WINNIPEG - June 24, 2011 - Join Winnipeg Public Library in the launch of The Past is Another Country, a one-of-a-kind book featuring writing from 12 New Canadians from China, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Korea, Macedonia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Poland, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.  The launch will feature a celebration of all who were involved in the project with selected readings from the contributors.

All contributing writers were participants of the Finding Your Voice writing program for new Canadians offered by the Millennium Library.  The contributing authors share the experience of being a newcomer in a new city and a desire to share stories that matter to them. The book also features an impressive section of EAL (English as an Additional Language) questions and activities, making the book a unique and valuable resource in more ways than one.

The Past is Another Country will be available at Monday's launch, with donations accepted towards reprints and future editions. The book is available to newcomer organizations and English learning programs at no cost; contact Winnipeg Public Library at 204-986-6462 for details.

Copies of The Past is Another Country are also available for borrowing from the Library. Check the online catalogue for availability at Winnipeg.ca/library. An eBook version will be available soon on the Library's website for free downloading.

WINNIPEG - June 24, 2011 - Munroe Library, in partnership with Frontier College, is hosting a new summer camp for children and teens. Campers will enjoy the love of reading and books through crafts, songs, special guests, theatre play and games. All activities are fun, interactive and enhance summer learning.

The number of empty, boarded up and extremely run-down buildings in the City has decreased by 17 per cent in less than a year thanks to the new Vacant Buildings By-law passed by City Council in July, 2010.

This substantial decrease also comes as a result of the success of the nine-point Vacant and Derelict Buildings Strategy, a collaborative effort by the Community Services and Planning, Property and Development Departments, which is based on the following principles:

• more assertive action on boarded buildings
• direct remediation actions
• enhanced routine inspections of vacant residential buildings
• no-occupancy orders and occupancy certificates for residential buildings
• new and increased fees based on cost recovery and that owners who comply with property standards should not subsidize those who do not
• shortened ‘Taking Title Without Compensation’ process
• more consistent and aggressive approach to Vacant and Derelict Building By-law prosecutions
• continued community consultation
• performance measurement plan

“This is a step Winnipeg is taking to improve neighbourhoods in our communities,” said City Councillor Gord Steeves, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services.  “By decreasing the number of derelict buildings, we are making Winnipeg a healthier, safer and more appealing place for all citizens.”

The Vacant Building Program targets buildings that are dilapidated, dangerous, improperly secured, subject to public complaints, and that have been vacant for extended periods of time.

“We are encouraged by the significant reduction in dilapidated vacant buildings from 577 to 480 within the city, through enhanced property maintenance standards in our communities,” said Peter de Graaf, Manager of Community By-law Enforcement Services, Community Services Department. 

The Community By-law Enforcement Services Division is responsible for property standard inspections including yards, dwelling exteriors, and dwelling interiors (i.e., garbage, vegetation control, lack of repair, derelict vehicles, insects, etc.) as outlined by the Vacant Buildings By-law and the Neighbourhood Livability By-law.

“In conjunction with  the Vacant Buildings by-law, the Taking Title to Vacant and Derelict Building By-law is making a big dent in the overall number of problem buildings in Winnipeg,” said Garry Solkoski, Manager of Development and Inspections, Planning, Property and Development Department.

Please see below for a before and after photo of the property at 1048 Redwood Avenue which illustrates the impact of the new Vacant Buildings By-law:

WINNIPEG - June 24, 2011 - The City of Winnipeg reminds the public that the deadline for paying this year’s property taxes is Thursday, June 30, 2011.

“It’s important for property owners to make their payments by the June 30 deadline, to avoid penalties for late payment,” said Nelson Karpa, City Assessor, Assessment and Taxation Department.

In addition to the many other ways to make payment, starting Tuesday, June 28 until Thursday, June 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Assessment and Taxation Department will have staff working outside (at the corner of James Avenue and King Street) accepting payments as part of our annual "Drive-By Drop Off" payment option. Information about this payment option is on the Department’s website and included in the Property Tax Brochure, which provides other information on methods of payment and penalties for late payment.

Due to the current work stoppage involving Canada Post Corporation, property owners are reminded of the following options for making payments:

• Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP)
• In person at your financial institution
• Online or by telephone banking through your financial institution
• By courier
• In person at City Hall, 510 Main Street or at the Bilingual Service Centre, 614 Des Meurons
• Using drive-by service on June 28, 29 and 30. This service is available at the corner of James Avenue and King Street between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please have your tax bill and a cheque or money order ready in an envelope to present to staff. Cash payments cannot be accepted by this method.

For more information about the City’s Assessment and Taxation Department, please visit: http://winnipegassessment.com/AsmtTax/English/

For more information on payment options please contact 311 or toll free at 1-877-311-4974 or 311@winnipeg.ca.