Latest news with #ManitobaHydro
Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Police to step up Scrap Metal Act enforcement
Winnipeg police say they are cracking down on thefts of copper and alleged violations of a provincial law that punishes scrap metal dealers who buy stolen goods. The unions for Winnipeg firefighters and Manitoba Hydro workers, as well as people who live near homeless encampments, and the opposition Tories had demanded the law be better enforced. They've said the copper wire fires and cable theft that put them and the public at risk will stop once the purchasers are charged under the Scrap Metal Act and stop buying stolen copper. Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Scrap Metal Act prohibits a person from selling such things as metallic wire that has had insulation or casing removed from it, unless they can provide proof of ownership to the dealer at the time of the transaction. The purpose of the law, which took effect in 2022, is to deter thieves from stealing public and private property, then selling it as scrap metal, a Winnipeg Police Service spokesman said Thursday, adding officers are currently probing alleged violations of the law. He confirmed there have not been any charges laid under the law since 2023, when police swooped down on a scrapyard in Springfield in relation to catalytic converter thefts. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said this week the industry 'in general, has been good to work with' but police are pursuing 'the bad actors.' 'We want to be able to support them in cracking down on it,' he said. The law prohibits a person from selling a catalytic converter or such things as metallic wire that has had insulation or casing removed from it, unless they can provide proof of ownership to the dealer at the time of the transaction. It requires a scrap metal dealer to obtain proof of identification from the seller and retain records about the transaction, limit cash purchases of scrap metal and provide regular reports to law enforcement agencies. 'They have a clear picture of how these thefts are impacting communities and they have a clear sense of which businesses or who's supporting this kind of illegal activity,' Wiebe said. 'When it comes to theft, when it comes to any kind of organized crime — and certainly that could be the case when it comes to this kind of scrap metal or copper thefts — they've got the support of the provincial government and they know that we're going to continue to support their efforts to crack down on this.' The toxic smoke from wire fires at a nearby urban encampment prompted neighbour Howard Warren to publicly call for enforcement of the Scrap Metal Act. He said the illegal burns would stop if there were no longer a market for the ill-gotten copper wire. The United Firefighters of Winnipeg expressed concern about the health hazards of toxic smoke from people burning wires and cables to get at valuable copper. Troy Craig, the business representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2034, said people who try to steal copper wire from Manitoba Hydro sites have been electrocuted. 'If they don't have a market to sell it into, then it goes away,' Craig said about the potentially deadly problem. Progressive Conservative justice critic Wayne Balcaen, a former police chief, said last week that scrap metal dealers needed to be checked to ensure they're obeying the law. Activist Sel Burrows said a crackdown should result in a reduction in the number of fires in vacant houses. The former North Point Douglas resident said he's had two landlords tell him that their properties have been torched just for the copper wires inside. 'Homeless people will be encouraged to break in and light a fire or have a fire happen. Then, in the week or so after, people will go in and strip all the copper out of the house,' Burrows said Thursday. Tuesdays A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world. 'We have laws that are really good laws, but they have to be enforced —and it's not just the police, it's bylaw enforcement and various inspection systems,' said Burrows, who founded the Powerline to encourage North Point Douglas residents to anonymously report criminal activity. 'This is a principle of crime prevention: the bad guys, the people who commit crime, stop doing it as soon as they get caught doing it,' he said. Meanwhile, the neighbour who raised the alarm about hazardous smoke from encampment wire fires said this week that there have been no recent toxic blazes. However, Warren said, the 'chaos' continues nearby. 'What has been going on is random 24-hours-a-day hammering, sawing, chopping in the forest directly in front of our house as the encampment here continues to grow in size and chaos,' he said. Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Think big, think proud
Opinion Now that we have our elbows up, we can look below and discover the potential; discover the need. Why has Canada relied on other countries for a vast array of services and production? Let's come up with Manitoban or Canadian solutions. Think big. Let's go all in! So, to hear that our minister of environment and climate change, Mike Moyes has made 5,000 heat pumps more readily available just doesn't cut it. Actually, the Crown corporation Efficiency Manitoba already has an incentive program for heat pumps. How about 50,000 or 500,000? Think big! Also, that would benefit immensely our net-zero target. What about announcements in regard to Manitoba Hydro's future plans? Remember, Manitoba Hydro controls electricity and natural gas (which is 80 per cent methane) supplies. Again, they just don't cut it. There is no mention of any significant energy-producing projects, such as large wind farms in the works, or building solar farms in the making. How about solar panels on every home? Did you know that in the Netherlands one in three homes has solar panels? Why hasn't Manitoba Hydro been more involved in geothermal projects? Of note, Waverley West, a community in Winnipeg, was supposed to have a geothermal energy source. What we hope or should expect to hear from Finance Minister Adrien Sala are, in my view, twofold: plan for a net-zero target; and aggressively pursue renewables so the electrification of homes and buildings can take place soon, and greenhouse gas use and emissions can be eliminated. So what do we hear in reports such as Manitoba Hydro's integrated resource plan and the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan? There is no mention of an aggressive move away from natural gas. This is very much not in keeping with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. What we hear from Manitoba Hydro is that they project no change in natural gas use by 2030. Manitoba Hydro states that to get to net-zero, the use of direct air capture (DAC), which is another way of saying carbon capture, is what they will rely on. Let's be very clear. Carbon capture and DAC are largely unproven despite a lengthy trial period time. It is the opinion of many that the mention of carbon capture or direct air capture is a form of greenwashing — 'Look, we are doing something; don' t try to regulate us.' It is also disappointing to hear nothing from Moyes or Sala about retrofitting current buildings and homes, meaning to replace natural gas systems with heat pumps, electric furnaces and electric boilers. This is the first priority of Canada's Green Buildings Strategy. Actually, the only mention of natural gas was in speaking to the question of energy supply security — what if the renewable energy supply failed? You would like to hear that the problem could be dealt with by a large increase in renewable supply and investing in battery technology, to help get through the down times. The other mention of natural gas was that it may be the case that, to meet current and future energy demands, two new energy production plants would have to be built. Unfortunately, the source of energy to run these new facilities likely is natural gas. Again, one would like to hear that our planned increase in renewables should easily meet any energy demands. Relying on renewables to be the main source of power is working very well in parts of the world and Canada. Spain now has most of its energy supply from renewables. They have massive solar farms. Texas has about one-third of its energy needs met by renewables. A recent article about Nova Scotia states they propose to build enough offshore wind turbines to produce 40 gigawatts of electricity. This is an ambitious plan and time will tell if it comes to fruition, but the Nova Scotia premier states ' the excess electricity could supply 27 per cent of Canada's total demands. I guess my point is we know that renewable energy projects are being built at national, provincial, statewide and municipal levels, so really, what's the hold-up? Think of the cost savings associated with the mitigating of climate change. Specifically, the elimination of methane. Let's think big and think proud. We can do it! Scott Blyth writes from Brandon.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Manitoba Hydro to increase vegetation management work as utility sees more tree-related outages
Manitoba Hydro plans to do more tree and brush maintenance this year, after it said the province experienced the highest number of tree-related outages in more than a decade in 2024. There were 2,612 tree-related power outages in the province in 2024 — more than in any of the previous 14 years, the Crown corporation said in a news release on Wednesday. Tree contact with electrical lines is one of the leading causes of power outages in the province, Manitoba Hydro said. In addition, falling branches and overgrown brush can spark fires and downed electrical lines create safety issues for community members and hydro crews. "It's important for both safety and reliability of the system that we try to keep trees and brush away from power lines," spokesperson Peter Chura said. That's why the utility will be doing more vegetation management work this year, largely focusing on rural areas. He said a map of areas crews are clearing will soon be available on Manitoba Hydro's website. Workers will be trimming trees, using heavy machinery to remove brush, and applying pesticides to prevent vegetation growth, according to the press release. "You might see crews along highways, you might see crews in your neighbourhood. It's important just to stay back, keep a distance from where the work is going on," he said. If you see a downed power line, you should stay at least 10 metres away from it and call 911 immediately, he said. Chura also said homeowners have a responsibility to keep trees and brush on their property away from power lines and hydro infrastructure. Homeowners can fill out a tree safety assessment on Manitoba Hydro's website if vegetation is growing near power lines or hydro poles. "We want to see fewer outages. I'm sure homeowners and customers want to see fewer outages and this is one way that we can go about that," Chura said. More from CBC Manitoba:
CBC
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Manitoba Hydro to increase vegetation management work as utility sees more tree-related outages
Manitoba Hydro plans to do more tree and brush maintenance this year, after it said the province experienced the highest number of tree-related outages in more than a decade in 2024. There were 2,612 tree-related power outages in the province in 2024 — more than in any of the previous 14 years, the Crown corporation said in a news release on Wednesday. Tree contact with electrical lines is one of the leading causes of power outages in the province, Manitoba Hydro said. In addition, falling branches and overgrown brush can spark fires and downed electrical lines create safety issues for community members and hydro crews. "It's important for both safety and reliability of the system that we try to keep trees and brush away from power lines," spokesperson Peter Chura said. That's why the utility will be doing more vegetation management work this year, largely focusing on rural areas. He said a map of areas crews are clearing will soon be available on Manitoba Hydro's website. Workers will be trimming trees, using heavy machinery to remove brush, and applying pesticides to prevent vegetation growth, according to the press release. "You might see crews along highways, you might see crews in your neighbourhood. It's important just to stay back, keep a distance from where the work is going on," he said. If you see a downed power line, you should stay at least 10 metres away from it and call 911 immediately, he said. Chura also said homeowners have a responsibility to keep trees and brush on their property away from power lines and hydro infrastructure. Homeowners can fill out a tree safety assessment on Manitoba Hydro's website if vegetation is growing near power lines or hydro poles. "We want to see fewer outages. I'm sure homeowners and customers want to see fewer outages and this is one way that we can go about that," Chura said.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Letters, July 21
Opinion Energy plans Upon seeing the $7-billion price tag for upgrading the hydro system, my first thought was: how much dispersed hydro generation could that buy? And wouldn't that be safer than having so many of our energy eggs in one vulnerable basket? This reminds me of a few years ago when one of the Hydro honchos essentially told us they were in the hydro power business, not the wind and solar power business. My thought then was that a more responsible stance would be to consider themselves to be in the electric energy business — for Manitoba — whatever the source. Indeed, new power technology options are being developed every day. Our myopic reliance on giant hydro plants and long, long transmission corridors might very well become non-primary technology. And the most vulnerable option for our province. I may be missing something in all this, but I am not confident that Hydro has embraced a power generation worldview that isn't literally water/hydro powered. And I still wonder what's their vision on power generation beyond that? And as a Crown corporation, what's their sense of their role and responsibility in all this? Dan O'Dell Winnipeg The detailed analysis in the Free Press confirms what many Manitobans have long suspected but few in government have had the courage to address: Manitoba Hydro is teetering on the edge of a financial precipice. The staggering $20-billion debt load, combined with poor governance, lack of strategic vision, and politically manipulated rates, has created a dangerous imbalance — one that now threatens the financial health of both the utility and the province itself. Projects like Keeyask and Bipole III have ballooned in cost and delivered questionable value. Meanwhile, repeated political interference — from rate suppression to board turnover — has left Hydro rudderless, unable to make sound long-term decisions or invest wisely in future infrastructure. Let's not be misled: low rates have neither attracted major employers nor benefited taxpayers in the long run. In fact, they have effectively masked inefficiencies and delayed a necessary shift toward demand management, conservation, and green energy innovation. The result? Nearly $1 billion in annual interest payments and mounting risk of a credit downgrade. It is time to stop treating Hydro as a political tool and start governing it like the complex, high-stakes utility it is. That means restoring board independence, grounding rate decisions in economic reality, and holding Hydro leadership accountable for productivity and fiscal discipline. Manitobans deserve transparency, not talking points. Yog Rahi Gupta Winnipeg Blending faith and science Re: 100 years later, the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' still resonates (Think Tank, July 17) It is true, as Allan Levine argues, that the supposed conflict between science and the Bible still resonates today. One reason for this is that in our polarized world we tend to view reality through one lens only while excluding other explanations. This too often puts science on the scrimmage line against a particular understanding of the Bible. But science and the Bible, properly understood, are not opposing explanations; they complement one another. Science can be understood as a kind of map with its own way of describing reality. But a map of Canada does not exhaust our understanding of Canada. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights argues that all persons are created with equal dignity and rights. Science can help us understand this conviction, but we need something beyond the maps of science to more fully grasp it. And we need an understanding of the Bible other than creationism in order to engage science with integrity. Yes, this issue does have to do with life's meaning. Ray Harris Winnipeg Talk elsewhere Re: 'Hold your conversation' (Letters, July 15) Bravo to letter writer Ken McLean for voicing the concern that many of us have at live performances and in particular at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. If you must have a conversation, please take it away from the seating area where other people are trying to listen to the performance. Don't just raise your voice so that your friend can hear you above the performer. And, if someone asks you to take your chat elsewhere, please don't look at them as if you're the one who's being inconvenienced. Don Sourisseau Winnipeg Water bill too high We are all enjoying the wonderful summer so far, being at the lake, travelling or at home. If you are living in a house particularly in Winnipeg, please look at your recent water bill statement from the water and waste department. You might be surprised that an unexpected high water bill arrived to be paid within a period of time. Wow! Why am I paying such a high amount for water for a three-month period, I ask myself. What's with this statement? Is the amount due, correct? Is there a possibility of a calculated error? I called the water department recently. Their reply to my question: the city is building a new treatment plant, therefore we need revenue to complete the project. As I see it, to compensate for any losses in construction of this endeavour, Winnipeggers will cover the deficit. From December of 2024 to June of 2025, my water bill has increased by 15 per cent. Why such an increase? If you look at your water bill, the sewer cost ratio is probably almost twice in comparison to the water usage. Did your area have any sewer upgrades? If it did, then the increase justifies the water bill amount. My area hasn't had any sewer work done to substantiate an increase in fees. As Winnipeggers, we are being bombarded this year with a property tax increase, garbage collection increase and a water bill increase, 'three strikes' and many people are out financially. This is unreasonable and unsustainable. Grocery prices are skyrocketing, inflation is growing and imposed tariffs have a negative impact on our economy. Tremendous strain on the citizens of Winnipeg. What is next to swallow? My recommendation to the city, to alleviate the burden of paying the high water bills, is to introduce the same format that Manitoba Hydro operates on, pay monthly not quarterly. People would be able to budget and manage their financial monthly household expense, not get burdened with astronomical water bills. Peter John Manastyrsky Winnipeg Well wishes for columnist Re: Finally at a loss for an opinion (Think Tank, July 12) I am certain I join many readers of these pages in saying a heartfelt 'thank you' to professor Paul Thomas for the huge contribution his thoughtful columns have brought to the public issues of our times. His was always an informative and well-researched voice. I wish him well. Paul Moist Winnipeg
