City Councillor Scott Gillingham

PEOPLE SLEEPING IN TRANSIT SHELTERS: As many of you have seen, some Wpg transit shelters in St. James are being used by people as warm places to sleep. We are actively trying to help these individuals. I have spoken to two of the men a couple of times in an effort to understand their needs.... Over the last several days I have been working with City staff and the Main Street Project to get them the supports they need. The goal is to get them into housing, provide them with the other services they require and make the bus shelter fully available to transit users again as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. If you have questions please feel free to contact my office: 204-986-5848, [email protected]

The Economic Support Grant Program was part of the City’s 2021 budget. I voted in favour of the 2021 budget and offering relief for Winnipeg businesses. For Immediate Release Monday, December 21, 2020... City launches Winnipeg COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program Program offers one-time $1,500 grant to qualified businesses and organizations Winnipeg, MB The City of Winnipeg has launched the Winnipeg COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program in order to assist Winnipeg small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have been forced to prohibit access to their premises due to COVID-19 public health restrictions effective November 12, 2020 or thereafter. The City will be distributing a total of $3 million to eligible local businesses and organizations with funding provided by the federal Safe Restart Agreement. Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations can now apply online for a non-repayable grant of $1,500. The grant can be used for rent, utilities, wages, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizing equipment, or other business expenses incurred. So many of Winnipeg’s small businesses and not-for-profit organizations have faced immense operational challenges during the pandemic, said Mayor Brian Bowman. We have been fortunate that a portion of them have found ways to continue to provide their valued services, while that hasn’t been an option for others. We hope this grant will provide some relief as businesses continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and we work toward an economic recovery. The jobs, services, and opportunities provided by small business and not-for-profits are essential to the success of our economy, said Councillor Scott Gillingham, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. I am pleased that through the federal Safe Restart Program, we will be able to provide up to $3 million in assistance to a very important and challenged sector of our economy. We encourage all businesses and organizations affected by the current public health restrictions to apply for support through the Winnipeg COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program. Grant applications are now being accepted and must be submitted online, with eligibility requirements and the online submission form available at winnipeg.ca/covid-19economicsupportgrant. Eligible applications will be prioritized on a first come, first serve basis until the $3 million funding is fully expended. Program application deadline for the first intake is February 28, 2021. If funds remain, a second intake of applications will be accepted with application deadline of April 30, 2021.

Does your group have an idea to help the residents of St. James deal with the pandemic through the long winter? The Winnipeg Wellness Fund provides grants to help turn those ideas into reality. As City Councillor for St. James I look forward to hearing your ideas. ... Please read the City of Winnipeg press release below. The Winnipeg Wellness Fund Now Open for Applications December 21, 2020 Winnipeg, MB Today, the Winnipeg Wellness Fund application process has begun with the launch of an online application on the City’s website. The fund will support community initiatives to help reduce the physical, mental, and emotional distress caused by the pandemic. COVID-19 restrictions have sadly changed how we are able to spend time with our family and friends and take part in community events. We can all use a bit more happiness this winter, said Councillor John Orlikow, Deputy Mayor. Businesses, business organizations, schools, community centres, and not-for-profit community entities, groups, or associations are encouraged to apply. The Fund will support community led initiatives that address community mental health and allow residents to participate in fun, safe activities during the winter months. Information about the program and the online application form can be found at the following link: https://winnipeg.ca/clerks/council/wellness-grant.stm Have an idea that will put a smile on your neighbours’ faces this winter and financial support would be appreciated? This fund is for you, Councillor Orlikow said. The $600,000 Winnipeg Wellness Fund will provide up to $40,000 per ward and grants will be approved for successful applications by the area Councillor in which the application is received. Confirmation of successful applications and the awarded grant amount will be sent to applicants by the City of Winnipeg. Funds are being provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Strict compliance with provincial public health orders will be required for all successful applications. If funding is awarded for an activity that becomes restricted due to new provincial public health orders, the group will be given an opportunity to adjust in order to comply. All successful applicants will be expected to report back to the City within 60 days of the funding being expended with a statement outlining the use of the funds. The deadline for applications will be February 28, 2021 and all expenses must be incurred on or before April 30, 2021.

This is very sad news. I met Doug Jones, a Korean War Vet, in 2016. He once described to me his harrowing experience in the Battle of Kapyong. Kapyong Park on the corner of Ness & Amherst was designed to tell the story of Doug and his 2PPCLI colleagues’ bravery in that battle. I’m glad Doug got to see it. https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com//i/JONES_%20DOUGLAS

It was my privilege to recognize WWII veteran and longtime St. James resident Flight Sergeant (ret) Herb Chanin. Fidler Ave is now Honourary Herb Chanin Way