Local News Briefs

New airport terminal opens
The new airport terminal at James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is now open for landing, reported the Winnipeg Free Press.

The 51,000 square metre terminal comes with a price tag of close to $600 million, which includes the building of the terminal, new roadways and new air-side concrete work.

The terminal also includes a Salisbury House and Gondola Pizza location, and several other highlights according to the Free Press. The terminal is the first in Canada to have a common bag drop area, a “curtain wall” ventilation system, and has the most skylights above the arrivals area of any airport in Canada.

The new terminal also features free Wi-Fi for travelers.

Supporters of Wheat Board rally
Approximately 150 supporters of the Canadian Wheat Board gathered at the Red River Exhibition grounds on Oct. 28 and then traveled to the CWB offices in downtown Winnipeg, reported CBC News.

The CWB has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that Parliament is legally obligated to consult farmers before introducing Bill C-18, which would take wheat and barley sales out of the control of CWB and put them on the open market. The bill is currently before a House of Commons review committee.

Bob Roehle, organizer of the rally, told CBC News that he felt the majority of farmers support the CWB and that the rally was focused on maintaining democracy in Canada.

Gerry Ritz, minister of agriculture, has maintained his stance, that western farmers should not be required to sell their grain through the CWB.

Homicide rate tied at record high
The number of homicides in Winnipeg hit 34 this weekend, now matching the city’s all-time record set in 2004, reported CBC News.

Winnipeg’s 34th homicide occurred in the early morning of Sunday, Oct. 30, and involved a shooting in a hotel parking lot on McPhillips St..

This followed a shooting at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 in the Exchange District, where a 20-year-old man was shot inside a Ford Explorer. The assailant fired from outside the vehicle.

A 14-year old boy is also in critical condition following a shooting that took place during afternoon of Oct. 29, near Selkirk Ave. and Salter St..