WINNIPEG: A freedom of information (FOI) request filed by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has revealed that the City of Winnipeg's Parking Authority spent "$23,010 on promotional signage, key rings, folding chairs, pens, labels, vehicle dashboard accessories, stress balls, glassware, travel mugs, pens and vehicle visor clips" in 2006.

"Whoever liked a parking garage so much that they wanted a souvenir folding chair " asked CTF-Manitoba director Colin Craig. "City of Winnipeg parking garages require millions in structural repairs and the Parking Authority is out buying stress balls "

"The City should stop using tax dollars on such waste and get out of the parking garage business altogether" continued Craig.

The CTF's FOI request also revealed that that no promotional material has been purchased since the first batch in 2006 as the current stock should last for "approximately seven years". However, a visit to the Winnipeg Parking Authority's "Parking Store" (495 Portage Ave) to obtain pricing on the products was unsuccessful. Although the products were purchased in 2006, an employee informed the CTF that "they haven't been priced yet".

"In 2006, they bought seven years worth of product and still haven't decided what they're going to charge for them I wonder how long a corner store would last with that type of management " questioned Craig.

A copy of the FOI request can be downloaded here.