Pagtakhan returns to EPC

WINNIPEG – The mayor’s inner circle received a make- over as Mayor Sam Katz shuffled people on the six-member Executive Policy Committee (EPC).

Pt. Douglas Councillor Mike Pagtakhan returns to the mayor’s cabinet after an absence of two years. Pagtakhan is now in charge of downtown development and the Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee. “I’m looking forward to my new assignment as Chair of Downtown Development. Creating opportunities for housing in downtown Winnipeg is a priority for me as well as working with Centre Venture Development Corp, The Forks North Portage Partnership and the Downtown & Exchange District BIZ’s to revitalize our downtown,” said Pagtakhan.

St. Norbert Councillor Justin Swandel, who until recently chaired property and development, takes on a heavier role as the Chair of the Finance Committee and Chair of Alternate Service Delivery. He has also been appointed the new Deputy Mayor. The former Deputy Mayor Brenda Leipsic has been on leave from her City Hall office due to an illness.

The EPC makes recommendations to the city council on very important city matters such as budgets, policies and bylaws.

The Executive Policy Committee will be composed of the following six members: Coun. Bill Clement (Charleswood - Tuxedo) – Chair of Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works; Coun. Scott Fielding (St. James - Brooklands) – Chair of Property & Development; Coun. Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) – Chair, Downtown Development, and Chair of the Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee; Coun. Gord Steeves (St. Vital) – Chair of Protection and Community Services, Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Acting Deputy Mayor; Coun. Justin Swandel (St. Norbert) – Deputy Mayor, Chair of Finance, Chair of Alternate Service Delivery (ASD); Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) – Secretary of Strategic Infrastructure Renewal.

In addition to the EPC appointments, other members of Council will oversee the following responsibilities: Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) - Youth Ambassador, councillor responsible for the Kansas City Economic Partnership; Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry) – Chair of the Mayor’s Environmental Advisory Committee; Coun. Grant Nordman (St. Charles) – Chair of the Seniors Advisory Committee, councillor responsible for Assiniboine Park governance, councillor responsible for Corporate Sponsorship; Mayor Sam Katz - Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Opportunities.

The membership of all Standing Policy Committees will be finalized during the November 5th organizational meeting of City Council.