Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Sam Katz today announced an Executive Policy Committee (EPC) focused on infrastructure renewal, economic development and the improvement of community and recreation facilities within the City of Winnipeg.
“This new team is focused on the priorities of Winnipeggers - fixing our streets and providing quality recreation and community facilities for families to enjoy,” said Mayor Katz. “In addition, EPC has a renewed focus on economic development.”
EPC includes a new portfolio, Secretary of Economic Development.
“The City of Winnipeg is experiencing an intense period of growth, which presents both opportunities and challenges” said Mayor Katz. “The Secretary of Economic Development will ensure that the City of Winnipeg takes a city-wide approach to economic development, with a fully integrated economic development strategy.”
Economic indicators for the City of Winnipeg are positive, including the job outlook, housing starts and housing prices, and population growth. In cooperation with Council, City Administration, and Economic Development Winnipeg - the City of Winnipeg’s economic development agency - this new portfolio will assist in ensuring City of Winnipeg public policy initiatives support cohesive economic development strategy. The portfolio is an expansion of a previous position related to economic partnerships.
EPC will consist of the following seven members:
Councillor Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) - Chair of Property and Development
Mayor Sam Katz - Chair of EPC, Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Opportunities
Councillor Brian Mayes (St. Vital) - Chair of Protection and Community Services, Chair of the Mayor’s Environmental Advisory Committee
Councillor Grant Nordman (St. Charles) - Acting Deputy Mayor, Chair of the Mayor’s Age-Friendly and Seniors Advisory Committee, Councillor responsible for Assiniboine Park Governance*, Councillor responsible for Corporate Sponsorship
Councillor Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) - Chair of Downtown Development, Heritage and Riverbank Management
Councillor Justin Swandel (St. Norbert) - Deputy Mayor, Chair of Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works
Councillor Russ Wyatt (Transcona) - Chair of Finance, Chair of Alternate Service Delivery, Secretary of Economic Development
In addition to Standing Policy Committees, City Council has other committees and assignments. Responsibility for these is as follows:
Councillor Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) - Chair of the Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee
Councillor Paula Havixbeck (Charleswood-Tuxedo) - Councillor responsible for Assiniboine Park Governance*
Councillor Thomas Steen (Elmwood-East Kildonan) - Councillor responsible for Youth and Recreational Opportunities
The membership of all committees will be decided during the Nov. 6, 2013, organizational meeting of City Council. EPC appointments are announced each year in advance of the November organizational meeting.