onto a backlane, but it's not a natural break in the roadway. The sign next to 875 reads:
No Parking 0700-0900 and 1530-1730 mon-fri with arrows pointing east/west.
Fifty feet to the west, the next sign reads parking 1 hour 0900-1730 mon-fri with arrows pointing east/west. (ed. note- in other words, the sign says it is OK to park until 5.30PM, or during rush hour)
The next sign with an arrow pointing east is another no stopping rush hour zone. The west pointing sign is a regular no stopping sign for the bus stop by 7 eleven.
I think last year when the Parking Authority wanted to put paystations in that area, but Harvey Smith stopped that from happening and the signs were eventually changed public works goofed up when replacing the signage.
Is it enforceable? That's a good question and one I'm not sure I can answer. If I were working the area I would be hesitant about tagging for the rush hour. Most of the officers if they notice it would radio a supervisor who MAY say go ahead and tag and tow for the rush hour zone and let a judge sort it out. The time limit zone is DEFINITELY NOT TAGGABELE as the signs don't match.
If someone did get tagged and towed for rush hour, not sure a judge would uphold the signage. Now public works put up the signs, but the p.a. enforces them. I don't know if they've told public works about the mix-up and I'm not sure how if any have been tagged in that area, it's not often people park there during rush hour, though from time to time it does happen.
Thanks Marty.
*******************
TGCTS GETS RESULTS:
via text May 25:
I've reported the problem to Dave Hill for prompt attention.
Coun. Jeff Browaty
While I was on my morning walk I noted that
- The paystation by the Women's Pavillion (p/s 3286) has been repaired.
- The paystation on Lydia just north of Notre Dame (beside Frank Motors) HAS BEEN REMOVED.
- Yet, one block further away from HSC, on Kate, the pay to park system continues.
But I also found something interesting. On the North side of Notre Dame by Rebel Waltz Tattoo (873 Notre Dame) there are some signs that don't match. That area is a 1 hour time limited zone from 9-1530 mon-fri with arrows pointing east/west. Above those signs are the rush hour signs morning/afternoon again with arrows going east/west (No stopping 0700-0900 and 1530-1730 mon-fri).
Between 873 and 875 Notre Dame is a driveway that leads to a small parking lot as well as heading onto a backlane, but it's not a natural break in the roadway. The sign next to 875 reads:
No Parking 0700-0900 and 1530-1730 mon-fri with arrows pointing east/west.
Fifty feet to the west, the next sign reads parking 1 hour 0900-1730 mon-fri with arrows pointing east/west. (ed. note- in other words, the sign says it is OK to park until 5.30PM, or during rush hour)
The next sign with an arrow pointing east is another no stopping rush hour zone. The west pointing sign is a regular no stopping sign for the bus stop by 7 eleven.
I think last year when the Parking Authority wanted to put paystations in that area, but Harvey Smith stopped that from happening and the signs were eventually changed public works goofed up when replacing the signage.
Is it enforceable? That's a good question and one I'm not sure I can answer. If I were working the area I would be hesitant about tagging for the rush hour. Most of the officers if they notice it would radio a supervisor who MAY say go ahead and tag and tow for the rush hour zone and let a judge sort it out. The time limit zone is DEFINITELY NOT TAGGABELE as the signs don't match.
If someone did get tagged and towed for rush hour, not sure a judge would uphold the signage. Now public works put up the signs, but the p.a. enforces them. I don't know if they've told public works about the mix-up and I'm not sure how if any have been tagged in that area, it's not often people park there during rush hour, though from time to time it does happen.
Thanks Marty.
*******************
TGCTS GETS RESULTS:
via text May 25:
I've reported the problem to Dave Hill for prompt attention.
Coun. Jeff Browaty
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Vote for best story of Year 3! and Manifesto Monday tomorrow
Young Josh has reviewed the list and has determined the following 10 nominees for Story of the Year.
You can register your vote at talk@kick.fm
and one lucky voter who picks the winning entry will get a special prize package courtesy of TGCTS and 92.9 Kick-FM!
The nominees are:
1) Porkgate - the Winnipeg Free Press never once covered the story of how taxpayer-funded food for the poor, mysteriously arrived at the picket line around their building, and was later the cause of public health warnings due to the fact it had already thawed and was reportedly re-frozen.
2) The real story of the New Years Eve "Vigilante"/hate-crime" beating of a carjacker on Horace Street by concerned citizens defending the occupants of the warming vehicle, a mother and her baby.
3) The Meth Caller- a friend of meth addict Daniel Van Den Bosche explained her view of his shooting himself when cornered by cops, only hours after a raid uncovered illegal guns to which he was believed linked. She told of the deep-rooted meth epidemic in the city often overlooked by MSM and politicians
4) Two-Tier justice: a man accused of an attempted home invasion on a Crown Attorney, where nobody was injured, got sentenced to 57 months; meanwhile, a 15 year old who, with 2 accomplices, stormed an Alexander Avenue West house that his sister had been evicted from, stabbed the new occupant and nearly killed him, got only 27 months.
5) Inside the Free Press union conflict: the battle between rank-and-file CEP members who felt frozen out of strike negotitation and later tried to initiate job-sharing, and the arrogant union leadership.
6) Bill Blaikie exclusive interview: TGCTS scored the only extensive interview with the former MP who successfully held the Elmwood riding for the Doer NDP in the byelection. Our interview was the first time anyone heard of a commitment for additional funding from the NDP to keep the Disraeli Freeway open during re-construction.
7) The death of Gail Glesby: Not only was the Health Sciences Centre caught hiding proof about her multiple falls suffered while in the emergency room, we exposed how at one point Glesby was left in a hallway, strapped into a wheelchair and dying of a brain bleed, while her frantic family was told she had been discharged and an HSC operator hung up on them. Questions were asked in the Legislature and the Winnipeg Sun also picked up on our story.
8) Cox2 studies faked by leading anaesthetist- Unreported in mainstream media, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Mass. asked medical journals to make retractions because its former chief of acute pain, Dr. Scott S. Reuben, had faked data used in 21 studies purporting that COX2 drugs such as Vioxx, Celebrex and Effexor XR were safe.
9) Aurtarlia- to this day, the Free Press has never corrected their mistake, leading to our determination that they must have discovered a new continent. Subsequently on October 30th, Adam West accepted the role of Consul-general of Aurtarlia and announced the initiation of diplomatic relations with the fictional town of Quohog, Rhode Island, of which he is the Mayor on Fox-TV's Family Guy.
10) Exposing the Public Trustee's Office - the story of the Knizat family, who discovered the Kremlin-like tactics used by this unaccountable agency to fleece the father's estate of $7000 every 3 months, while he was left without proper medical care in Riverview under their 'authority'.
Listeners can certainly suggest other stories, such as:
- forcing Justice Minister Dave Chomiak to apologize to Mayor Sam Katz after falsely claiming Katz was opposed to photo-radar refunds;
- relevations about the Parking Authority bullying employees, as well as inner-city residents and businesses, and how all tickets issued since last year under the G4S contract may be invalid; and...
- our shows on how panicked Manitoba Hydro executives are violating the Whistleblower Act.
Monday at 4 PM:
- we kick off Year 4 with Manifesto Monday, in which we set out our theme for the coming year.
- As well, a Lesson in Journalism about Manitoba Hydro;
- the Canadian MSM ignores emails proving pro- Al Gore scientists invented "global warming" data;
- inside the Transcona murder of Nolan Norman;
- and Spirited Kenny joins Frank the Italian Barber and Brad Harrison to preview the Grey Cup game between Saskatchewan and Montreal.
And how about that Brett 'Vikings are 9-1' Favre ?
You can register your vote at talk@kick.fm
and one lucky voter who picks the winning entry will get a special prize package courtesy of TGCTS and 92.9 Kick-FM!
The nominees are:
1) Porkgate - the Winnipeg Free Press never once covered the story of how taxpayer-funded food for the poor, mysteriously arrived at the picket line around their building, and was later the cause of public health warnings due to the fact it had already thawed and was reportedly re-frozen.
2) The real story of the New Years Eve "Vigilante"/hate-crime" beating of a carjacker on Horace Street by concerned citizens defending the occupants of the warming vehicle, a mother and her baby.
3) The Meth Caller- a friend of meth addict Daniel Van Den Bosche explained her view of his shooting himself when cornered by cops, only hours after a raid uncovered illegal guns to which he was believed linked. She told of the deep-rooted meth epidemic in the city often overlooked by MSM and politicians
4) Two-Tier justice: a man accused of an attempted home invasion on a Crown Attorney, where nobody was injured, got sentenced to 57 months; meanwhile, a 15 year old who, with 2 accomplices, stormed an Alexander Avenue West house that his sister had been evicted from, stabbed the new occupant and nearly killed him, got only 27 months.
5) Inside the Free Press union conflict: the battle between rank-and-file CEP members who felt frozen out of strike negotitation and later tried to initiate job-sharing, and the arrogant union leadership.
6) Bill Blaikie exclusive interview: TGCTS scored the only extensive interview with the former MP who successfully held the Elmwood riding for the Doer NDP in the byelection. Our interview was the first time anyone heard of a commitment for additional funding from the NDP to keep the Disraeli Freeway open during re-construction.
7) The death of Gail Glesby: Not only was the Health Sciences Centre caught hiding proof about her multiple falls suffered while in the emergency room, we exposed how at one point Glesby was left in a hallway, strapped into a wheelchair and dying of a brain bleed, while her frantic family was told she had been discharged and an HSC operator hung up on them. Questions were asked in the Legislature and the Winnipeg Sun also picked up on our story.
8) Cox2 studies faked by leading anaesthetist- Unreported in mainstream media, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Mass. asked medical journals to make retractions because its former chief of acute pain, Dr. Scott S. Reuben, had faked data used in 21 studies purporting that COX2 drugs such as Vioxx, Celebrex and Effexor XR were safe.
9) Aurtarlia- to this day, the Free Press has never corrected their mistake, leading to our determination that they must have discovered a new continent. Subsequently on October 30th, Adam West accepted the role of Consul-general of Aurtarlia and announced the initiation of diplomatic relations with the fictional town of Quohog, Rhode Island, of which he is the Mayor on Fox-TV's Family Guy.
10) Exposing the Public Trustee's Office - the story of the Knizat family, who discovered the Kremlin-like tactics used by this unaccountable agency to fleece the father's estate of $7000 every 3 months, while he was left without proper medical care in Riverview under their 'authority'.
Listeners can certainly suggest other stories, such as:
- forcing Justice Minister Dave Chomiak to apologize to Mayor Sam Katz after falsely claiming Katz was opposed to photo-radar refunds;
- relevations about the Parking Authority bullying employees, as well as inner-city residents and businesses, and how all tickets issued since last year under the G4S contract may be invalid; and...
- our shows on how panicked Manitoba Hydro executives are violating the Whistleblower Act.
Monday at 4 PM:
- we kick off Year 4 with Manifesto Monday, in which we set out our theme for the coming year.
- As well, a Lesson in Journalism about Manitoba Hydro;
- the Canadian MSM ignores emails proving pro- Al Gore scientists invented "global warming" data;
- inside the Transcona murder of Nolan Norman;
- and Spirited Kenny joins Frank the Italian Barber and Brad Harrison to preview the Grey Cup game between Saskatchewan and Montreal.
And how about that Brett 'Vikings are 9-1' Favre ?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Listeners comment on HSC and Seven Oaks ER's, Two tier medicine, Superbugs, manufactured news, Tim Horton's camp "story", crime, and a happy note
A round-up of recent emails:
*********************
GAIL GLESBY DEATH AT HSC
(This is the link for the Gail Glesby facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74878550799 )
"My name is Angie, I'm Ashley's Dad's girlfriend.
Thank you Marty an awesome job. As you told Gails story I sat in my chair and almost relived it. Thank you for giving them a voice, someone finally listens, I know how much this means to Ashley and Dylon, the way Gail was treated left by the staff of HSC to died without dignity or respect.
I hope that you will continue to bring stories such as these to the attention of those who can change they way things are done so that no other family has to ever deal with this type of behavior again.
Thank you Oh so much."
"Re: Sun picks up our Glesby exclusive, the headline must have made WRHA's weekend
What would we do without you Marty? That was such an awesome couple of shows and my heart goes out to the family and I hope something will eventually come of this. M"
**********
Seven Oaks Hospital Emergency overnight staff shortage?
I am fed up with this so-called health care system of ours! When I have to take in my 5 year old daughter into Seven Oaks hospital at 1:30 a.m. cuase she has not gone to the bathromm in over a day, has a high fever, has bodyaches and the chills, (suspected urinary infection), and I get told by the nurse at the desk, "you'll have to wait several hours as we only have one doctor on duty tonight", with a tired, sarcastic look in her eyes as she says it, makes me ill!!!!!!!!!! But apparently if you are are drunk and bloodied bar fighter that the police are hauling in at the same time, it's "C'mon In!!!!"!!!
As I have to shield my daughter's eyes from these screaming morons cause I don't want her to see this! Then a kindly security guard walks us out through the hospital through a short-cut to get back to my truck and turns to me and says, "yeah, we get a lot of people that don't need to be here..."
Then when I do load my daughter back into the truck, she says to me, "Daddy, why is there only one doctor working." Made me want to cry.
I got her into her pediatrician this afternoon and she seems to be doing okay in the meantime.
Marty, I swear man, I WANT TWO TIER HEALTHCARE!!!!! I will pay whatever it takes to have my children cared for ASAP, but I can't. I have to be as helpless as her. These bar bozo's did their own, self-inflicted damage! Who cares!!!!!!! They belong in the tank anyway.
Talking to other friends of mine with small kids, they have had similar situations at other Winnipeg hospitals! Why the Hell aren't our children priority??? If they have a a child little cough and your dealing with an over-reacting parent, okay, I get that. But dammit, why is there only one doctor, (or in some cases, no doctors available overnight?!?!?!?
The government treats us by class, by income, and tax and treat usall differently, but when it comes to healthcare, we're ALL in the same boat buddy! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!?!?!?!
Times change man, it's time for us to get with the program. Litterally! I want options dammit!
Thanks for hearing my rant.
B"
************
Former NDP cabinet minister Sam Uskiw suing province for colonscopy rationing
" Faced with a critical illness myself, I was asked to wait for 10 months for an endoscopic ultrasound (a surgeon does this procedure unlike a standard ultrasound).
Apparently we only have one or two surgeons in the province who do this.
The Mayo Clinic is a short drive away and in 2 days did a full diagnostic and saved my life. Canadians have a 2nd tier ...its called the USA.
Bravo to the lawsuit. It should be a class-action suit. D"
" Marty
I am really tired about people claiming we only have one tier health care. Unless you have insurance through your work, you still have to pay for "vision" and "dental, and other things, like physio, among other things. Even people with the benifit packages at work, there is a deductable. So we DO have 2 tier health care in this province, plain and simple.
G "
***************
Superbugs in Winnipeg Hospitals
"Hello Marty,
For what my opinion is worth, Dr. Embil is one of the most respected physicians in Winnipeg. He works tirelessly for his patients, he takes call - even if he's not technically "on call", he has a mind like a trap, and he treats people very well. The man is a world renowned academic, and he writes frequently and is published in medical journals. Also he is right. Hospitals work quite hard to contain any perceived outbreak.
There is a bit of a problem with this, in that it becomes much more onerous for loved ones and healthcare staff to care for a patient who is considered infected and quarentined as the patient is in isolation and staff are required to gown, glove and mask before entering the room, which has dedicated equipment down to the stethascope. The problem too is that some staff - i am sure physicians included, but particularly healthcare aides and family members often do not feel that they need to follow these precautions and do not wash their hands frequently enough.
The thing about these "superbugs" is that often MRSA is floating around in the community (you yourself are carrying billions of its close cousin Staph Aureus on your skin 24/7). People are colonized with MRSA, however not infected with it, and often it is quite tricky to know who to treat and how to best do it. These people visit their loved ones in the hospital, and next thing you know we have an "outbreak of a superbug".
Hope this is useful,
Dr X"
" I like the idea of a public warning in principle, however the possible ramifications (pros and cons) of this policy should be well debated. For example, will we see people forgo attending the Seven Oaks when an outbreak is present and attend another hospital - the Grace or Concordia.
In this event we might have higher than anticipated attendance at the latter hospitals with an unwarranted lack of attendance at the former. Or would someone forgo attending the ER despite a serious issue when a warning is present simply to avoid potential infection?
On the other hand, benefits of posted warnings would have family members think twice before simply "dumping" their elderly relative at the front door.
In the meantime, i do agree - we must do more to wash our hands, and if the kids are ill, keep them from grandma's hospital room for a few days.
Regards
Dr XX"
*********
Manufactured news
"Here is an idea for you if and when you get your chance to guest star in the Excuse Me? commentary on CJOB
I noticed in Sunday's Free Press, I think on page A8, they devoted a whole entire color page to entries from children on drawing our new provincial flag. I think you are even encouraged to send in a vote on which one you think is the best.
EXCUSE ME?????
Are the editors at the Free Press that dillusional to think that this is actually going to happen? This was a one off policy thrown out at an annual NDP conference, which really got no support to run on. I remember when this hit the news, Richard Cloutier devoted some time on his show for this, I'm sure you did also. Many callers called in asking why he was even wasting air time on this issue. His anwer - sometimes you have to put the absurd ideas out there so the creators of these ideas can see just how far off base they are.
Secondly, however cute it is to see children send in their entires on what they think a new flag should look like, is the Free Press that out in left field that they really think the Province will use a child's rendering as our new flag. Do they not realize that if the Province ever did decide to go ahead with this debacle, they would spend millions of dollars doing research, studies, focus groups, marketing firms, etc. before they came up with a new flag? Perhaps this is the Free Press's way of saving the Province money, who knows.
I guess the larger point here is, aside from giving valuable print space to a ridiculous idea, do they have nothing better to report on? They are laying off valuable reporters, who have done great work, because they are losing money, yet they can devote AN ENTIRE PAGE IN COLOR no less to this so called story that absolutely no one other then a handfull of people care about.
Is it any wonder why the Free Press is losing money and readers? Not to me.
thanks
N"
************
Mailing-in reporting on Tim's camp proposal?
"Marty,
Every now and then a story appears which makes me wonder how the heck the NDP stay in office. The Winnipeg Free Press reported on Saturday that the provincial government announced plans to build a Tim Horton's children's camp at Meditation Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park (Province unveils controversial wilderness camp, Mar. 31: actually, maybe this story by 'Bruiser' Owens also serves as a lesson in journalism).
The NDP held closed-door meetings on the proposed camp for over a year and then announced it as a fait accompli. With bold-faced contempt for the plebs, the NDP says it will now "meet with the public."
To discuss what? How the project will proceed? It also appears that the NDP will be contributing financially to the project. Why? Surely, Tim Horton's can raise the money by themselves. Have other provinces helped finance these camps?
Two token public meetings are scheduled: one in Winnipeg on April 30th for the general public and another at Dorothy Lake on May 2nd apparently for local cottagers. "First Nations people will also be consulted," writes Owens. It would be charitable to assume Owens is just transcribing a government press release.
Shouldn't the vagueness of that statement raise his eyebrow, never mind the reeking discrimination of it? How will First Nations people be consulted? Who will the NDP decide is qualified to speak for First Nations people? Considering that there isn't an Indian reserve within 100 kilometers of Meditation Lake, why do First Nations people have to be consulted at all outside of the meetings already provided? What is so special about their point of view in the NDP's eyes?
What no one seems to be asking either is: Will Meditation Lake be closed to the public after the camp is built? Meditation Lake is presently a designated back country campground and it also provides access to Horseshoe Lake, a popular destination for anglers which also has government-designated campsites.
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said the province took its time determining which lake was most suitable for the camp. Well, then, I'd like to know what other lakes were studied for this project and why wasn't the public permitted to have input on that process. Cabinet ministers under Gary Doer have been reduced to being just announcers and are probably easy pickings for a serious journalist.
When reporters like Owens simply mail it in, it does a real disservice to the public especially when the public is being treated so disrespectfully by a government that has come to take its votes so for granted that it can ram autocracy down their throats anytime they please.
'Hey, it's for the children, right? Hey, we're going to consult the original inhabitants. Who is going to object to that? Everyone loves Tim Horton's, right? Those that love us will love us no matter what we do, right?'
I've got a great name for this camp: "Camp Contempt." Keep up the good work, Marty!
M "
************
True Crime
" 4 weeks ago I installed a metal detector at the front door of my store. I'm hoping aside from the usual guns/knives and screwdrivers it will also pick up hatchets. Let me be clear, I am not protecting my self from criminals...they do what they do...I am protecting myself from the judges who continually refuse to do their jobs and by keeping these people behind bars.
Do we have a high crime rate or a ridiculously LOW incarceration rate? The guy who robbed me at gunpoint had escaped, or should I say walked away from rockwood where he was incarcerated for armed robbery. Had he been put away with a lock on the door he would not have increased the crime rate by 14 additional robberies that he did when he was out on the street!.
Ari Driver"
"To The Great Canadian Talk Show.
I am a resident of the William Whyte area living near one of the top burger joints in town The White Top. I have just encountered a minor problem plaguing the residents of this underrated part of Winnipeg. Some might say it is something very minor, however I believe it leads to a major issue with revitalizing the neighbourhood.
I attempted to simply order delivery from the local Boston Pizza, probably a 5 minute drive from home but after a long day at work and a couple beers, I don't really want to make the journey and as many others in the city do, I ordered for delivery. unfortunately I was rejected not because I was out of the delivery area but because "drivers had encountered problems." I find my block perfectly safe and don't see why I can't get the same service as someone in Tuxedo. I'll even pay for it!
What this says to me is why would I want to live here if I can't even get a pizza delivered. What other services are Winnipeggers entitled to that the William Whyte residents are not. It is discriminatory to think that every one here will shoot, or mug, or rob an "innocent" delivery driver (drivers who I've seen deliver drugs while on duty as well, ironically).
This is counterproductive to the revitalization of the area. It really upsets me. Maybe if there was more of this kind of traffic, there would not be as much public displays of violence, too many witnesses.
R"
**********
and a happy note from a local band
"Subject: The Christpunchers
Hey Marty I listened to the April 6th archive online earlier this week and wanted to send you a thanks for the plug/review of our show, it was awesome! We've been sending to family and friends and they just love it. Thanks again!
Derek"
*********************
GAIL GLESBY DEATH AT HSC
(This is the link for the Gail Glesby facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74878550799 )
"My name is Angie, I'm Ashley's Dad's girlfriend.
Thank you Marty an awesome job. As you told Gails story I sat in my chair and almost relived it. Thank you for giving them a voice, someone finally listens, I know how much this means to Ashley and Dylon, the way Gail was treated left by the staff of HSC to died without dignity or respect.
I hope that you will continue to bring stories such as these to the attention of those who can change they way things are done so that no other family has to ever deal with this type of behavior again.
Thank you Oh so much."
"Re: Sun picks up our Glesby exclusive, the headline must have made WRHA's weekend
What would we do without you Marty? That was such an awesome couple of shows and my heart goes out to the family and I hope something will eventually come of this. M"
**********
Seven Oaks Hospital Emergency overnight staff shortage?
I am fed up with this so-called health care system of ours! When I have to take in my 5 year old daughter into Seven Oaks hospital at 1:30 a.m. cuase she has not gone to the bathromm in over a day, has a high fever, has bodyaches and the chills, (suspected urinary infection), and I get told by the nurse at the desk, "you'll have to wait several hours as we only have one doctor on duty tonight", with a tired, sarcastic look in her eyes as she says it, makes me ill!!!!!!!!!! But apparently if you are are drunk and bloodied bar fighter that the police are hauling in at the same time, it's "C'mon In!!!!"!!!
As I have to shield my daughter's eyes from these screaming morons cause I don't want her to see this! Then a kindly security guard walks us out through the hospital through a short-cut to get back to my truck and turns to me and says, "yeah, we get a lot of people that don't need to be here..."
Then when I do load my daughter back into the truck, she says to me, "Daddy, why is there only one doctor working." Made me want to cry.
I got her into her pediatrician this afternoon and she seems to be doing okay in the meantime.
Marty, I swear man, I WANT TWO TIER HEALTHCARE!!!!! I will pay whatever it takes to have my children cared for ASAP, but I can't. I have to be as helpless as her. These bar bozo's did their own, self-inflicted damage! Who cares!!!!!!! They belong in the tank anyway.
Talking to other friends of mine with small kids, they have had similar situations at other Winnipeg hospitals! Why the Hell aren't our children priority??? If they have a a child little cough and your dealing with an over-reacting parent, okay, I get that. But dammit, why is there only one doctor, (or in some cases, no doctors available overnight?!?!?!?
The government treats us by class, by income, and tax and treat usall differently, but when it comes to healthcare, we're ALL in the same boat buddy! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!?!?!?!
Times change man, it's time for us to get with the program. Litterally! I want options dammit!
Thanks for hearing my rant.
B"
************
Former NDP cabinet minister Sam Uskiw suing province for colonscopy rationing
" Faced with a critical illness myself, I was asked to wait for 10 months for an endoscopic ultrasound (a surgeon does this procedure unlike a standard ultrasound).
Apparently we only have one or two surgeons in the province who do this.
The Mayo Clinic is a short drive away and in 2 days did a full diagnostic and saved my life. Canadians have a 2nd tier ...its called the USA.
Bravo to the lawsuit. It should be a class-action suit. D"
" Marty
I am really tired about people claiming we only have one tier health care. Unless you have insurance through your work, you still have to pay for "vision" and "dental, and other things, like physio, among other things. Even people with the benifit packages at work, there is a deductable. So we DO have 2 tier health care in this province, plain and simple.
G "
***************
Superbugs in Winnipeg Hospitals
"Hello Marty,
For what my opinion is worth, Dr. Embil is one of the most respected physicians in Winnipeg. He works tirelessly for his patients, he takes call - even if he's not technically "on call", he has a mind like a trap, and he treats people very well. The man is a world renowned academic, and he writes frequently and is published in medical journals. Also he is right. Hospitals work quite hard to contain any perceived outbreak.
There is a bit of a problem with this, in that it becomes much more onerous for loved ones and healthcare staff to care for a patient who is considered infected and quarentined as the patient is in isolation and staff are required to gown, glove and mask before entering the room, which has dedicated equipment down to the stethascope. The problem too is that some staff - i am sure physicians included, but particularly healthcare aides and family members often do not feel that they need to follow these precautions and do not wash their hands frequently enough.
The thing about these "superbugs" is that often MRSA is floating around in the community (you yourself are carrying billions of its close cousin Staph Aureus on your skin 24/7). People are colonized with MRSA, however not infected with it, and often it is quite tricky to know who to treat and how to best do it. These people visit their loved ones in the hospital, and next thing you know we have an "outbreak of a superbug".
Hope this is useful,
Dr X"
" I like the idea of a public warning in principle, however the possible ramifications (pros and cons) of this policy should be well debated. For example, will we see people forgo attending the Seven Oaks when an outbreak is present and attend another hospital - the Grace or Concordia.
In this event we might have higher than anticipated attendance at the latter hospitals with an unwarranted lack of attendance at the former. Or would someone forgo attending the ER despite a serious issue when a warning is present simply to avoid potential infection?
On the other hand, benefits of posted warnings would have family members think twice before simply "dumping" their elderly relative at the front door.
In the meantime, i do agree - we must do more to wash our hands, and if the kids are ill, keep them from grandma's hospital room for a few days.
Regards
Dr XX"
*********
Manufactured news
"Here is an idea for you if and when you get your chance to guest star in the Excuse Me? commentary on CJOB
I noticed in Sunday's Free Press, I think on page A8, they devoted a whole entire color page to entries from children on drawing our new provincial flag. I think you are even encouraged to send in a vote on which one you think is the best.
EXCUSE ME?????
Are the editors at the Free Press that dillusional to think that this is actually going to happen? This was a one off policy thrown out at an annual NDP conference, which really got no support to run on. I remember when this hit the news, Richard Cloutier devoted some time on his show for this, I'm sure you did also. Many callers called in asking why he was even wasting air time on this issue. His anwer - sometimes you have to put the absurd ideas out there so the creators of these ideas can see just how far off base they are.
Secondly, however cute it is to see children send in their entires on what they think a new flag should look like, is the Free Press that out in left field that they really think the Province will use a child's rendering as our new flag. Do they not realize that if the Province ever did decide to go ahead with this debacle, they would spend millions of dollars doing research, studies, focus groups, marketing firms, etc. before they came up with a new flag? Perhaps this is the Free Press's way of saving the Province money, who knows.
I guess the larger point here is, aside from giving valuable print space to a ridiculous idea, do they have nothing better to report on? They are laying off valuable reporters, who have done great work, because they are losing money, yet they can devote AN ENTIRE PAGE IN COLOR no less to this so called story that absolutely no one other then a handfull of people care about.
Is it any wonder why the Free Press is losing money and readers? Not to me.
thanks
N"
************
Mailing-in reporting on Tim's camp proposal?
"Marty,
Every now and then a story appears which makes me wonder how the heck the NDP stay in office. The Winnipeg Free Press reported on Saturday that the provincial government announced plans to build a Tim Horton's children's camp at Meditation Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park (Province unveils controversial wilderness camp, Mar. 31: actually, maybe this story by 'Bruiser' Owens also serves as a lesson in journalism).
The NDP held closed-door meetings on the proposed camp for over a year and then announced it as a fait accompli. With bold-faced contempt for the plebs, the NDP says it will now "meet with the public."
To discuss what? How the project will proceed? It also appears that the NDP will be contributing financially to the project. Why? Surely, Tim Horton's can raise the money by themselves. Have other provinces helped finance these camps?
Two token public meetings are scheduled: one in Winnipeg on April 30th for the general public and another at Dorothy Lake on May 2nd apparently for local cottagers. "First Nations people will also be consulted," writes Owens. It would be charitable to assume Owens is just transcribing a government press release.
Shouldn't the vagueness of that statement raise his eyebrow, never mind the reeking discrimination of it? How will First Nations people be consulted? Who will the NDP decide is qualified to speak for First Nations people? Considering that there isn't an Indian reserve within 100 kilometers of Meditation Lake, why do First Nations people have to be consulted at all outside of the meetings already provided? What is so special about their point of view in the NDP's eyes?
What no one seems to be asking either is: Will Meditation Lake be closed to the public after the camp is built? Meditation Lake is presently a designated back country campground and it also provides access to Horseshoe Lake, a popular destination for anglers which also has government-designated campsites.
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said the province took its time determining which lake was most suitable for the camp. Well, then, I'd like to know what other lakes were studied for this project and why wasn't the public permitted to have input on that process. Cabinet ministers under Gary Doer have been reduced to being just announcers and are probably easy pickings for a serious journalist.
When reporters like Owens simply mail it in, it does a real disservice to the public especially when the public is being treated so disrespectfully by a government that has come to take its votes so for granted that it can ram autocracy down their throats anytime they please.
'Hey, it's for the children, right? Hey, we're going to consult the original inhabitants. Who is going to object to that? Everyone loves Tim Horton's, right? Those that love us will love us no matter what we do, right?'
I've got a great name for this camp: "Camp Contempt." Keep up the good work, Marty!
M "
************
True Crime
" 4 weeks ago I installed a metal detector at the front door of my store. I'm hoping aside from the usual guns/knives and screwdrivers it will also pick up hatchets. Let me be clear, I am not protecting my self from criminals...they do what they do...I am protecting myself from the judges who continually refuse to do their jobs and by keeping these people behind bars.
Do we have a high crime rate or a ridiculously LOW incarceration rate? The guy who robbed me at gunpoint had escaped, or should I say walked away from rockwood where he was incarcerated for armed robbery. Had he been put away with a lock on the door he would not have increased the crime rate by 14 additional robberies that he did when he was out on the street!.
Ari Driver"
"To The Great Canadian Talk Show.
I am a resident of the William Whyte area living near one of the top burger joints in town The White Top. I have just encountered a minor problem plaguing the residents of this underrated part of Winnipeg. Some might say it is something very minor, however I believe it leads to a major issue with revitalizing the neighbourhood.
I attempted to simply order delivery from the local Boston Pizza, probably a 5 minute drive from home but after a long day at work and a couple beers, I don't really want to make the journey and as many others in the city do, I ordered for delivery. unfortunately I was rejected not because I was out of the delivery area but because "drivers had encountered problems." I find my block perfectly safe and don't see why I can't get the same service as someone in Tuxedo. I'll even pay for it!
What this says to me is why would I want to live here if I can't even get a pizza delivered. What other services are Winnipeggers entitled to that the William Whyte residents are not. It is discriminatory to think that every one here will shoot, or mug, or rob an "innocent" delivery driver (drivers who I've seen deliver drugs while on duty as well, ironically).
This is counterproductive to the revitalization of the area. It really upsets me. Maybe if there was more of this kind of traffic, there would not be as much public displays of violence, too many witnesses.
R"
**********
and a happy note from a local band
"Subject: The Christpunchers
Hey Marty I listened to the April 6th archive online earlier this week and wanted to send you a thanks for the plug/review of our show, it was awesome! We've been sending to family and friends and they just love it. Thanks again!
Derek"
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Oswald assures Legislature Glesby death review will include family
The Gail Glesby case moved from the media to the political arena yesterday, when Liberal leader Dr. Jon Gerrard made good on his promise to raise the issue with the government.
In Question Period yesterday Health Minister Theresa Oswald fielded direct questions about her knowledge of the file and how it is being handled by the WRHA. Gerrard had said in an exclusive interview on TGCTS on Monday, that he was going to advocate on behalf of the family at the earliest opportunity.
Here is the transcript of that exchange:
Gail Glesby Death
Investigation
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, Manitobans have been shocked recently to learn of the appalling facts surrounding the death of Gail Glesby.
Ms. Glesby was seen at the Health Sciences Centre emergency room in 2004 when she became ill after a gastroscopy procedure, and while there, as I understand it, she developed an intracerebral hemorrhage, likely from a fall in the emergency room washroom. The diagnosis was delayed and, as the result, she died.
Now, the recent death of Natasha Richardson has emphasized the need to make a rapid diagnosis when somebody falls and has a head injury, but unlike Natasha Richardson, Gail Glesby fell in an emergency room.
I ask the minister whether she is prepared to meet with Gail's daughter, Ashley, to talk to her, to offer her an apology, to ensure that this incident is very thoroughly investigated, reported on and that changes are made to correct the problems.
Hon. Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): I can say to the member, as he knows all members of this House understand, that the loss of a loved one is a tragic and serious thing. When there are circumstances surrounding the loss of that loved one that are not clear to the family, that can really compound any sorrow that is felt.
I can assure the member that at the time of this individual's death, reviews were conducted. There have been some questions subsequent to that concerning the circumstances surrounding the death. It was some years ago. Those records are being pulled from the archives at the WRHA. We'll meet with the family, and, indeed, any family that wants to meet with me is welcome to, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, it's my understanding that critical incident reports are to go to the minister. So I would ask the minister: When knowing that there have been quite a number of critical incidents in Winnipeg's emergency rooms–I think more than 50 over the last little while–can the minister tell this Chamber, was this particular death of Gail Glesby considered a critical incident?
The investigation, we are told, of some sort was done. Did the minister receive a report of the investigation, and can the minister tell us what changes were made as the result of the report?
Ms. Oswald: I can inform this House that in the situation of this particular case, the death was investigated as a critical clinical occurrence, which, indeed, was the type of investigation that predated a critical incident. The legislation was not in place at that time.
An investigation did occur at that time, but, of course, as Manitobans have learned recently, there are concerns by this family that perhaps not all of the information came forward.
So the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has agreed to rereview the situation, to speak with the family to learn if there were any details at all that didn't come forward during that investigation, so that they could come forward now.
Records are being retrieved from the archives, Mr. Speaker. We want this family to have peace, and that comes from knowing the details. We're going to work with this family to ensure that that happens, Mr. Speaker.
******************
Today's Winnipeg Free Press suggests that the city is faced with a budget shortfall of $10M after a city analysis of the provincial budget. According to Bartley Kives, the city was hoping for $15M in NDP generosity but it appears only $1.55 million in new funding is coming to 510 Main Street.
On provincial budget day, Katz said city officials were still trying to determine what the 2009 provincial budget meant for Winnipeg. Two weeks later, the total amount of additional revenue heading Winnipeg's way appears to be $1.55 million, according to a summary provided by Winnipeg chief financial officer Mike Ruta.
Increased provincial speeding fines should allow the city to earn $800,000 in additional traffic-enforcement revenue this year, while the province's new electronic waste recycling enhancement could generate $750,000, Ruta said in a statement.
(Of course this story comes only 8 days after our own interview with Coun. Jeff Browaty about the budget. He told us the city was facing a $5M hole. But anyways...)
In his lede, Kives describes the math this way:
Winnipeg will receive about a tenth of the extra revenue Mayor Sam Katz expected from the Doer government this year, leaving a $10-million hole in the city budget, civic number-crunchers suggest.
Memo to Bart: $15 Million minus (a tenth of $15 million) = a $13.5 million shortfall, NOT $10 million.
Winnipeggers' top concern? Roads, transit
Younger people evenly split.
... 52 per cent of respondents to a March telephone survey of 600 adults selected road and bridge repairs as their priority, compared to 22 per cent who favoured the construction of a rapid-transit line...
Do the math. 52 percent is more than DOUBLE 22 percent -- yet transit makes the headline.
And consider the choice offered respondents left out of the headline:
21 per cent who chose to complete the city's $1.8-billion waste-water upgrade
Based on a survey of 600 people, the margin of error is around 4%. (Of course that's only because Google told us, Probe hasn't bothered posting this survey online yet.) Statistically, transit and the water plant are tied.
So for the headline writer to pick "transit" as a "top concern", and ignore the dead-heat with the waste-water plant, and trumpet the 'younger people evenly split' angle with no actual proof provided, is indicative of how the gatekeepers assume that no one will actually read and analyze the story -- but everyone will read the headline and accept it as fact.
How long will it take for some rapid transit lobbyist or green-leaning politician to cite this bogus story and headline as gospel and try to leverage more money towards their pet project at a photo-op, taking funding and attention away from the undisputed "top concern" - fixing our crumbling roads and bridges so that our cars don't sustain busted shocks and bent frames.
************
Former Freep crime and court specialist James Turner is making his mark on the web with the detailed ongoing coverage about youth crime and gangs, that he used to file over on Mountain Ave.
Check it out - www.jamesturner.ca
*****************
Many thanks to Red River College president Jeff Zabudsky for explaining the recent recommendations of the Vehicle Standards Advisory Board which he was a member of. He's also taken on an appointment to the Innovation Council, and is incoming chairman of the United Way campaign. Now that's busy! Yesterday's interview will be replayed next Tuesday night at 11 PM, or can be found at our archives thru the Kick-FM website.
Today: Kelly Dehn of CTV with Crimewatch, and we also have details of a First Nations band audit that points to a possible financial crisis.
Thursday: Jon Waldman of Slam!Sports reviews Wrestlemania 25 and plugs his new book.
Good Friday: A Special TGCTS episode: The Gail Glesby Story.
Next week:
- NHL playoff predictions with Scott Taylor on Tuesday,
- the value of youth soccer as a community builder on Wednesday after 5 PM with Rocky Moudgill of WYSA,
- and next Thursday at 4.15 PM, family law expert Jack King.
***************
Moses and Aaron went to the Pharaoh and said to him "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: "Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the desert."
HAPPY PASSOVER !!
In Question Period yesterday Health Minister Theresa Oswald fielded direct questions about her knowledge of the file and how it is being handled by the WRHA. Gerrard had said in an exclusive interview on TGCTS on Monday, that he was going to advocate on behalf of the family at the earliest opportunity.
Here is the transcript of that exchange:
Gail Glesby Death
Investigation
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, Manitobans have been shocked recently to learn of the appalling facts surrounding the death of Gail Glesby.
Ms. Glesby was seen at the Health Sciences Centre emergency room in 2004 when she became ill after a gastroscopy procedure, and while there, as I understand it, she developed an intracerebral hemorrhage, likely from a fall in the emergency room washroom. The diagnosis was delayed and, as the result, she died.
Now, the recent death of Natasha Richardson has emphasized the need to make a rapid diagnosis when somebody falls and has a head injury, but unlike Natasha Richardson, Gail Glesby fell in an emergency room.
I ask the minister whether she is prepared to meet with Gail's daughter, Ashley, to talk to her, to offer her an apology, to ensure that this incident is very thoroughly investigated, reported on and that changes are made to correct the problems.
Hon. Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): I can say to the member, as he knows all members of this House understand, that the loss of a loved one is a tragic and serious thing. When there are circumstances surrounding the loss of that loved one that are not clear to the family, that can really compound any sorrow that is felt.
I can assure the member that at the time of this individual's death, reviews were conducted. There have been some questions subsequent to that concerning the circumstances surrounding the death. It was some years ago. Those records are being pulled from the archives at the WRHA. We'll meet with the family, and, indeed, any family that wants to meet with me is welcome to, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, it's my understanding that critical incident reports are to go to the minister. So I would ask the minister: When knowing that there have been quite a number of critical incidents in Winnipeg's emergency rooms–I think more than 50 over the last little while–can the minister tell this Chamber, was this particular death of Gail Glesby considered a critical incident?
The investigation, we are told, of some sort was done. Did the minister receive a report of the investigation, and can the minister tell us what changes were made as the result of the report?
Ms. Oswald: I can inform this House that in the situation of this particular case, the death was investigated as a critical clinical occurrence, which, indeed, was the type of investigation that predated a critical incident. The legislation was not in place at that time.
An investigation did occur at that time, but, of course, as Manitobans have learned recently, there are concerns by this family that perhaps not all of the information came forward.
So the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has agreed to rereview the situation, to speak with the family to learn if there were any details at all that didn't come forward during that investigation, so that they could come forward now.
Records are being retrieved from the archives, Mr. Speaker. We want this family to have peace, and that comes from knowing the details. We're going to work with this family to ensure that that happens, Mr. Speaker.
******************
Today's Winnipeg Free Press suggests that the city is faced with a budget shortfall of $10M after a city analysis of the provincial budget. According to Bartley Kives, the city was hoping for $15M in NDP generosity but it appears only $1.55 million in new funding is coming to 510 Main Street.
On provincial budget day, Katz said city officials were still trying to determine what the 2009 provincial budget meant for Winnipeg. Two weeks later, the total amount of additional revenue heading Winnipeg's way appears to be $1.55 million, according to a summary provided by Winnipeg chief financial officer Mike Ruta.
Increased provincial speeding fines should allow the city to earn $800,000 in additional traffic-enforcement revenue this year, while the province's new electronic waste recycling enhancement could generate $750,000, Ruta said in a statement.
(Of course this story comes only 8 days after our own interview with Coun. Jeff Browaty about the budget. He told us the city was facing a $5M hole. But anyways...)
In his lede, Kives describes the math this way:
Winnipeg will receive about a tenth of the extra revenue Mayor Sam Katz expected from the Doer government this year, leaving a $10-million hole in the city budget, civic number-crunchers suggest.
Memo to Bart: $15 Million minus (a tenth of $15 million) = a $13.5 million shortfall, NOT $10 million.
Maybe an editor chopped out some other part of the equation.
Or, maybe Bart was just having a bad day. Because his FP/Probe Research poll on infrastructure priorities story had a few gaps in logic as well.
Starting with not providing the actual questions in the story (at least, not online).
Or the actual sample results that would justify the claim:
... the picture changes dramatically when the sample is broken down by age, as Winnipeggers 18 to 34 are almost just as concerned about rapid transit as they are with road repairs, the survey suggests.
Also, there is no frame of reference provided to explain why "older" folks prefer building roads and bridges as opposed to the younger set dreaming of electric trains.
For instance, knowing how many of these youthful 'visionaries' actually pay property taxes and have an true stake in the city budget, could help explain why they are so eager to spend scads of money on the future, while the clear majority insists that potholes and sewer lines be fixed first NOW.
Even the headline is wrong - or is it a clue about the agenda of the gatekeepers?Winnipeggers' top concern? Roads, transit
Younger people evenly split.
... 52 per cent of respondents to a March telephone survey of 600 adults selected road and bridge repairs as their priority, compared to 22 per cent who favoured the construction of a rapid-transit line...
Do the math. 52 percent is more than DOUBLE 22 percent -- yet transit makes the headline.
And consider the choice offered respondents left out of the headline:
21 per cent who chose to complete the city's $1.8-billion waste-water upgrade
Based on a survey of 600 people, the margin of error is around 4%. (Of course that's only because Google told us, Probe hasn't bothered posting this survey online yet.) Statistically, transit and the water plant are tied.
So for the headline writer to pick "transit" as a "top concern", and ignore the dead-heat with the waste-water plant, and trumpet the 'younger people evenly split' angle with no actual proof provided, is indicative of how the gatekeepers assume that no one will actually read and analyze the story -- but everyone will read the headline and accept it as fact.
How long will it take for some rapid transit lobbyist or green-leaning politician to cite this bogus story and headline as gospel and try to leverage more money towards their pet project at a photo-op, taking funding and attention away from the undisputed "top concern" - fixing our crumbling roads and bridges so that our cars don't sustain busted shocks and bent frames.
************
Former Freep crime and court specialist James Turner is making his mark on the web with the detailed ongoing coverage about youth crime and gangs, that he used to file over on Mountain Ave.
Check it out - www.jamesturner.ca
*****************
Many thanks to Red River College president Jeff Zabudsky for explaining the recent recommendations of the Vehicle Standards Advisory Board which he was a member of. He's also taken on an appointment to the Innovation Council, and is incoming chairman of the United Way campaign. Now that's busy! Yesterday's interview will be replayed next Tuesday night at 11 PM, or can be found at our archives thru the Kick-FM website.
Today: Kelly Dehn of CTV with Crimewatch, and we also have details of a First Nations band audit that points to a possible financial crisis.
Thursday: Jon Waldman of Slam!Sports reviews Wrestlemania 25 and plugs his new book.
Good Friday: A Special TGCTS episode: The Gail Glesby Story.
Next week:
- NHL playoff predictions with Scott Taylor on Tuesday,
- the value of youth soccer as a community builder on Wednesday after 5 PM with Rocky Moudgill of WYSA,
- and next Thursday at 4.15 PM, family law expert Jack King.
***************
Moses and Aaron went to the Pharaoh and said to him "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: "Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the desert."
HAPPY PASSOVER !!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Winnipeg Sun front page calls Gail Glesby death "HSC horror story"; WRHA claims "all the formal reviews were done"; family still waiting for answers
Following our breaking the story about the treatment of Gail Glesby after her return visit to the emergency room of the Health Sciences Centre in October 2004 and of the family now demanding answers, the Winnipeg Sun picked up the theme in Saturday's paper-- and got a strange explanation from health care officials.
We got the ball rolling with the background of the case on Thursday, when we reported exclusive details of our consulting doctors' review of the official file and coroners report, and narrative notes by Gail's daughter.
Ashley fought in vain with HSC staff for Gail to be treated with dignity and respect. Instead, Gail was accused of "faking" clear symptoms of a brain bleed, and was getting the bum's rush out the door to clear a bed even when her brain injury had rendered her incapacitated.
Here is a link to that broadcast: http://www.kick.fm/2009/04/tragic-story-of-gail-glesby.html
In our exclusive follow-up interview with Gail's sister Heidi on Friday, she told the Kick-FM audience that the hospital had ignored Gail as she lay dying; refused to speak to her after she rushed to Gail's bedside, because they knew she was a nurse and had tough questions for the staff; and the HSC and WRHA had thwarted their right to closure by ignoring her survivors' concerns since the death.
Sun reporter Paul Turenne spoke to Gail's daughter Ashley for his Saturday story Hospital apology sought, Late mom ill-treated at HSC, woman says.
She repeated the ugly details including Gail being left to languish against a wall for hours strapped into a wheelchair , with the declaration, "She was treated awfully in that hospital ... Nobody should have to go through that".
Turenne contacted the WRHA offices for reaction, and was told "all the formal reviews were done at the time, but will be reviewed now to ensure nothing was missed. Because of that ongoing review, the spokeswoman said she could not provide information about what happened to Gail Glesby."
It would appear the formal reviews missed at least one not-so-minor thing - SPEAKING WITH THE FAMILY.
The family that insisted she was not faking but was truly deteriorating and required proper examination. That argued she was unfit to be discharged to their care, let alone to be shipped to a homeless shelter as threatened by nurses. That had to change her bedsheets and clear her breathing tube, as she lay in a coma slipping from life in the hospital.
Other questions now become obvious:
* Were the "formal reviews" shared with the Chief Medical Examiner -- or do officials mean HIS and other post-mortem reports, which specifically said Glesby's fall after being sent unattended to the bathroom was a likely source of the brain trauma that killed her ?
* Was Glesby's fall and/or death reported as a critical care incident?
* Did officials speak to the staffer who scratched out the discharge time and note on the chart, after Gail was found in the wheelchair at least 2 hours after staff told Ashley her mom had left the building?
TGCTS will have more on the Glesby case on Monday.
***************
This past week TGCTS also had the exclusive about a lawsuit filed against the Province of Manitoba, after the December seizure of a kennel of dogs called "labradoodles" from a local breeder.
Despite hysterical media and animal rights groups claims of a "puppy mill" abusing the animals, no charges were ever filed against the breeder, and his property was sold with no accounting or remission of the proceeds, to him.
The possibly illegal re-distribution of the animals almost ensnared US President Obama in the controversy, as a local official engaged in a cheap publicity stunt that a "rescued" labradoodle might join the Obama family in the White House after the inauguration.
Lawyer Gene Zazalenchuk filed the Statement of Claim on behalf of Heron Creek Outfitters Inc. for $100,000 for the value of the dogs plus other damages, asserting the warrantless seizure was baseless and done with excessive force, and that the sale of the dogs was conducted even after an objection was filed with the Minister as provided for in the Animal Care Act. The province has 20 days to file a response.
******************
The David Asper - Bomber stadium deal got a lot of strong reaction on local blogs, with particularly interesting commentary from Hacks and Wonks, Graham Hnatiuk, Policy Frog and, in an elaboration of his comments on our Thursday show about poor comprehension of the issues by young MSM reporters, Scott Taylor. All worthwhile reads.
***************
Our thanks to all the well-wishers who saw us Friday night at the Brewnos, and in particular to the band The Eardrums, for their dedication of a cover of the B-52's Rock Lobster to yours truly. We acquired a copy of their CD and will be using the tunage on the show this coming week.
And not only was it a rockin' good time with great friends like Kick-FM's The Beat and our Thursday producer Shannah-Lee Vidal, the flatbread pizza at the host venue Academy Bar and Grill was a taste sensation.
Also, we spent time visiting at the Zoo which was jam packed for a 3-tribute band playbill. The quartet Christ Punchers stole the show with their high energy Rage Against The Machine set. And we have arranged for free tickets to the big June 12/13th doubleheader, when punk legends DOA with Joe Keithley appear, so stay tuned to win, courtesy of Chuck and Dave Green and the Osborne Village Inn.
**********
Yesterday, the Editor of The Wrestling Observer, Dave Meltzer, made his first appearance on our show and shared in a rollicking preview of Wrestlemania 25 and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions that include Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ricky Steamboat and old=school AWA fan favorite Cowboy Bill Watts. On Monday after 5 PM, we will go into all the results and other news of the big weekend in Houston, with Frank the Italian Barber.
On Tuesday at 4.30 PM, Red River College prexy Dr. Jeff Zabudsky will explain the recommendations of the Vehicle Standards Advisory Board that he helped develop, and perhaps answer questions like:
- will service stations be allowed to charge for mandatory air compressors?
- are car pools going to be allowed to use Diamond Lanes?
- what is the projected cost of proposed new public and private sector "mandatory workplace transportation demand management" bureaucracies ?
- why should Manitobans upgrade their cheap winter beaters, when potholes are already wrecking front ends and have the potential to outright destroy the more expensive "fuel efficient" vehicles they may be forced to buy ?
And on Wednesday at 4.10 PM, the return of Kelly Dehn and CTV Crimewatch !
Your emails welcome talk@kick.fm.
We got the ball rolling with the background of the case on Thursday, when we reported exclusive details of our consulting doctors' review of the official file and coroners report, and narrative notes by Gail's daughter.
Ashley fought in vain with HSC staff for Gail to be treated with dignity and respect. Instead, Gail was accused of "faking" clear symptoms of a brain bleed, and was getting the bum's rush out the door to clear a bed even when her brain injury had rendered her incapacitated.
Here is a link to that broadcast: http://www.kick.fm/2009/04/tragic-story-of-gail-glesby.html
In our exclusive follow-up interview with Gail's sister Heidi on Friday, she told the Kick-FM audience that the hospital had ignored Gail as she lay dying; refused to speak to her after she rushed to Gail's bedside, because they knew she was a nurse and had tough questions for the staff; and the HSC and WRHA had thwarted their right to closure by ignoring her survivors' concerns since the death.
Sun reporter Paul Turenne spoke to Gail's daughter Ashley for his Saturday story Hospital apology sought, Late mom ill-treated at HSC, woman says.
She repeated the ugly details including Gail being left to languish against a wall for hours strapped into a wheelchair , with the declaration, "She was treated awfully in that hospital ... Nobody should have to go through that".
Turenne contacted the WRHA offices for reaction, and was told "all the formal reviews were done at the time, but will be reviewed now to ensure nothing was missed. Because of that ongoing review, the spokeswoman said she could not provide information about what happened to Gail Glesby."
It would appear the formal reviews missed at least one not-so-minor thing - SPEAKING WITH THE FAMILY.
The family that insisted she was not faking but was truly deteriorating and required proper examination. That argued she was unfit to be discharged to their care, let alone to be shipped to a homeless shelter as threatened by nurses. That had to change her bedsheets and clear her breathing tube, as she lay in a coma slipping from life in the hospital.
Other questions now become obvious:
* Were the "formal reviews" shared with the Chief Medical Examiner -- or do officials mean HIS and other post-mortem reports, which specifically said Glesby's fall after being sent unattended to the bathroom was a likely source of the brain trauma that killed her ?
* Was Glesby's fall and/or death reported as a critical care incident?
* Did officials speak to the staffer who scratched out the discharge time and note on the chart, after Gail was found in the wheelchair at least 2 hours after staff told Ashley her mom had left the building?
TGCTS will have more on the Glesby case on Monday.
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This past week TGCTS also had the exclusive about a lawsuit filed against the Province of Manitoba, after the December seizure of a kennel of dogs called "labradoodles" from a local breeder.
Despite hysterical media and animal rights groups claims of a "puppy mill" abusing the animals, no charges were ever filed against the breeder, and his property was sold with no accounting or remission of the proceeds, to him.
The possibly illegal re-distribution of the animals almost ensnared US President Obama in the controversy, as a local official engaged in a cheap publicity stunt that a "rescued" labradoodle might join the Obama family in the White House after the inauguration.
Lawyer Gene Zazalenchuk filed the Statement of Claim on behalf of Heron Creek Outfitters Inc. for $100,000 for the value of the dogs plus other damages, asserting the warrantless seizure was baseless and done with excessive force, and that the sale of the dogs was conducted even after an objection was filed with the Minister as provided for in the Animal Care Act. The province has 20 days to file a response.
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The David Asper - Bomber stadium deal got a lot of strong reaction on local blogs, with particularly interesting commentary from Hacks and Wonks, Graham Hnatiuk, Policy Frog and, in an elaboration of his comments on our Thursday show about poor comprehension of the issues by young MSM reporters, Scott Taylor. All worthwhile reads.
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Our thanks to all the well-wishers who saw us Friday night at the Brewnos, and in particular to the band The Eardrums, for their dedication of a cover of the B-52's Rock Lobster to yours truly. We acquired a copy of their CD and will be using the tunage on the show this coming week.
And not only was it a rockin' good time with great friends like Kick-FM's The Beat and our Thursday producer Shannah-Lee Vidal, the flatbread pizza at the host venue Academy Bar and Grill was a taste sensation.
Also, we spent time visiting at the Zoo which was jam packed for a 3-tribute band playbill. The quartet Christ Punchers stole the show with their high energy Rage Against The Machine set. And we have arranged for free tickets to the big June 12/13th doubleheader, when punk legends DOA with Joe Keithley appear, so stay tuned to win, courtesy of Chuck and Dave Green and the Osborne Village Inn.
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Yesterday, the Editor of The Wrestling Observer, Dave Meltzer, made his first appearance on our show and shared in a rollicking preview of Wrestlemania 25 and the WWE Hall of Fame inductions that include Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ricky Steamboat and old=school AWA fan favorite Cowboy Bill Watts. On Monday after 5 PM, we will go into all the results and other news of the big weekend in Houston, with Frank the Italian Barber.
On Tuesday at 4.30 PM, Red River College prexy Dr. Jeff Zabudsky will explain the recommendations of the Vehicle Standards Advisory Board that he helped develop, and perhaps answer questions like:
- will service stations be allowed to charge for mandatory air compressors?
- are car pools going to be allowed to use Diamond Lanes?
- what is the projected cost of proposed new public and private sector "mandatory workplace transportation demand management" bureaucracies ?
- why should Manitobans upgrade their cheap winter beaters, when potholes are already wrecking front ends and have the potential to outright destroy the more expensive "fuel efficient" vehicles they may be forced to buy ?
And on Wednesday at 4.10 PM, the return of Kelly Dehn and CTV Crimewatch !
Your emails welcome talk@kick.fm.
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