Calls to keep libraries open seven days a week grow in Winnipeg
It's been years since Winnipeg libraries were open seven days a week, but now some Winnipeggers are calling for the extended hours to make a comeback.
Taking his grandkids for a swim at Bonivital pool on Friday, Ed Alexiuk has learned the importance of city facilities in keeping kids entertained.
"As a new grandfather, all of a sudden it becomes important to me because we are taking them to various things," he told CTV News.
Likewise, many Winnipeggers rely on the library for a variety of services, including to access the internet and have a place to work. They're among the growing number of people asking the City of Winnipeg to review the hours of operation of city facilities.
"If the city could afford it, I certainly think it would be a good thing. I think promoting more usage of these facilities for people who don't otherwise have access," René Varone told CTV News.
Under the current hours, four of the cities 22 libraries are open on Saturday and none are open on Sunday. Eleven libraries are closed three or more days a week.
In a statement to CTV News, the City of Winnipeg said, “Winnipeg public library branches are currently operating on a summer schedule. The summer hours, which run from Victoria Day to Labour Day, have been in place for decades.”
It went on to say, “following Labour Day, the winter schedule resumes opening hours on Saturday at all 20 library branches and on Sunday at six branches.”
With a municipal election looming, those wanting a change in hours are looking to mayoral candidates to add it to their platform.
"I would give a thumbs up to anyone in power that would encourage and increase the opportunities for people like us to use these facilities," Alexiuk said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.