Latest news with #CityOfWinnipeg
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Winnipeg's ground squirrels get new lease on life: Sulfur gas ruled out as control measure
The City of Winnipeg has lost its bid to use a controversial pesticide to kill burrowing ground squirrels that staff say have created a hazard on a number of athletic fields. The provincial government rejected the city's application for a permit to use a sulfur gas product called "The Giant Destroyer" to kill the rodents. Their burrows create holes in the ground that can injure people and pets. "I write to encourage the City of Winnipeg to explore alternative options that prioritize the safety and well-being of Manitobans," Mike Moyes, provincial environment and climate change minister, wrote in a letter to the city on Thursday. "I recognize the challenge involved in balancing the safety of park visitors, environmental protection and public access … I hope the city will take the necessary steps to find a resolution that ensures our parks remain both accessible and safe for all this summer." Left unchecked, the burrows created by the squirrels are a danger to people and animals. The city initially planned to start using Giant Destroyer at eight parks and community centre fields on May 20, but the program was delayed while awaiting a provincial permit. In a statement on Friday, the city said the province had denied its application after hearing from "a high volume" of people who were concerned with the pesticide strategy. The province said it also thought the city hadn't given adequately considered "alternative methods" for managing the squirrels. A city spokesperson expressed disappointment in the decision. "We do not have any other feasible options," read an email to CBC News. "As also mentioned, the public safety risk of deep, exposed holes in parks and playing fields is already significant and will only grow without control." The Winnipeg Humane Society opposed the use of sulfur gas over concern the squirrels would die slowly. "What we understand is that this type of sulfur bomb does not necessarily result in instantaneous death for the animal, so that could mean suffering as they die a slow and painful death for anywhere up to an hour. And obviously that's not anything that anyone wants to see," Krista Boryskavich, an animal advocacy lawyer with the society, told CBC News on Saturday. "We've been working really hard to try and get a different approach to managing ground squirrels that is more humane and ethical, and that doesn't result in prolonged distress and suffering for animals, so this decision is certainly a win in that regard." The city had planned to fill the holes with sand after the animals were killed to prevent any animals including dogs or coyotes from eating an affected rodent that had escaped a hole before it died. The city's statement on Friday did not detail its next steps.
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Winnipeg's ground squirrels get new lease on life: Sulfur gas ruled out as control measure
Social Sharing The City of Winnipeg has lost its bid to use a controversial pesticide to kill burrowing ground squirrels that staff say have created a hazard on a number of athletic fields. The provincial government rejected the city's application for a permit to use a sulfur gas product called "The Giant Destroyer" to kill the rodents. Their burrows create holes in the ground that can injure people and pets. "I write to encourage the City of Winnipeg to explore alternative options that prioritize the safety and well-being of Manitobans," Mike Moyes, provincial environment and climate change minister, wrote in a letter to the city on Thursday. "I recognize the challenge involved in balancing the safety of park visitors, environmental protection and public access … I hope the city will take the necessary steps to find a resolution that ensures our parks remain both accessible and safe for all this summer." Left unchecked, the burrows created by the squirrels are a danger to people and animals. The city initially planned to start using Giant Destroyer at eight parks and community centre fields on May 20, but the program was delayed while awaiting a provincial permit. In a statement on Friday, the city said the province had denied its application after hearing from "a high volume" of people who were concerned with the pesticide strategy. The province said it also thought the city hadn't given adequately considered "alternative methods" for managing the squirrels. A city spokesperson expressed disappointment in the decision. "We do not have any other feasible options," read an email to CBC News. "As also mentioned, the public safety risk of deep, exposed holes in parks and playing fields is already significant and will only grow without control." Sulphur gas to be used for ground squirrel control 1 month ago Duration 2:06 The Winnipeg Humane Society opposed the use of sulfur gas over concern the squirrels would die slowly. "What we understand is that this type of sulfur bomb does not necessarily result in instantaneous death for the animal, so that could mean suffering as they die a slow and painful death for anywhere up to an hour. And obviously that's not anything that anyone wants to see," Krista Boryskavich, an animal advocacy lawyer with the society, told CBC News on Saturday. "We've been working really hard to try and get a different approach to managing ground squirrels that is more humane and ethical, and that doesn't result in prolonged distress and suffering for animals, so this decision is certainly a win in that regard." The city had planned to fill the holes with sand after the animals were killed to prevent any animals including dogs or coyotes from eating an affected rodent that had escaped a hole before it died. The city's statement on Friday did not detail its next steps.
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Louise Bridge closure extended until end of July
A Winnipeg bridge will now remain closed to motorists until the end of July. The Louise Bridge, which connects Point Douglas to Elmwood, was closed on May 23 for its annual inspection and maintenance. CTV News previously reported it was supposed to reopen on Sunday. However, according to a Friday news release, the city said corrosion discovered during the inspection must be fixed before the bridge can reopen. The city anticipates that work won't be completed until late July. The Louise Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists while repairs are being done; however, the city notes access could be blocked off from time to time to allow work to proceed. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes like the Disraeli Bridge or Provencher Bridge over the next two months and allow for additional time.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Closure of Louise Bridge extended
A Winnipeg bridge will remain closed longer than originally planned, according to the city. The Louise Bridge shut down on Friday and was expected to open yesterday. However, the bridge is still closed, and information on the city's website notes it will stay closed until June 1. A spokesperson for the city said during a bridge inspection crews found 'some accelerated corrosion.' 'We are inspecting additional locations this week and developing a plan to repair the affected areas. Repairs to signals at the south end of the bridge are also underway and will be completed this week during the bridge closure,' they said. The closure impacts both directions of the bridge as well as the west and east side sidewalks.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Winnipeg drivers facing frustration as construction season gets underway
CTV's Jeff Keele has the latest on Winnipeg's construction season and what drivers can expect on the road. June is still a few days away, but barricades and frustrated drivers are already lining Winnipeg streets with road construction season well underway. The City of Winnipeg says the repairs are necessary and crews need to get as much done as possible while the weather is good. 'We have a short window in our climate to get at it and to get it done and so we're trying to get going as early as we can,' said Michelle Stainton, a project management engineer with the city. In the 2025 budget, the city earmarked $169 million for roads. The plan is to do around 150 lane kilometres -- sixty of those are regional and major streets, the rest are local. The city says the work needs to be done to keep up with repairs and maintain roads. 'We're trying to get into a lot of places, so it is a lot more than if we throw all our money at reconstruction and we would never catch up and it would cost a whole lot more,' Stainton said. However, many drivers don't want to hear it, saying they are dealing with brutal conditions and long travel times. The city says it knows navigating through the lane closures is frustrating, but it reminds drivers to keep their cool and remember the people on the roadside 'This is their workplace and the people who are actually out there working are not the decision makers that got you into the place that you are,' Stainton said. The city says it notifies businesses about upcoming construction and attempts to work with them on the timing of the projects. As for commuters, it recommends planning trips using maps and apps to help you avoid the bottlenecks.
