Patrick Harney

Rochester

Staff Reporter at Daily Messenger

NOW Reporter at Gannett

Newly minted staff reporter @messengerpost. Formerly freelance with @RBJdaily, @585mag, etc. Tips? [email protected]

Articles

Jollof rice and other favourites at D&Ds, new restaurant in Winnipeg's West End

Jan 21, 2025 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

Walking down through the West End, it’s hard not to feel awe at the plethora of choices when it comes to sampling authentic global cuisines. From Filipino, to Mexican, Indian and Vietnamese foods, there is no lack of variety for those wanting a taste of home or something new. Located at 789 Ellice Ave, D&D Afrikana is a new restaurant bringing the tastes of West Africa to Winnipeg.
Owners would rather see properties “sit empty, vacant - instead of lowering the rent and having somebody in there and paying,” says cafe owner

Jan 21, 2025 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

Goodlands vegan restaurant served locals, and visitorsGood Lands Cafe on 679 Sargent Avenue closed its doors on Dec. 21st, 2024. Good Lands Cafe, run by Bassam Hozaima, was an entirely plant-based Middle Eastern restaurant, serving falafel, vegan shawarma, coffee and desserts. “Some restaurants offer a few vegan items on the menu, but they have to make sure that the item they are ordering is vegan,” Hozaima says.
Incredible improbable Winnipeg film on its way to the Academy Awards

Jan 21, 2025 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

A Winnipeg director’s attempt to speak to an international audience combining the language of Winnipeg and Iran’s iconography is in contention to be heard at the Academy Awards. Universal Language is the latest offering from Winnipeg director Matthew Rankin.
Winterruption brightens up a frigid Winnipeg winter-draws artists who wouldn't otherwise 'make the trip'...

Jan 21, 2025 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

‘Tipsy TED talks,’ good music on the menu if you can get yourself out the door ... From Jan. 22nd to 26th, Real Love Winnipeg and the West End Cultural Centre is putting on a Winterruption, a winter music festival in venues across the city. The festival presents an opportunity for Winnipeggers to interrupt the intense winter cold with an eruption of performing artists.
Community Connections closed at Library

Jan 20, 2025 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

Daniel McIntyre Councillor Cindy Gilroy brought forward a motion to reinstate the funding for the Millenium library’s Community Connections program at the Jan. 6th City Centre Community Committee meeting, which was unanimously moved to the Standing Comittee on Public Works. “We’re moving backwards, not forwards, in terms of how we need to deal with addiction and mental health in the city,” Coun. Gilroy says.
Gordon Bell School retrofit to set example across country

Jan 20, 2025 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

Renovations underway at Gordon Bell highschool are bringing modern energy efficiency and style to its building, but is also serving a higher purpose. Upgrades to the school’s internal and external structures are meant to set a national precedent for energy retrofits across the country in Canadian highschools, and similar structures of its era. The ongoing retrofit at Gordon Bell High School will radically improve the school’s environmental footprint and improve student’s educational experience.
New art looks to the future

Dec 9, 2024 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

After three years of planning and painting, a new mural covers the side of West End Resource Centre (WERC). Painted by local artist Jen Mosienko with assistance from Emmit McGregor, it is a radiant portrayal of five individuals in eye-catching colours looking towards the future. The mural is one of 600 put up around the city by Take Pride Winnipeg! as a part of the organization’s commitment to beautifying the city.
‘We really want to support whoever’s doing something in the city’ - new performance venue Public Domain

Dec 9, 2024 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

Despite still being in a ‘beta period’, a new bar and venue located at 633 Portage Ave., Public Domain, has hit the ground running since opening in October. Public Domain’s strong first month is no surprise as the business is owned by former Good Will co-owners and associates, Tom Elvers, Cam Loeppky, Mike Requiema and Abi Torquato. “When that business closed down, I think there was always a plan to open up a new spot,” General Manager Brenden Gali says.
Hindu temple and cultural centre gets new facade, expands centre

Dec 9, 2024 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

After two years of planning and two more years of construction, the Hindu Temple & Cultural Centre at the corner of Ellice Ave. and Burnell St. has undergone a modernization. With a new facade, windows, an elevator and commercial kitchen, the $1.8 million dollar renovation means the temple is poised to host its hundreds of attendees, both now and far into the future. “As long as it serves the purpose of the community, we’re happy,” said Renovations committee chair Rao Atmuri.
Province commits to continue RGI agreements, support nonprofit housing

Dec 9, 2024 | thespec.com | Patrick Harney

Pablito Agasino, Manitoba Housing’s Executive Director of Portfolio Management, says that Manitoba Housing is now in a position to begin signing new rent geared to income (RGI) and non-profit housing agreements. Over the past ten years, there have been worries among non-profit housing groups and providers regarding the end of operating agreements between nonprofits and Manitoba Housing.