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
Bodies found by U.S. authorities searching for missing B.C. kayakers
United States authorities who have been searching for a pair of missing kayakers from British Columbia since the weekend have recovered two bodies in the nearby San Juan Islands of Washington state.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Saskatchewan households will continue to receive carbon tax rebate: Trudeau
Households in Saskatchewan will continue to receive Canada Carbon Rebate payments, despite the province refusing to remit the federal carbon price on natural gas, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.
'It's just so hard to let it go': Umar Zameer still haunted by death of Toronto police officer
'We hoped for this day, but we were scared that it would not never ever come because it took so long.' That’s what Umar Zameer, the man recently acquitted in the death of a Toronto police officer, told CTV News Toronto in a sit-down interview on Tuesday.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.