Katz Environment Plan"
Winnipeg, June 15th -- More aggressive action to rid Winnipeg of mosquitoes, protect Dutch Elm trees and clean up our rivers are highlights in the "Environment and Green Spaces" policy issued by Mayoralty candidate Sam Katz today.
Katz said the City must do everything possible to rid the community of mosquitoes. He said that more effective slow-release products that are environmentally sensitive are available for use in treating standing water to attack mosquito larvae. Katz also called for increased cooperation between the City, surrounding municipalities and the Province to drain standing water in ditches and on land to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
“The City must do everything to rid the community of mosquitoes. They pose an unacceptable risk to our health and detract from our enjoyment of summers and leave a negative stigma on our City in the minds of visitors,” he said.
"Our clean environment and green spaces are a critical element of what makes Winnipeg a great place to live and raise a family," Katz said. " As is the case in most environmental issues, no single person or government can solve all the problems. By working together with the federal and provincial governments, we can and must meet the challenge. We owe it to our children and our grandchildren."
Katz cited Winnipeg's urban forest as a "very important part of the City's character and quality of life". He said the 170,000 Dutch Elm trees on our boulevards must be pruned much more regularly and homeowners given support on proper care and maintenance. He also committed to working with groups such as the Save The Elms Coalition in combating Dutch Elm Disease.
The Mayoral candidate said he shares citizens' concerns about the condition of Winnipeg's rivers and Lake Winnipeg as a result of sewage spills. He said the issue must receive priority attention by City Council as well as the provincial and federal governments.
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