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Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Province scraps RCUT plan at deadly Carberry intersection, commits to new solution
The Manitoba government is backing away from a proposed traffic redesign at the junction of PTH 1 and PTH 5 near Carberry, after months of public concern and consultation, and nearly two years after a tragic collision at the site claimed 17 lives. In an email to the Winnipeg Sun, Lisa Naylor, Minister of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, confirmed the province will not proceed with the previously proposed Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) configuration and will instead return to the drawing board to identify a new, community-supported solution. 'We are a government that listens — and rural Manitobans have been clear,' said Naylor. 'The people of Carberry and the RM of North Cypress–Langford told us they do not support the RCUT option, and we respect that. That's why we're going back to the drawing board to explore other solutions.' 'We know how deeply this intersection impacts the community, and we acted quickly to improve safety with new signage, rumble strips, and other immediate measures following the tragic accident,' she added. 'We're committed to finding an option that prioritizes safety and also works for the community. That means continuing to listen to rural Manitobans and working closely with safety experts to get this right.' On June 15, 2023, a crash between a semi and a passenger bus at the intersection killed 17 people — one of the deadliest road collisions in Manitoba history. In the months following, the province launched a dual assessment: A Standards Review and an In-Service Road Safety Review (ISRSR), conducted by consulting firm WSP. That review produced 12 immediate safety recommendations, including better signage, new rumble strips, enhanced lighting, and improved pavement markings — all of which have since been implemented. A separate, longer-term functional design study began in 2024 to explore permanent upgrades to the intersection, evaluating a wide range of options such as widened medians, roundabouts, traffic signals, interchanges, and the RCUT. The RCUT option — which restricts straight-through and left-turn movements from side roads, instead routing traffic to make a right turn followed by a U-turn — was among the early contenders. However, local pushback began almost immediately, with many residents and agricultural operators arguing that the design would be cumbersome, particularly for large farm equipment and semi-trucks in winter conditions. Community engagement and feedback Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure held multiple rounds of public engagement, including sessions with landowners, First Nations and Métis groups, local governments, the trucking industry, and the general public. A public open house held at Carberry Collegiate in March 2025 drew a strong response, including more than 2,100 signatures on a petition opposing the RCUT. Many stakeholders voiced a preference for a widened median or a full interchange, citing both safety and practicality. In light of that feedback, the province has now confirmed that the RCUT proposal will not move forward. According to the province, the functional design study will continue, with a revised shortlist of alternatives to be presented during a third round of engagement planned for later this summer. The project remains on track for detailed engineering and land acquisition to begin later this year, with construction expected to start in 2026 and finish by the end of that year. In the meantime, the province says it will continue to work with safety experts and community stakeholders to identify a permanent solution that is both effective and locally supported. For more information and project updates, Manitobans can visit the MTI website at . [related_links /] — Pam Fedack is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Have thoughts on what's going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Calgary Herald
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
5 Takeaways as Calgary Stampeders crush Winnipeg Blue Bombers again, become Grey Cup front-runners
Article content Article content Adams was asked in the lead-up to the game if he has any favourites. Article content Although the Stamps QB did move the ball around Friday, it seems like he's got quite the connection with a couple of receivers. Article content 'I don't get into favourite targets or anything like that,' Adams said. 'Yeah … I go where the read tells me to go with the ball.' Article content By halftime, he'd targeted five receivers, including twice each to Alford, Tevin Jones and Jalen Philpot and a whopping eight times to Dominique Rhymes. Article content Included in the first half was a 37-yard TD strike to Alford, for the receiver's third in two games, to put the visitors up 17-13. Article content Then came the big one to Alford on what was a brilliant — but lucky? — bomb for a 42-yard third-quarter major after scrambling and spinning and looking like he just heaved it downfield on a hope and a prayer. Article content Article content The question is whether the spin was a planned tip-off to the rookie receiver to jet downfield. Article content If it was in the playbook, it was executed to perfection. Article content Jones and Rhymes — the self-proclaimed 'Twins' — each led the Red and White with four receptions, while Alford hauled in a team-high 79 yards. Article content 4) GOT YOUR NUMBER! Article content They were equally bad Friday night in the rematch. Article content Collaros again tossed a pair, and so too did his understudy, fellow veteran pivot Chris Streveler. Article content Anthony Johnson got the start in place of Tyler Richardson at boundary-side corner and executed an interception of Collaros downfield to end the first quarter. Article content Then in the second frame, Jayden Grant thieved Collaros downfield. Article content To add injury to insult, Collaros was hurt on the Grant interception, as Stamps defensive lineman Clarence Hicks pressured the QB and caught him flush in the chest while in his throwing motion, knocking him out of the game. Article content Article content Winnipeg Sun columnist Paul Friesen described it as Collaros appearing 'to hit his head on the turf in a whiplash effect. He appeared stunned and remained in a sitting position for an extended period of time with two members of the team's medical staff at his sides.' Article content It's the second time in as many seasons the Stamps have sacked Collaros and K.O.'d him from a contest. Article content Article content Hicks turned the tide for good for the Stamps in Winnipeg. Article content And his defensive mates then followed in his footsteps, further proving the Red and White defence is the best in the league. Article content Hicks, a second-year Stamps d-lineman, had two big plays — the hard hurry and hit of Collaros — after stunting inside — that led to the Grant INT, and a sack not long after of Streveler. It was a track-down that could've K.O'd another Bombers quarterback from the affair.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Journalist, father, friend
The notes of a familiar Blue Rodeo or Tragically Hip song would often fill the dining room, Ted Wyman's fingers gliding on the guitar strings, a warm smile spreading across his face as he sang along with his long-term partner Kim Fedick. For Wyman, these intimate musical moments, shared with loved ones, were the essence of a life lived richly. 'We'd finish up a great meal and then he'd just go grab his guitar and start playing something I loved,' Fedick said. 'Then we'd just sing together for hours. That's what I think about the most.' SUPPLIED Wyman loved to play the guitar and sing with family and friends. Wyman, the longtime sports editor of the Winnipeg Sun who died last November after a brief battle with cancer, was the guy who brought a smile to everyone's face whenever he entered a room. While he didn't want to be the life of the party, Wyman brought life to every gathering he ever showed up at, offering a familiar and safe space for people to be themselves and share their stories. For 58 years, Wyman packed a remarkable amount of living into his time, touching countless lives with his infectious spirit, boundless curiosity and a superpower for forging meaningful connections. He was a dedicated father, a passionate journalist, an avid traveller and a talented musician. 'A lot of it was just that he loved people, he respected people and he wanted to rise up to the level of the people he admired,' Chris Wyman, Ted's son, said. SUPPLIED Winnipeg Sun Sports editor Ted Wyman died in November after a brief battle with cancer. 'I don't know that he ever knew this, but he had already gotten there, as other people were looking up to him.' Born Edward Bryce Archibald Wyman in Brandon on June 11, 1966, and raised in Winnipeg, Wyman grew up on Elm Street in River Heights, graduating from Kelvin High School. While his younger years were filled more with discovery than popularity, this experience fostered a deep empathy that would define his later inclusive nature. His childhood included family trips to Europe, where his mother Anna encouraged him to journal, nurturing an adventurous spirit that would stay with him. Indeed, his path seemed set early on; at just 11 years old, inspired by local sports media legends like Jack Wells and Jack Matheson, Wyman declared his ambition to become a sports writer. Supplied Ted as a young boy After graduating from RRC Polytech, Wyman began his professional journey at the Interlake Spectator, working out of a dilapidated cabin his father, Herbert, provided him with. From there, he headed back to his birthplace to work for the Brandon Sun, then the Moose Jaw Times-Herald, gaining foundational knowledge and solidifying the passion that would drive his career. Wyman's arrival at the Winnipeg Sun in 2003 marked a significant chapter. He rose to sports editor in just three years, becoming a respected figure in Canadian sports journalism. Co-workers marvelled at his ability to pack so much into a day, his quick wit and his encyclopedic knowledge of sports. Colleagues recalled on numerous occasions him effortlessly rattling off stats from the WHA Jets or a full Blue Bombers' roster from decades past. 'When he had to write a story, that guy could focus like a laser,' said Wyman's brother, Jeff Wyman, noting the intense dedication he had to his craft. SUPPLIED Wyman (left) and a media contingent at the old Canad Inns Stadium. 'He would absolutely just block everything out in the entire world.' His brilliance extended beyond sports. Wyman could get every question right on Jeopardy, Fedick said, and even crafted intricate crossword puzzles for her enjoyment. His journalism was always about more than just scores and statistics. 'He had such a passion for what he did, but it was always about the people he met along the way,' said Wyman's sister, Alison Marantz. 'Whenever he visited me in Calgary during one of his work trips, it was always, 'Oh, yeah, I met up with my buddy so-and-so.'' SUPPLIED From left: Siblings Jeff, Mike, Alison and Wyman. Wyman was the youngest of the four siblings. Wyman's interview style was conversational and fair, earning him respect from athletes and colleagues alike. He was staunch in his journalistic principles, refraining from cheering at sporting events when with family and friends. Wyman's book, Ice Gold, which offered an insider's view of Canada's double-gold-medal curling feat at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, exemplified this approach, focusing on the stories behind the triumph. He firmly believed the inclusion of box scores in the sports section was the hallmark of a real paper and he fiercely advocated for his staff. As his close friend Jay Bell, a former Free Press sports editor, put it, 'There was nothing disingenuous about Ted Wyman. He had a way of making you feel very comfortable… he freaking knew everybody.' Wyman's profound impact on the sports world was recognized with his induction into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour, and posthumously with CurlManitoba's Honourary Life Membership and Curling Canada's Paul McLean Award. SUPPLIED Ted Wyman at the 2014 launch of Ice Gold: Canada's Curling Champions at McNally Robinson. This lasting commitment to the field is further represented by the Ted Wyman Memorial Scholarship, established in his memory for journalism students at RRC Polytech. Beyond the newsroom, Wyman was a dedicated father to his daughter Emily and son Chris. Emily remembers his unwavering excitement and his desire for them to have as beautiful a childhood as he did. 'He was always the cool, fun dad. He would always joke that he stopped aging at 10 years old,' Emily said. 'But he also taught us to be honest and upfront with our feelings and to never assume that your love is felt as much as you are putting it out there. 'He thought if you were happy, you were the most successful and richest person alive.' Wyman was a consistent presence in his children's lives, often meeting them for lunch breaks at school while working the night sports desk at the Sun. SUPPLIED Wyman with his beloved children, daughter Emily and son Chris. His children were a source of immense pride and he consistently showed up for them, never missing a musical or an important moment. Wyman also instilled a love of reading in Chris; they devoured the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter series together. Music was another passion. A self-taught musician, Wyman could pick up a guitar and learn songs in an evening. He was never shy to perform one of his favourite Tom Petty songs for an audience and frequently hosted lively jam sessions in his basement. His love for music was a joyful expression of his soul. Wyman's adventurous spirit took him around the world, covering major events from Grey Cups to Olympic Games. But what truly defined these travels was his unparalleled ability to connect with people; he made friends everywhere he went, possessing an almost uncanny ability for turning strangers into companions. SUPPLIED Wyman in Mexico, one of his favourite places to visit. His childhood family trips to Europe sparked a lifelong wanderlust in his children, too; Emily recently visited Antarctica, completing travels to all seven continents. For Wyman, these shared journeys were a cornerstone of his belief in the importance of maintaining family traditions. 'His joy was contagious,' said Bronwyn Berry, a longtime friend. 'He embraced everything. Just look at Wyman and his T-shirts! He used these beer T-shirts to meet people and start up conversations. Next thing you knew, they're the best of buds.' Berry described this as a 'childhood wonderment' that Wyman never lost, driving his desire to know every story, every best place to eat and every beach with a breathtaking sunset. His non-judgmental nature meant 'everybody was his friend,' as Dave Martens, another close pal, attested. Berry and Martens, among many others, gravitated to Wyman because they were similar in that they wore their hearts on their sleeves. SUPPLIED Wyman and his dog Titan. Their bond was only strengthened by the deep conversations they shared. Wyman's smart sense of humour never came at anyone's expense; he simply loved bringing people together. Summers were particularly cherished by Wyman, often spent in Gimli, making lasting memories around the campfire at Loni Beach. This was truly his happy place. 'I want people to remember Ted for how passionate he was about life and how great he was about life,' Martens said. 'Because that guy packed a lot of life into 58 years, more than most people.' SUPPLIED Wyman and his long-time partner Kim Fedick. SUPPLIED Wyman early into his cancer treatment. SUPPLIED Wyman and Free Press sports reporter Jeff Hamilton. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff 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.
Hamilton Spectator
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Province plans major upgrades to PTH 14 in growing Winkler region
Three separate projects are moving forward along Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 14 between Winkler and Plum Coulee, with one planned reconstruction extending into the City of Winkler's east end industrial area. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) says three projects are in development along PTH 14 between Winkler and Plum Coulee. Two intersection upgrades within Winkler — one at the corner of PTH 14 and PTH 32, and another at PTH 14 and Eastview Drive — are currently in the design phase. Both are high-traffic intersections that experience significant daily traffic, particularly with ongoing residential and industrial development in the area. A third project, involving surface reconstruction approximately 1.6 km east of PTH 32 in the Municipality of Rhineland, is scheduled to begin construction in 2026 and is expected to be completed by fall 2027. 'PTH 14 is an important transportation route in southern Manitoba, used by approximately 6,400 vehicles daily,' a provincial spokesperson said in a statement to the Winnipeg Sun. 'MTI is dedicated to ensuring safety for all Manitobans on the provincial road and highway networks.' Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens said the upgrades are a welcome step in addressing mounting traffic pressure and economic opportunity. 'We are thankful the province is aware of the rapid growth in southern Manitoba, both in our population and businesses,' Siemens said. 'This road is bumper-to-bumper at all hours of the day, and if we want to continue to contribute to the provincial economy, something needs to be done. We're pleased to see that the province recognizes that and is stepping up to relieve that impediment to growth and development.' The province says it works in collaboration with municipalities, towns, and cities throughout every phase of planning, design, and construction. These projects form part of Manitoba's long-term strategy to invest in transportation infrastructure that supports trade diversification and private-sector growth. The Winnipeg Sun has requested further details from the province regarding the total length of roadway affected, estimated project costs, potential detours or closures during construction, and how local communities have been consulted. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available. More information is available through the Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Multi-Year Infrastructure Investment Strategy at , or by visiting for project updates. — Pam Fedack is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Have thoughts on what's going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Health-care privatization is no cure
Opinion Health care remains in crisis in Manitoba. Wait times are high, surgical backlogs continue to leave patients in pain, and staffing deficits are straining the capacity of the system to a breaking point. Patients and providers of health care are rightly frustrated and worried for themselves and their loved ones, unsure if public health care will be there for them when and where they need it. Some have grown so disillusioned with the public system that they are pushing for private alternatives to improve ER wait times and overall performance. Increasingly, there are prominent voices in Manitoba and beyond who are determined to abandon the public system, although they are at times subtler than calling for outright privatization and Americanization. Instead, they advance a route toward stealth privatization and a two-tier health-care system. Take, for example, a series of recent opinion pieces published last month in the Winnipeg Sun. In these pieces, the authors repeat familiar arguments about the need to modernize health care in Canada. Yet, in practice, such calls for modernization always seem to mean more privatization. Mixed public and private systems like those in Switzerland, France, or Germany are often held up as examples of a better, still equitable, way forward. Access for all and more autonomy is promised. It sounds like a great idea, on paper. In practice, what proponents of such privatization and two-tier health services typically fail to mention is the inequalities in society that privatization exacerbates. They tend to downplay the out-of-pocket costs to individuals and the increased cost to the public system that remains. There are only so many people willing to work in health care, as many Manitobans know all too well, especially those living in remote and rural communities. The public health-care system in Manitoba already faces steep competition from other provinces. Bringing in further competition from private health-care providers will only weaken the capacity of the public system that the majority of us would continue to rely on even if more private alternatives were available for the few who could reliably afford them. Health care is a public good, and accessing it should not be determined by income or identity. When we allow health care to be commodified and subject to the motives of profit, costs go up and the conditions of work and care suffer, impacting both the social and economic health of society. It will take political will and a long-term vision to reverse years of privatization and expand the coverage of the public system to include much-needed health services like enhanced mental health supports, expanded pharmacare and dental care, coverage for eye care, and fully public home and long-term care. Yet, instead of moving forward with urgency to root out privatization and rebuild the public system, the government is making modest public investments while expanding privatization. Reliance on private staffing agencies continues under the NDP, even though data show that these agencies are expensive, and that much of the public money going to private agencies is spent on travel and administrative costs, not patient care. A new, five-year deal was recently struck by the NDP with Dynacare, entrenching the for-profit, private delivery of lab services in Manitoba, despite their criticism of this practice while in opposition. The government claims this will improve access, but Dynacare has a record of closing locations where Manitobans need them most. Alberta recently went in the opposite direction, bringing community lab services back under direct public operation and oversight, while B.C. just experienced 10 weeks of labour disruption with a private, American-owned outpatient lab service provider. It is unclear why the NDP chose to take such a practical and political risk. All Manitobans deserve access to high quality public health care in their own communities. Publicly delivered care provides the best bang for our health-care buck, ensuring that care is integrated, accountable, and not beholden to the whims of shareholders or private owners seeking to line their own pockets. Evidence from other provinces in Canada shows that privatization of health care does not lower wait times or reduce costs for delivering that care. To rebuild and strengthen publicly delivered health care, the NDP must prioritize health-care spending, especially in this time of growing economic uncertainty and increasingly frequent environmental crises like the wildfires that have ravaged Manitoba this year. They must show leadership in shifting the culture of health care so that patients receive the care they deserve regardless of income or identity, and providers can leave work knowing they served their patients well and were given the resources they needed to provide that care. And finally, the government must rethink and reverse Manitoba's growing reliance on private interests to deliver public health care. Noah Schulz is the provincial director for the Manitoba Health Coalition.
