19th Feb 2012 “Winterpeg”

Canadians call Winnipeg “Winterpeg” for good reason. It is one of the coldest regions in southern Canada. When I arrived it was about -25 deg C, despite the sun shining brightly. You know it is cold when you can feel the hairs in your nose freezing up. Winnipeg is a city of about 700,000 people. At the turn of the century it was the largest and fastest growing city in Canada, and was a major trade route, firstly for furs and then later grain. Since then it has stagnated and now has a relatively low per capita income compared to other Canadian provinces, due largely to the oil and gas boom. It is an interesting sight to see mountains of snow piled up on the sides of city streets and in front of buildings. Along the streets after a fresh snowfall, it soon turns from a brilliant fresh pure white to a dirty ugly brown as it mixes with pollution and salt used to de ice the streets. This gives the city a somewhat dirty unkempt look.