It’s official: The times won’t change so much after all.

On Wednesday, council reaffirmed a lower committee’s decision to declare the Fortune Block — which houses the iconic Times Change(d) bar — MacDonald Block and Winnipeg Hotel as historic buildings, which protects them from demolition.

The final decision effectively kills a private proposal to buy all three buildings, tear them down and replace them with a $35-million hotel project.

A local businessman has also proposed an alternative plan to buy two of the buildings, but not the Winnipeg Hotel, and renovate them to their former glory.

Property owners had fought to allow the hotel deal, arguing the buildings had deteriorated beyond repair, which triggered the need for council to make the final decision.

CN payment sets ‘precedent’

Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) noted a settlement related to the Plessis Road Underpass project requires the city to reimburse CN Rail, in the event rail lines are relocated and no crossing is in service at either Pembina Highway or Plessis Road. For Pembina Highway, the proposed city funds would be $280,000 per year of closure until 2035, while at Plessis the city’s cost would be $375,000 per year under the same circumstances.

But Finance Chair Coun. Marty Morantz said the proposal, which passed, actually offers a great deal for taxpayers.

Expropriation OK'ed



Council has approved two controversial expropriations for its Southwest Rapid Transit extension and Parker retention pond, despite a scathing inquiry report on each of the processes.

In fact, the inquiry officer argued the Parker retention pond should be denied, alleging a top city official lied to the developer who owns the 20.5 acres of land the city wants.

Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) raised a motion to refer the pond matter back to committee, and secure cost estimates on pond alternatives. That amendment was defeated.

Parmalat gets overrun



Council has approved a $200,000 cost overrun to service a new milk-processing plant.

The new cash will allow the city to pay $150,000 more for a natural gas line that’s set to cost more than expected. The rest will cover electrical upgrades for the site.

Parmalat is now under construction at 15 acres of land south of St. Boniface Industrial Park and expected to begin production in January 2017.

Small snow contractor app

A councillor’s push to test an Uber-style model to enhance snow-clearing service will head for council consideration.

Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) believes a new app and pilot project catered to the city’s needs could allow smaller contractors to help clear residential streets and sidewalks at the city’s request.

Wyatt hopes a pilot project could run in one Winnipeg neighbourhood next winter. If it proves effective, he hopes to see expansion into additional areas.

On Wednesday, the motion was automatically referred to the city’s public works committee.