Wake Up Winnipeg - Review The Lobby On York

Wake Up Winnipeg Review - The Lobby on York - Winnipeg, Manitoba.
As reviewed by: Andru Valpy, Sean Kanee
Photographs: Andru Valpy

The Lobby on York

295 York Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 4N4

Tel: (204) 896.7275

Neighbourhood: Downtown
http://www.thelobbyonyork.com

• Cuisine: Fine Dining, Steak, Seafood
• Price: $$$ ($25.00 or more)
• Aimless & Andy Rating: @@@@@ (out of 5).
• Reservations: Suggested, but not required
• Features: Fine Dining, Lounge, Fine Wine Selections

Earlier this month Sean and I were invited to review "The Lobby On York" as the kick off to our "Dining Downtown" series.

This gem is hidden in the basement suite of the former Sheraton Hotel building located on York Street, close to The Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The Lobby On York's Tag Line is:
"Modern steak and seafood, with a twist", which can be broken down even further to "modern creativity", states General Manager, Shan Shuwera.

His saying, is true!

Primary chefs Jon Hochman, (26) and Ariel Schor (24), have been preparing dishes for The Lobby since opening in 2009.

The two have also worked together at assorted local establishments, including The Fairmont hotel, where the two of them collaborated to create fine dishes.

Since making a home at their new diner, Jon and Ariel have came up with a menu that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a quick lunch, or a perfect night out.

Our meal started out with a sampling of appetizers, including the Big Eye Tuna Tartare, Pulled Duck Quesadilla, and a signature Cobb Salad.

These appetizers range anywhere from twelve to fifteen dollars and can be easily paired with a white or red chosen from The Lobby's fine wine menu.

For our evening, we were served Peter Logan Weemala, which according to their website is:

"For Those who enjoy something just a bit different".

This Pinot Gris went well with our Big Eye Tuna starter, complimenting the flavoring used in Hawaiian big eyed fish.

Our tropical friend was prepared raw and finely minced with sesame seeds, panko flakes, fresh sliced avocado and a chili tobiko aioli seasoning. Sean noted that the flavoring had a "smoky feel" to it, which was only accented by the use of fried potato chips for dipping.

Next up was the cool and crisp Cobb Salad which Sean and I were very curious to try.

"This is not your traditional salad"

said General Manager Shan, and this was very true. It was the first time I had seen romaine lettuce grilled.

This salad is prepared with tomato, bacon, blue cheese, a avocado aioli puré and a poached egg.

I questioned Shan on why an egg would be needed in a salad, and was informed that the yoke of the egg enhances the flavor of the salad and acts as an extra dressing.

Needless to say, it was very tasty.

For this sampling, we featured St. Hallett Poacher's Blend Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc as our white wine of choice.

"A classic Australian medium dry white made for immediate enjoyment. Blended from Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes picked in the cool of night it is a crisp, clean wine that is an easy drinking delight." - Wine.com

The taste was a crisp refreshing way to enjoy the start of our meal.

Our final starter was a signature ending, and probably my favorite appetizer served. The Pulled Duck Quesadilla.

This was a confit, which is a tough duck meat. It was prepared buttery, and was shredded. It's then served with a cheddar cheese brie sauce, minced red bell peppers, and is then spread into a tortilla, and sliced into six individual rolls, in similar fashion to a roll of sushi.

When we were enjoying this, I noted that it had a bit of a spicy flare to it, thanks to the bell peppers and chili mayo flavoring used in the appetizer.

It was also only the second time that I had been introduced to a duck meat, and needless to say I fell in love with this Quesadilla.

I strongly recommend trying the Duck Quesadilla whether it be as a appetizer, or a brief lounge snack.

It is not to be ignored.


We then moved into the first of our main courses, in which we were served a fresh Pan Roasted Pickerel - Caught locally in Manitoba, and was paired with Israeli couscous, edamame, and chopped prawn.

The Pickerel itself was pan roasted and sweet to the mouth thanks the the flavorful sauces it was topped with. When combined with couscous and shrimp, the overall dish was a nice summer treat.
Our Pickerel dish was served with a side dish of Cocktail Tomatoes, which were grown and purchased locally out of St. Annes, Manitoba from the garden of Murry Warkentin.

We admitted to Shan that both Sean and I did not normally like tomatoes, but were very honest in saying that these tomatoes were very fresh, enjoyable, refreshing and crisp.
It might have something to do with how fresh these tomatoes were, considering they were from our own backyard.

I caught myself eating most of the tomato and was surprised to see that both Sean and I finished a good majority of the dish, saving only a few little slices.

I'd eat them again, given the opportunity.

Our final dish was the 16 oz. Bone-In Rib Steak. Now, personally speaking Sean and I enjoy our beef, so we went in with high expectations after our previous dishes.

This Alberta Prime, 16 ounce beauty was most enjoyable, and was prepared by a special cooking method that ensures the juices and flavor of beef are preserved.

This steak, is served with a combination of 3 sauces; A Natural pan jus, red wine gastrique and a Guinness beer mustard.

After Shan described the cooking process of the beef to us, (which is best to be described by the staff at The Lobby), we understood exactly what he was saying to us.

Sean noted that this steak dish was comparable, if not better than other local steak houses, who focus more on presentation, and high temperature cooking methods.

I personally enjoyed the combination of blends and spices used in this main course dish and it's sauces.
Needless to say, we were not disappointed.

This rib steak was served with a glass of Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon which according to wine blogger Matthew Jukes makes:

The "100 best wines of Aussie" list.

I would have to agree with Matthew by saying that this wine was added to my list of favorite Aussie reds. The Sauvignon is a full bodied wine, with a fresh mulberry aroma.

Served with it was a Sautéed Mushroom dish, which brought with it a rich teriyaki flavor.

This side dish was favored by both Sean, and I.



Though we were offered dessert, Sean and I politely informed the staff of The Lobby that we simply could not eat another bite, because of how filling our meal was.

Worth noting was The Lobby's interior design, which can be described as "modern contemporary". Sean and I compared the main dining room and lounge similar to those you would find in Toronto or Vancouver.

The lounge is designed and compared to any international lounge seen on major motion picture films or nightlife magazines.

Interestingly enough, The Lounge at Lobby has been known to bring in local dee-jays on Friday nights, therefore making it a great place to start off any Friday night downtown.

Sean and I left impressed, and would highly recommend The Lobby On York to anyone looking for a new place to dine.

Though it is listed and enjoyed as a fine dining restaurant, the staff and price points are comparable to your typical dinner night out.

The Lobby caters to the needs of any young man or women, or those business professionals looking to entertain or relax.

Be sure to visit The Lobby On York, and tell Shan and staff that we sent you. They will be happy to hear!

-Av
- Sk.

(Thanks to Shan, Isaac, and Rob for their assistance in entertaining us! We look forward to seeing you again!) - Av

Wake Up Winnipg - Episode 56

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 09/02/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:00 PM
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 09/08/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

Today's episode focused primarily on local concert announcements and featured tracks from artists coming through our city in the upcoming weeks and months.

Here are the events that I discussed on today's show:

WAKE UP WINNIPEG
UMFM 101.5 FM – Thursday’s 6:00 PM, Wednesdays 6:30 AM

Event Listings as of September 2, 2010.

Bog River – 9/2/10
Gas Station Theatre Patio
(Osborne) 6:00-8:00 PM

Come join us for one of our first shows since we've reunited after summer adventures (and don't forget to tell your friends)!! Show from 6-8pm...maybe we'll even pull out some new tunes!?!?
You can also see us play on Aug. 29th at the Shine On Festival of Music and Art - get your tickets for this weekend soon!

99 Pieces of Art on The Wall, 4th Annual exhibition & Sale – Ongoing until 9/3/10
cre8ery gallery
2-125 Adelaide St.
Winnipeg, MB

99 Pieces of Art...cre8ery's 4th annual exhibition & sale....$199.99 and under!

Featuring: Anja Studer, Ashley Feduniw, Avra Love, Barb Watson, Christopher Wood, David Low, Fred, Gail Sawatzky, Genevie Henderson, George Tanner, Heather Boyd, Helga Schulte-Schroeer, Jane Gateson, Janice Low, Joanne Holmes, Kiery Drysdale, Karen Taylor, Klara Piko, Leona Brown, Lex Creed, Louise Lamb, Pat Bragg, Richa...rd Palanuk, Robert Coulter, Robert McDowall, Ron Dini, Sarah Hodges-Kolisnyk, Sarah Neville, Sheila Johnson, Sherilyn Lehn, Val Huffman

Sold works will be removed from the exhibition as they are sold and posted online...

Joan Jett / Aerosmith
MTS Centre

Steve and the boys are back on tour after skipping out of their Canadinns performance due to injury. This time, they dug up Joan Jett and brought her with them. This is a night classic rock fans WILL NOT want to miss. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.

Boats! – 9/09/10
The University of Winnipeg – Main Campus

Imaginary Cities and Royal Canoe – 9/11/2010
Presented by the Park Theatre, as part of our 5th Anniversary Show

Imaginary Cities and Royal Canoe
Saturday September 11th 2010

......Tickets $10 advance, $15 at the door
Doors 8:15pm, show at 9pm
Tickets are available at the Park Theatre, Into the Music, and Music Trader.

Imaginary Cities went out into the darkness and became the music they love. The best part is, its the music we love too. They are music makers that go crackle, crackle, thump and squawk. Scratch your mp3player harddrive, with a needle does it make play a song? Music are you in there? For it is in Imaginary Cities.

Cardboard Castle from Australia via T.O. at J.Fox's – 9/11/2010
J.Fox's Restaurant & Local
414 Academy Road
Winnipeg, MB

September kicks off J.Fox's foray into the outta town bands. We are very excited to start the process off with Australia's Cardboard Castle, check out their myspace link to hear the sweet new sounds coming off the island via Toronto ...http://www.myspace.com/cardboardcastleband ps. thanks to Jack at the Lo Pub for his continued support!

Pennywise With Authority Zero, Bigwig and Riverboat Gamblers – 9/12/2010
The Garrick Theater.
Remember Pennywise? Yeah, they’re still around…and touring. Now, they’re coming to Winnipeg. Cool stuff. . .

Justin Biber – 9/14/2010
The MTS Centre

Hide your teenage daughters. . . International teen sensation Justin Biber is coming to Winnipeg’s MTS Centre on September the 12^th. If you don’t know who this kid is yet, you are living under a rock. Teen Dreams are sure to come true while J.B. Sings his auto-tuned songs.

Jazz Winnipeg / UMFM presents: Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) with guests The Lytics – 9/15/2010
Pyramid Cabaret
176 Fort St.
Winnipeg, MB

Fresh off the success of the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, Jazz Winnipeg is thrilled to announce the first confirmed concert of their 2010-2011 concert season: Los Angeles rapper and former member of Jurassic 5, Chali 2na! As a part of his cross-Canada tour, Chali brings his live band to the Pyramid Cabaret on Wednesday, September 15. Joining Chali on the bill will be local favourites The Lytics.

INWARD EYE w/ special guests Sons of York and The Bokononists – 9/17/2010
The West End Cultural Centre
586 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, MB

Friday, September 17
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm

The Erickson brothers have lived and breathed rock & roll since a very early age. This trio of brothers, Dave (vocals/bass), Kyle (guitar/vocals), and Anders (drums), soon became Inward Eye and they now reminisce about their musical beginnings when they would "dance around in our underwear to the Rolling Stones' Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!”, reveals the eldest band-mate Dave.

"The Flaming Lips" – 9/21/10
The Burton Cummings Theater

The Flaming lips are coming to Winnipeg to rock out with their lips out. Join the lips as they treat Winnipeg to one awesome night at the Burton Cummings Theater.

"Made In Manitoba" – 9/21/10
The River Studio
201-478 River Ave
Winnipeg, MB

Please join us for the opening of The River Studio's inaugural group show. "Made in Manitoba" will highlight local artists themed around local subjects. List of showcasing artists TBA.

Interested in submitting? Please visit www.theriverstudio.ca/exhibits to view guidelines.

The Arcade Fire with Guests Calexico – 9/23/10
The MTS Centre
Winnipeg, MB

Looking for a way to kick off fall? Look no further kids, as The Arcade Fire roll into Winnipeg to celebrate the launch of their new album entitled “The Wilderness Downtown” and the first day of fall.

Joining them will be Tucson based band Calexico. Fun times are sure to happen here. Tickets available through ticketmaster.

A NIGHT WITH AIMLESS & ANDY – 10/29/10
http://aimlessandandy.com/
Shannon’s Irish Pub
176 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB

Join UMFM Volunteers Andru Valpy (host of Wake Up Winnipeg) and Paul (Host of Drifter In The Dark) for the three year anniversary of “The Aimless & Andy Show”. This three year anniversary party will be benefiting local charity, and will showcase local talent including all local talent.

Tickets will be available for 5.00 in advance and at the door, with proceeds going to charity. Tickets will also be available for door prizes as well.

Additional details will be announced as we get closer to the date, but be sure to SAVE THE DATE now, as tickets are expected to sell out.

Dehli 2 Dublin – 11/27/10
The West End Cultural Centre
586 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, MB

Monday, November 22
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm
Tickets: $22 Advance | $27 Door
Available at the Ticketmaster, and Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store

To buy online tickets - http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Delhi-2-Dublin-tickets/artist/1474379

What do you get when you ignore all genre sensibilities and just take all your favourite sounds and mix them together? Answer: Delhi 2 Dublin. Born from what they thought would be a one-off performance together at a club in Vancouver, the audience demanded otherwise. Crowds craved their music, an aural fantasyland that blends Celtic, Dub Reggae, Electronica and Bhangra, and much like their dancing feet, Delhi 2 Dublin hasn’t been allowed to slow down since.

............................................................

On today's show, I featured the following tracks:

1) John Mayer - Covered In Rain (Live from ECSU)
2) Inward Eye - Feel Like A Man
3) The Flaming Lips - Aquarius Sabotage

I also updated our listeners with new information released about the fire that occurred just outside Portage Place Mall just last week. Initially, on episode 55 it was reported that the damage caused by the fire was approximately one million dollars.

As reported on today's episode, the estimated total amount of damage was increased to upwards of five million dollars due to flooding caused by the internal sprinkler system in the buildings basement level.

Finally, I sent my sympathies out to the family and friends of Kylie Fay Dawn Armishaw who fell from the 18th floor of colony square earlier this week.

One of my listeners approached me this week and informed me that they were shocked to see footage of the (still being investigated) deceased, being filmed from her balcony on a local news station.

I expressed my concern, and shared with you my shock in hearing this. It is my personal opinion that if such footage exists,, it was shot in bad taste.

If the footage is true, then perhaps this videographer should be reminded of the golden rule in journalism. . . Journalistic Integrity.

Until next week kids, take care.

-Andru.

Wake Up Winnipeg - MANITOBA FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR ASSINIBOINE RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF SHELLMOUTH DAM

Rain Rain, go away. . .

-Av

............................................................
Manitoba News Release
............................................................
August 30, 2010

FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR ASSINIBOINE RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF SHELLMOUTH DAM
- - -
Flood Watch Issued for Interlake, Lake Winnipeg, Swan River, Neepawa and Red Deer Lake Areas

· Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued a flood warning for the Assiniboine Valley immediately downstream of the Shellmouth Dam.

· A flood watch has been issued for the Interlake region, Lake Winnipeg area, Swan River, Neepawa area and the Red Deer Lake region. It includes Fisher River, Arborg, Hecla, Little Grand Rapids, Poplar River, Gypsumville, Minnedosa and Bloodvein River.

· Environment Canada indicates that an unstable weather system from North Dakota is expected to move northeast and produce substantial rainfall of up to 70 millimetres (2.8 inches) in the next
24 hours for portions of southern and central Manitoba.

· Recent storms in these areas have resulted in near saturated soil conditions. Additional rain could result in significant run-off and flash flooding in the next two days.

· There is potential for significant increases in water levels in several streams including Netley Creek and the Little Saskatchewan, Icelandic, Fisher and Bloodvein rivers. However, river levels are expected to remain within banks unless additional heavy rain develops after Tuesday.

Assiniboine River and Shellmouth Reservoir Operation

· The Assiniboine River level immediately downstream of the reservoir is still close to bank-full level. Additional heavy rain will cause river over-bank flows leading to localized flooding affecting other low-lying areas.

· The Shellmouth Reservoir level has remained unchanged in the last 24 hours and stood at 429.86 metres (1,410.318 feet) this morning. The spillway flow is 1,525 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the conduit flow has been reduced to 75 from 200 cfs this afternoon. The total outflow is 1,600 cfs while the computed inflow is 1,725 cfs.

· If the forecasted rainstorm fully develops, the conduit operations will not prevent over-bank flows of the Assiniboine River immediately downstream of the reservoir. Agricultural lands between the reservoir and Russell may flood once again.

An updated flood report will follow as the situation develops. Graphical information on lakes levels is updated regularly and posted at www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/floodinfo/levels_flows.html .


- 30 -

Wake Up Winnipeg - 2010 ABORIGINAL PEOPLES CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2010 ABORIGINAL PEOPLES CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS

Winnipeg MB (August 25, 2010) -- The Manito Ahbee Festival is pleased to announce the nominees for their annual music awards. The full list of nominees is located at the end of this media release.



The 5th annual Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMAs) are handed out in Winnipeg over two nights. The First Night Awards take place on Thursday November 4th. The Awards gala happens Friday November 5th at MTS Centre, and is broadcast live on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).


THE NOMINATION PROCESS

Online voting to select nominees took place from July 14th to August 18th. More than 31,000 votes were cast by music fans and music industry stakeholders to select nominees in the 22 categories, with results tabulated by Meyers Norris Penny. Submissions for voting consideration were received from 134 artists representing Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, NWT, and the US.

SELECTING THE WINNERS

The final round of voting to select the winners for 2010 begins August 25th at 11:00am CST and ends October 6th at 11:50pm CST. Results will once again be tabulated by Meyers Norris Penny, and the winners announced November 4th and 5th. Award winners are chosen by music fans who register online. Registration for the APCMAs is free, with an easy sign-up process available on the website. www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com

ABOUT MANITO AHBEE

The Manito Ahbee Festival celebrates and showcases Aboriginal music, art and culture. The 5th annual festival takes place in Winnipeg from November 3 to 7, 2010. Manito Ahbee – which means ‘where the Creator sits’ – honours a sacred site in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park where Aboriginal people have gathered for hundreds of years to share teachings and wisdom. There are several petroforms at this site including one shaped like a turtle that represents Turtle Island, another name for North America. Manito Ahbee was recognized in 2007 with Travel Manitoba’s Tourism Award in the category of Aboriginal Tourism. The Board of Governors, staff and organizers of Manito Ahbee express deep gratitude for all participants, supporters and communities who have come together to make the festival what it is today. www.manitoahbee.com


LIST OF NOMINEES FOR THE

2010 ABORIGINAL PEOPLES CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS:


Aboriginal Female Entertainer of the Year
Andrea Menard
Inez
Shy-Anne



Aboriginal Male Entertainer of the Year

Billy Joe Green
Joey Stylez
Shane Yellowbird

Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year

Diyet
Don Amero
Inez
Joey Stylez
Lucie Idlout

Best Aboriginal Music Radio Station/Program

Ab-Originals
Across Turtle Island
National Aboriginal Music Countdown (NCI fm)

Best Album Cover Design

Blackfoot Confederacy | Hail to the Chiefs
Bonnie Couchie | Feather for an Elephant
Chippewa Travellers | All My Relations: Kina naag dawen daagnak
Don Amero | Deepening
Jason Burnstick | Where The Blood Mixes
Best Blues CD
Curt Young | Edge of Shadow
Digging Roots | We Are
The Pappy Johns Blues Band | Havin’ A Good Time Now



Best Country CD

Darrelyne Bickel | M.I.A
Desiree Dorion | Soul Back Jack
Jerry Sereda | Campground Cowboy
Kimberley Dawn | Built That Way
Shane Yellowbird | It’s About Time

Best Duo or Group
Black Rain
Digging Roots
Eagle & Hawk
Eric & Winston Wuttunee
The Johnnys
Winnipeg’s Most


Best Fiddle CD

Alex Lamoureux | Groove
Jacinthe Trudeau | Jacinthe Trudeau
JJ Lavallee | A Fiddle Bit of This & A Fiddle Bit of That
Ryan Keplin | Fiddling Lefty Twist
The Gaudry Boys | The Acadian Jig



Best Folk / Acoustic CD

Asani | Listen
Gabriel Ayala | Portraits
Jason Burnstick | Home To Abbey
Kristi Lane Sinclair | I Love You
Leela Gilday | Calling All Warriors


Best Gospel CD

Brian Stoner | Ponca Hymns
Darrell “Boots” McCallum | Rejoicing In Cree II
Darrell “Boots” McCallum | The Old Country Church
Philip Flett | Prophets of Old
Yvonne St. Germaine | My Jesus I Love Thee



Best Hand Drum CD

Big River Cree | Songs From The Healing Lodge
Fawn & Dallas | ‘Til The End
Nakoa Heavyrunner | No Borders
Quinton Tootoosis | Round Dance Love
Red Bull | Fans Favorite Round Dance


Best Music Video

Andrea Menard | Evergreen
Buffy Sainte Marie | No No Keshegesh
Digging Roots | Spring To Come
George Leach | You Got It
Janet Panic | Out on a Limb
Kinnie Starr | It’s All You


Best New Artist

Bitterly Divine
Bonnie Couchie
Joey Stylez
Missy Knott
Winnipeg’s Most



Best Peyote CD

Cecile Moosomin | A Time For Healing
Lance Crowe & Edmond Poochay | First Nations Ceremonial Church Peyote Songs Volume 1
Louie Gonnie | Rhythms Within a Turquoise Dream
Sacred Harmonies | Dakota/Lakota Traditional Church Songs
Wanita Bird | For Our Children Volume 2



Best Pop CD

Don Amero | Deepening

Jana Mashonee | New Moon Born
Joey Stylez | The Black Star
Missy Knott | For No Reason At All...
Shy-Anne | Pseudo



Best Pow Wow CD - Contemporary

Bad Nation | About Time
Cree Confederation | Pakosiyimitan
Eyabay | A Tribute to Hayna Fatz

Red Bull | Live in Minnesota
The Boyz | Boys Will Always Be Boyz


Best Producer/Engineer

Billy Joe Green
Eagle & Hawk
Kristi Lane Sinclair
Lucie Idlout
Shy-Anne

Wab Kinew


Best Rap / Hip Hop CD

Filthy Animals | Sounds of Nature
Reddnation | Grown Folk Muzik
Skelpa Squad | The Thief & Counzil
Winnipeg’s Most | Winnipeg’s Most
Young Kidd | 10x10


Best Rock CD

Black Rain | Under The Gun
Colette Trudeau | Colette Trudeau
Eagle & Hawk | The Great Unknown
Lucie Idlout | Swagger
Wayne Lavallee | Trail of Tears



Single of the Year

Joey Stylez | Kool Runnin
Shane Yellowbird | Barefeet On The Blacktop
Shy-Anne | Pseudo
Winnipeg’s Most | All That I Know
Young Kidd | Hometown


-- 30 --

Manitoba News Release - GRAND OPENING OF THE NEWLY RENOVATED AND EXPANDED NORTH CENTENNIAL RECREATION AND LEISURE FACILITY

............................................................
Manitoba News Release
............................................................
August 13, 2010

COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF THE NEWLY RENOVATED AND EXPANDED NORTH CENTENNIAL RECREATION AND LEISURE FACILITY

Winnipeg, MB—Minister of State (Democratic Reform) Steven Fletcher, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino, and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz today participated in a community celebration to officially open the North Centennial Recreation & Leisure Facility at 90 Sinclair St.

"Our government is proud to have supported improvements to the North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Facility, which will help to improve the community's recreational infrastructure and stimulate the local economy. We believe it is important that the community have access to safe and accessible recreational facilities" said Minister Fletcher.

"Recreation centres are important to increasing sports and exercise opportunities for kids. They help them get active, make friends, and learn new pastimes, many that last a lifetime," said Minister Marcelino. "Our investments in recreation centres are important to improving neighbourhoods by creating opportunities to boost the health and well-being of families."

"This facility will not only provide our citizens with a positive healthy alternative and recreational opportunities, but will also meet Silver LEED standards reducing our environmental imprint and will provide an environmentally sustainable facility for the betterment of our community," said Mayor Sam Katz. "By working with all levels of government, Council has remained committed to improving our city's recreational infrastructure across our City and I look forward to many more positive initiatives in the future."

The North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Facility is the city's newly renovated and expanded community gathering place located in Old Exhibition Park.

A sustainable design and construction strategy was used for the North Centennial, targeting a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. The LEED rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase efficiency, reduce the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improve occupant health and well-being.

The 17,657-square-foot addition includes a 6,000-square-foot gymnasium, a weight room, a teaching kitchen, a classroom and a studio. The 50-metre renovated pool features a sloped entry to allow easy access for everyone. The new specialty change area includes a common locker room and four individual change rooms that are accessible and feature a transfer bench, lift, shower, sink and toilet.

The $7,526,667 expansion and renovation of the facility is a tri-level partnership between the Government of Canada the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The Government of Canada contributed $226,667 through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC). Through the Manitoba-Winnipeg Recreation and Leisure Infrastructure Program, the Province contributed $2.52 million and the City of Winnipeg $3.78 million in funding. An additional $208,000 comes from the City of Winnipeg Accessibility Program, and $792,000 in City of Winnipeg Capital funding.

- 30 -

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 54

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 54

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 08/12/2010 in iTunes. - 11:30 PM CST
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 8/18/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

This week, was a busy busy week for me. Lot's of exploring and discovering. Oh, and learning of course!

It started off with a visit to The Noble Thiefs at the Standard Tavern on Saturday night where fellow UMFM Host "Kablaamo" and I had a chance to rock out and enjoy the amazing Friday night event.

Pictures may be found on OUR FACEBOOK FANPAGE. We'll be posting more pictures of Les Sexy very soon!

Then, as mentioned on last weeks episode I had the chance to check out the First Nations Pavilion as part of The Folklorama Series, an ongoing world-wide tour. . . right in our own back-yard.



The First Nations Pavilion was amazing, and well run for a first year pavilion. The Audience enjoyed stories, Native Dancing, and amazing food from the band of nations that worked closely together to bring you this event.

Following that, I took a trip down memory lane and interviewed Anupam and friends from last years India Pavilion. This stems from my Tuesday night visit to the 2010 India Pavilion.

(Photo of the 2010 India Pavilion Live on Location - Photo: Andru Valpy)

As they discussed on last years interview, this years pavilion took us around India, and explored the wonderful diversity, culture and hospitality that India is internationally known for.

You can expect a full report on this pavilion, and the First Nations Pavilion (complete with photographs) later on in the week.

Moving on in our journeys together, Aimless Paul (host of Drifter In The Dark Radio) and I checked out the Irish-Ireland Pavilion back in 2007 as we were hosting The Aimless & Andy Show After Hours, when we were back on UMFM.

Next up, we move down to the Cuban/African Pavilion from 2007 and catch up with Asanti who was the youth ambassador at the time, and his favorite part of the Pavilion.

Finally, we scooted on down to The Cuban Pavilion, in 2007 and talked to their adult ambassador Harold, who describes the spice and heat that their pavilion brings each year to it's visitors.

Paul and I had a chance to eat while at the Cuban Pavilion, and we discussed the food, beverage and the performance.

The common message of all of the Folklorama volunteers I come into contact with, is the community spirit, pride and joint efforts that is put into each pavilion every year. The end results speak for themselves, as fun and adventure are delivered to guests who come in from all around the world to explore Winnipeg's amazing cultural scene.


Finally, I rode on the Down Town Spirit bus on Monday of this week as part of the Down Town Biz/Winnipeg Transit "spirit week", and aired my interview with Philomena and talked to Stephanie from the Down Town Winnipeg Biz who taught us a little more about this weeks events.

All and all it was an awesome week for me, and I loved learning about the various ethnic scenes that Winnipeg is known for.

I played two tracks after our show, including:

1) illScarlett - Take It For Granted (who are coming on Saturday)
2) Michael Buble - Lost (Who is Coming on Friday)

This Episode will air again next week, and will be found in iTunes shortly after we air.

Keep your eyes to our fan-page and twitter for more entertainment and news as it happens!

Rock on,

-Andru

Wake Up Winnipeg - Manitoba News Release - MANITOBA ADDS NEW DRUGS TO PHARMACARE FOR CANCER, DIABETES, HIV AND DEPRESSION

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Manitoba News Release
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August 11, 2010

MANITOBA ADDS NEW DRUGS TO PHARMACARE FOR CANCER, DIABETES, HIV AND DEPRESSION
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Eight New Drugs, 29 New Generics Now Covered; Generic Pricing Framework Achieving Savings for Manitobans: Oswald

Manitobans with serious medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, depression, hypertension, glaucoma, HIV and hepatitis B will benefit from new, effective treatment options now covered by the province's pharmacare program, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.

"We continue to seek safe, cost-effective generic alternatives to brand-name drugs and use the savings to expand the list of other life-improving drugs," said Oswald. "For example, the province is able to offset the costs of the cancer treatment agent Revlimid through savings from the use of other new generic drugs."

Previously, Revlimid was approved for reimbursement only on a case-by-case basis. It will now be approved for coverage through the Exception Drug Status (EDS) program for individuals who meet established criteria suffering from multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.

The eight new therapeutic drugs added to the province's pharmacare program are:

· Revlimid, an oral cancer agent;

· Apidra, insulin for diabetes;

· Cymbalta, for depression and diabetic neuropathic pain;

· Coversyl Plus HD, for hypertension;

· Volibris, for pulmonary arterial hypertension;

· Azarga, for glaucoma;

· Viread, for HIV and hepatitis B; and

· Yaz, an oral contraceptive.

Earlier this year, a generic version of the most prescribed high blood-pressure medicine in the world, amlodipine besylate, was added to pharmacare. At that time, Manitoba secured the best published price in the country, resulting in significant long-term savings for Manitobans, the minister said. The price has now been lowered for Manitobans by adding a second generic version. A total of 29 generic drugs are being added to the list of drugs approved for coverage in Manitoba, resulting in annual savings of more than $2 million. These changes come into effect Sept. 9.

The province has added 2,500 new drugs to the approved pharmacare list since 1999. The average annual benefit paid to pharmacare recipients has more than doubled in that time to $2,726 (as of 2008-09).

The Manitoba Pharmacare Program is a universal prescription drug benefit program available for any Manitoban whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs. Pharmacare covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs once the annual income-based deductible is reached, regardless of age or medical condition. In the 2008-09 fiscal year, $229 million was invested in pharmacare.

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