Golf course ad campaign under scrutiny again

The controversial Responsible Winnipeg ad campaign is under scrutiny again but the mayor feels the matter has been dealt with and is done.

At Wednesday'sexecutive policy committee (EPC), Couns. Paula Havixbeck and Harvey Smithmade a motion callingfor a review of the city-backed campaign that urged Winnipeggers to lobby councillors to get out of the municipal golf business.

As well, Couns. Jenny Gerbasi and Ross Eadie made a motionasking the city to develop criteria for how the mayor's office, EPC and the communications department spend money.

They saidcouncillors should have been informed about the Responsible Winnipeg campaign.

Havixbeck spoke about the need for more openness in government and Coun. Dan Vandal called the Responsible Winnipeg campaign sloppy.

However, Vandal added,he appreciated the speed with whichKatz put out the list of costs.

Both motions were simply received as information, which means they will go to administration for consideration. There are no dates as to if or when any decisions will be made.

Ad campaign criticized

The $90,000ad campaign featured billboard, newspaper and transit bus ads. The originalads, however, failed to contain any indication they were from theCity of Winnipeg.

Theyclaimed to be from a group called "Responsible Winnipeg" which gave the impression it was a citizen group, when it was in fact the city's Office of Policy Development and Communications.

The golf course plan called on councillors to privatize theoperation of four courses Kildonan Park, Windsor Park, Crescent Drive and Harbour View and sell off theJohn Blumberg one.

The city's auditors claimedfewer golfers are playing at the public courses, helping lead to a loss of about $836,530 in 2011.

But the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) insisted the courses make money and should continue to be controlled by the city.

The privatization plan was ultimately voted down at council on May 29, though council did approve a plan to declare John Blumberg as surplus, meaning the city can entertain offers from potential buyers.