Latest news with #Folklorama
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
City news in brief — week of June 4, 2025
Winnipeg Osborne Village Ukrainian Village Festival coming to The Forks June 13 to 15 Winnipeg The Manitoba Ukrainian Village Festival is a new, three-day event intended to bring the spirit of Ukraine to The Forks from June 13 to 15. File photo by Simon Fuller Dancers perform at Folklorama's Pavillon canadien-français in this 2023 file photo. Tickets for this year's Folklorama are now on sale. Organizers say the festival will showcase 'everything from intricate embroidery and traditional clothing to high-energy dance performances. It promises to be a joyful and colorful experience filled with the warmth and charm of Ukrainian culture.' Guests will enjoy authentic Ukrainian cuisine, live music and performances, interactive workshops, a fair with artisanal goods, and more. Visit for more information. Village Music Fest to celebrate music, diversity June 27, 28 Osborne Village The Village Music Fest, presented by Osborne Village BIZ and produced in collaboration with Real Love and The Village Idiots, is a new festival which aims to showcase multiculturalism and local music. Programming will run from 8:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, June 27 and from 1 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, June 28. Venues include The Osborne Taphouse, The Toad in the Hole, Must Be The Place, ANAF 60, Small Mercies, and The Bell Tower. Artists performing include: Kelly Bado, The 12/21, Amarula, Wlf Grl, Kimmortal, Jérémie and the Delicious Hounds, NO FUSS, Cartel Madras, Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Hayden Mekai, The Kaptain, Steppe Kolektyv, Gabriela Ocejo, SCENEREO (live painting/movement performance), The Rangers, Karina Joy and The Cosmos, Guilty Sleep, Hera, Fontine, The O.B., Tinge, Live Band Karaoke, Funky Miracles (featuring Gabriela Ocejo & Fontine), French Class, Dr. Henry Band, and Son D'Arranke. Additionally, interactive art exhibits will be in place throughout Osborne Village. The festival has received funding from the Government of Canada, Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), and the Osborne Village BIZ. For more information, visit Folklorama 2025 tickets now on sale The countdown to this year's Folklorama continues. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. The organization has launched ticket sales for the 54th edition of the event, which will run from Aug. 3 to 16. Single tickets, multi-packs, and VIP Tour tickets are now available for purchase and organizers say this year's festival includes three new tour options — a VIP beer tour, a VIP wine tour, and a VIP zero-proof (non-alcoholic) tour. Folklorama will host its free, signature kickoff event on July 26 at Assiniboine Park's Lyric Theatre from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit for more information and to order tickets. — Staff
Winnipeg Free Press
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
A craftsman of landmarks and life
Chances are anyone familiar with Winnipeg will have seen some of the creative works of Hubert Kondziela. Unlike gallery pieces, where each one features the signature of the artist, Kondziela's craftsmanship doesn't come with a label, but they remain part of his legacy and the historical beauty of this city. From giant artifacts and cultural landmarks — including a seven-metre windmill for a local garden centre that still stands, complete with revolving sails — to significant repairs to the exterior and interior of the Witch's Hut in Kildonan Park, Kondziela's contributions to the esthetics of Winnipeg will live on. Supplied Hubert Kondziela 'never really stopped' working, says daughter Monique. Here, he gives a tuneup to the windmill at Arbo Flora on St. Anne's Road. Meticulously sanding, fixing and painting the gingerbread motifs on the exterior walls of that iconic park piece, the craftsman also designed and built several structures for Folklorama, including a large portable stage. For the Christmas Market, he created a gingerbread hut and two nutcrackers measuring eight feet high. The carpenter was in high demand well into his senior years, building apartment blocks, custom-designing homes and furniture and renovating and remodelling several homes and businesses, including an extension on the illustrious Red Top restaurant. 'He never really stopped,' said his daughter Monique Kondziela. 'In his 80s, he was repairing the roof of the house. Customers never really stopped calling. He did a job and it lasted a long time.' A member of the German-Canadian Congress, the German Society of Winnipeg and the German choir, Kondziela promoted and encouraged the German culture in Winnipeg with passion. To help children learn the story of St. Nicholas, he loved visiting classrooms in character and never hesitated to jump at opportunities to bring cultural stories to life. Fiercely dedicated to his family, his community and his home — both in Germany, where he was born and raised, and in Canada, his adopted country — Kondziela took great pride in all of it. Supplied Hubert and Aurise Kondziela were married in 1956. He died at age 93 on April 1, 2024. Kondziela enjoyed a happy childhood in his birthplace of Silesia, Germany, before his family was forced to leave home during the Second World War. When Kondziela arrived in Canada, he was a certified journeyman specializing in carpentry. In his early 20s, he was ready to give his all to his new home. He met Aurise Smith, a small-town girl from Ste. Anne, and in 1956 the couple began what would evolve into a happy 67-year marriage, welcoming a daughter and a son, sharing values and the love of travel, dance, music and home. 'They were very different, but they still complemented each other,' said his daughter Monique. 'Through their faith they met at St. Mary's Cathedral, downtown. Dad being very proud of his family and accomplishments, he was extremely proud of my mother, his home, his family — they fit each other. My dad was very protective of her, always attuned to where she was and what she was doing. He was like that until the very end,' she said, adding that their closeness led to a happy childhood, for which she will always be grateful. Supplied Kondziela did nothing in half measures, including his fandom for the Blue Bombers. In 1960 the couple moved into their St. Vital home, which would become the heart of their family for decades ahead. 'He was attached to and protective of his home. He was extremely proud of his house — he put a lot of love into it. He lost his home during the Second World War and he never wanted to lose another home. When you lose everything in war it really does something to your psyche.' The childhood memories never left him and neither did his interest in planes, trains and automobiles, for which he had a lifelong fascination. 'He was a real connoisseur of World War II,' said his daughter. 'To the end of his days, whenever there was a plane going by, he'd watch it going right across the sky.' In 1994, the family did a road trip through Germany on what's called the Romantic Road, winding through enchanting gingerbread towns, a meaningful homecoming for Kondziela. Supplied Hubert Kondziela 'never really stopped' working, says daughter Monique Kondziela. Here, he gives a tuneup to the windmill at Arbo Flora on St. Anne's Road. 'We visited the home where my dad grew up, which is now a part of Poland. The current owners of the house let us in. My dad looked at every inch. I was absolutely thrilled for him, to watch his excitement. He was literally crawling everywhere,' Monique said, adding that her father returned to Germany on his own three or four more times. 'When you leave a country and settle in another, I don't think you really lose your roots and love for that country. I found that with my father his love for Germany grew.' Kondziela similarly put all he had, his love, into his Canadian home, with its additions and renovations, and the vegetable and flower gardens. A man of dreams, imagination and determination, he brought charm to all of his projects. 'He was an avid gardener,' said Monique. 'I can still taste the tomatoes and yellow beans. He couldn't wait to get into the garden. It was his happy place. There were bushes of peonies all along the backyard — he would often cut roses and peonies and bring them in for my mom.' When he wasn't building or planting, he was determined to celebrate life and special occasions as much as he could while making people laugh. Supplied The Kondzielas — Paul (from left), Monique, Aurise and Hubert travelled Germany's Romantic Road in 1994, including a stop in at the home where Hubert grew up. 'He was a real ham,' said Monique. 'He often couldn't keep a straight face. He'd crack up laughing at his own jokes. 'Our family had a lifetime of surprise birthdays and anniversaries. He celebrated with great fanfare. He enjoyed putting on a show. The world was a stage. That was a big part of who he was.' When the Grey Cup last came to Winnipeg, the longtime football fan found a way to get to hold the cup that nobody else was allowed to touch. 'They had an evening event. Somehow he said that he was 100 years old,' explained Monique. 'The CFL commissioner heard this, grabbed the Grey Cup and put it in his lap. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'That cup now has his name engraved on the fan base. Dad got the idea that the VIP event was to celebrate his 100th birthday. When asked on the way home what he thought of the event, he replied, 'There should have been more publicity.'' Supplied For his 90th birthday, friends sent Hubert Kondziela a personalized Winnipeg Blue Bombers jersey. Kondziela's legacy also includes quietly helping other newcomers begin life in Canada. At his funeral, a gentleman approached Monique to share how much he appreciated the opportunity given to him by her father. 'He said to me, 'Your dad hired me when nobody was hiring people of my background. I worked with him and learned his trade. I would not be where I am today without your dad.' 'Dad helped many people get a start in life. That was also part of wanting to leave his mark.' city@ Supplied Few can touch the Grey Cup, but Kondziela figured a way to make it happen for himself.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
City news in brief — week of May 7, 2025
Winnipeg Seasonal bike routes in effect as of May 1 Winnipeg As of May 1, reduced speed limits will be in place on annual seasonal bike routes throughout the city. Free Press file photo by Mike Deal The city's seasonal bike routes, including Churchill Drive between Hay Street and Jubilee Avenue, are in effect as of May 1. The routes are: Lyndale Drive – Cromwell Street to Gauvin Street (30 km/h); Wellington Crescent – Academy Road to Academy Road/Maryland Street (30 km/h); Churchill Drive between Hay Street and Jubilee Avenue (30 km/h); and Kilkenny Drive between Burgess Avenue and Kings Drive/Kings Drive between Kilkenny Drive and Patricia Avenue (40 km/h). The speed reduction will be in place from the time signs are installed through late October. Turn requirements at select intersections throughout each route will be added following the City's spring cleanup operations and will be in place weekends in May, June, September and October, and 24/7 through July and August. For more information about seasonal bike routes, see: Schedule for new transit network now online According to a recent City of Winnipeg release, residents can now preview schedules and plan trips for the Primary Transit Network and its feeder routes. 'Making such comprehensive changes to an entire public transit system for a city the size of Winnipeg is a monumental task, but I'm pleased to see that the City of Winnipeg has done it,' Glen Simard, Manitoba Minister for Municipal and Northern Relations, said in the release. 'I congratulate the mayor and council for their initiative to improve transit services, update schedules and routes and make public transit in Manitoba's largest city more accessible and user-friendly.' The launch of Winnipeg's new transit network will take place on June 29. The changes to the transit routes are touted as the largest schedule and route changes in the city's history. For more information, or to check out new routes and schedules, visit or the Winnipeg Transit app. Folklorama 2025 lineup announced The countdown to this year's Folklorama festival is on. With less than 100 days to go, folks can start planning their pavilion visits, as the lineup for the annual cultural extravaganza has been announced. This year's Folklorama will run from Sunday, Aug. 3 to Saturday, Aug. 16, and will feature 44 pavilions, including two brand-new ones, organizers say. Week 1 pavilions (Aug. 3 to 9) include: Africa; Argentina 'Tango'; Brazilian; British Isles; Caribbean; Celtic Ireland; Chile Lindo; Chinese; Egyptian; Ethiopian; Hungary-Pannonia; Italian; Korean; Mabuhay Philippines (new); Métis; Pabellon de España–Spain; Pavilion of Portugal; Punjab; Slovenija; Spirit of Ukraine; and Tamil. Week 2 pavilions (Aug. 10 to 16) include: Africa/Caribbean; Belgian; Budapest-Hungaria; Casa do Minho Portuguese; Croatian; Cuban; First Nations; German; Ghana; Greek; India; Irish; Israel pavilion–Shalom Square; Japanese; Modern Chinese (new); Pavilion of Scotland; Pavillon canadien-français; Pearl of the Orient Philippine; Polish; Romanian; Scandinavian; South Sudanese; and Ukraine Kyiv. Single admission tickets for all Folklorama pavilions and VIP tours will go on sale on Wednesday, May 28. More details about the pavilions will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit for more information.
Winnipeg Free Press
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Popular councillor passionate about people, performing away from city hall
Coun. Jason Schreyer was a man of many songs, with a great desire to sing them. On Wednesday, several political colleagues remembered the late Elmwood-East Kildonan councillor's eagerness to grab a microphone and belt out a tune, sometimes in more than one language. 'He was such a great dancer, great singer and such a great spirit. I was blown away at the talent he had,' said Coun. Vivian Santos. IAN MCCAUSLAND PHOTO Councillors Jason Schreyer and Ross Eadie ride a tandem bike together. IAN MCCAUSLAND PHOTO Councillors Jason Schreyer and Ross Eadie ride a tandem bike together. Santos (Point Douglas) fondly recalled performing in a karaoke trio with Schreyer and Coun. Ross Eadie at a Federation of Canadian Municipalities event, where the group took the stage as 'Sister Santos and the Councillor Brothers.' Schreyer regularly impressed council members through such performances, sometimes even singing the opening prayer at city council meetings, she noted. In a written statement, Coun. Russ Wyatt said he sang with Schreyer at a downtown nightclub about three weeks ago. 'Jason always… made (Eadie) and I look like the amateur singers we are. But Jason would never let us think it,' said Wyatt (Transcona). Schreyer was a 'very humble' person who repeatedly also used his voice to raise concerns about the rising cost of construction and how it strained the city's budget, refusing to be silenced when others suggested he might be off topic, said Wyatt. 'I'm really going to miss him. He was a fantastic work colleague but more importantly he was my friend, a lifelong friend,' said Wyatt, who declined an interview request. Eadie (Mynarski) briefly described Schreyer as his 'best friend' Wednesday, telling reporters the loss 'deeply hurts,' before his voice trailed off. He declined further comment. 'I'm really going to miss him. He was a fantastic work colleague but more importantly he was my friend, a lifelong friend.'–Russ Wyatt Coun. Janice Lukes said Schreyer once impressed her with his dancing ability at Folklorama's Indian pavilion. 'He was part of the show, and he was dancing Bhangra better than the women. It was crazy. And he sings and knew multiple languages. It was an incredible experience working with him,' said Lukes (Waverley West.) Mayor Scott Gillingham also highlighted Schreyer's ability to perform. 'Outside of city hall, he was fun, a lot of fun, creative…. He was often the first one to grab a mic at karaoke and sing. And he could sing. He had a great voice,' said Gillingham, noting Schreyer regularly sang at Folklorama and other events. SUPPLIED Councillors Ross Eadie, Russ Wyatt and Jason Schreyer. SUPPLIED Councillors Ross Eadie, Russ Wyatt and Jason Schreyer. Gillingham said the councillor was a passionate advocate for ensuring Winnipeggers could afford city services and had hoped to improve food distribution to people who couldn't afford groceries. Steve Ashton, a former Thompson MLA and longtime NDP cabinet minister, said he knew Schreyer before hiring him as his ministerial assistant. He remembered an NDP convention in 1987 when he and Schreyer were finalists in a 'twist' dance competition. Schreyer had a love for music, life and people, Ashton said. 'He always had that sense of politics and public service,' he said. 'What was very noticeable that time in our work relationship is just how good he was in connecting with people. When he decided to run for city council, I had a chance to volunteer with him, and our family did. It just struck me that this was, you know, Jason's true calling…. He could be standing up in city council, during the day, being a strong voice for his area. Later on, you might catch him at a cultural event — the first one at the mic, connecting with people,' said Ashton. Several elected officials said they were shocked and saddened by the death. 'Of course, we're devastated…. He brought an excitement to council. He was very motivated just thinking of construction inflation, which he pretty well brought up every council meeting. It's going to be missed,' said Coun. Shawn Dobson (St. James). St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes remembered Schreyer as a one-of-a-kind man, describing his passing as a 'nasty shock.' 'Of course, we're devastated…. He brought an excitement to council.'–Shawn Dobson 'He had brilliant thoughts on energy issues. I think (he) educated a lot of people around here,' said Mayes. Schreyer spoke multiple languages, was fluent in French and voted to help ensure access to city services is provided in Canada's other official language throughout Winnipeg, said Coun. Matt Allard. 'I think we're all still in shock,' said Allard (St. Boniface) 'He seemed perfectly healthy and now he's gone.' Schreyer was 'really passionate' about the community, said Coun. Cindy Gilroy. 'He was always very happy and very cheerful. He always wanted to understand the issues, ask a lot of really great questions,' said Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre). During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. In a statement, Coun. Devi Sharma remembered Schreyer as a 'kind and compassionate soul' who was dedicated to representing residents of his ward. 'He knew how to bring joy to his interactions with colleagues and (the) public. He will be missed by all of us,' said Sharma (Old Kildonan). Coun. Markus Chambers agreed. 'He was definitely a light that brought us all together as council,' said Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River). — With files from Carol Sanders and Nicole Buffie X: @joyanne_pursaga Joyanne PursagaReporter Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne. Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBC
30-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Winnipeg Coun. Jason Schreyer dead at 57
Council adjourns monthly meeting following passing of Elmwood-East Kildonan councillor City council is mourning the loss of Coun. Jason Schreyer, 57, who represented the Winnipeg ward of Elmwood-East Kildonan. Council announced the councillor's death in a statement Wednesday morning, calling him a "strong and independent voice in the council chamber" who was "always focused on fighting for the residents of his community and keeping life affordable." The son of former Manitoba premier and governor general of Canada Ed Schreyer and Lily Schreyer, Jason Schreyer was first elected to city council in the 2014 general election, when he defeated one-term councillor Thomas Steen, a former Winnipeg Jet. Schreyer won 55 per cent of the vote in that election. He secured 55 per cent support when he won a second term in 2018 and then 62 per cent when he won a third term in 2022. On the floor of council, he raised concerns about a wide array of municipal issues, including food security, community safety and construction inflation. When it was his turn to recite a prayer at the start of city council meetings, Schreyer occasionally sang songs instead. At city hall, a monthly council meeting slated for Wednesday was adjourned due to his death and flags will be lowered to half-mast. Several councillors hugged each other. Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie called Schreyer his best friend. North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty cried. Councillors then gathered in Mayor Scott Gillingham's office, where they told stories, laughed and cried, the mayor said in an address to reporters shortly before noon. Gillingham said all of council was shocked by the death of their colleague. The mayor offered condolences to Schreyer's family, noting the Schreyers are dedicated to public service. Schreyer worked for NDP MLAs Steve Ashton and Jim Maloway before his election to city council. Schreyer retained his affiliation with the NDP and Winnipeg's labour movement throughout his time on council and often voted alongside other left-of-centre elected officials. Schreyer attended outgoing Elmwood-Transcona NDP MP Leila Dance's gathering on election night, when she was defeated by Conservative MP-elect Colin Reynolds. In its statement, city council also praised Schreyer's "joy and creativity" outside of politics. "He had a love of music, often being the first to grab the mic at karaoke, delighting colleagues with performances at national conferences [and] sharing his talents in multiple languages at Folklorama," council said. "He was fun," Gillingham said. "He was a very talented individual so he is absolutely going to be deeply missed." The mayor said the city will commemorate Schreyer, possibly in a manner that honours the late councillor's interest in food security. The mayor's office will help Schreyer's executive assistant, Chris Hurley, manage the additional workload in the coming weeks and months, Gillingham said. The mayor said he will leave any discussions about an Elmwood-East Kildonan byelection until the future. Corrections:
