View source for Sam Katz

{{Short description|Canadian businessman and former politician}}
{{Other uses}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{sprotected2}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2011}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name             = Sam Katz
| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OM|size=100%}}
| image            = SamKatz.jpg
| caption          = 
| order            = 42nd
| office           = Mayor of Winnipeg
| term_start       = June 22, 2004
| term_end         = November 3, 2014
| predecessor      = [[Glen Murray (politician)|Glen Murray]]
| successor        = [[Brian Bowman (politician)|Brian Bowman]]
| birth_name       = Samuel Michael Katz
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1951|8|20}}
| birth_place      = [[Rehovot]], Israel
| residence        = [[Winnipeg]], [[Manitoba]], Canada
| party            = Independent
| nationality      = Canadian
| children         = 2
| occupation       = {{hlist|Real estate developer|theatre producer}}
| alma_mater       = [[University of Manitoba]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
}}

'''Samuel Michael Katz''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OM}} (born August 20, 1951) is a Canadian businessman and former politician who was the 42nd mayor of [[Winnipeg]], Manitoba from 2004 to 2014.<ref name="Bio">{{cite web|url=http://samkatz.ca/htmlfiles/ABOUT_SAM/about.asp|title=About Sam|access-date=July 1, 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070623034919/http://www.samkatz.ca/htmlfiles/ABOUT_SAM/about.asp |archive-date = June 23, 2007}}</ref> He is the owner of the [[Winnipeg Goldeyes]] of the [[American Association of Professional Baseball|American Association]], as well as the [[Ottawa Titans]] of the [[Frontier League]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ottawa Titans: Everything you need to know about Ottawa's pro baseball team |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa-titans-everything-you-need-to-know-about-ottawas-pro-baseball-team |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513192304/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa-titans-everything-you-need-to-know-about-ottawas-pro-baseball-team |archive-date=May 13, 2025 |access-date=2025-05-25 |work=ottawacitizen |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> He was owner of the [[Winnipeg Thunder]] and served as president of the short-lived [[National Basketball League (Canada)|National Basketball League]].

== Life before mayorship ==
Katz was born in [[Rehovot]], Israel. He emigrated to Winnipeg in November 1951 as an infant with his parents, Chaim and Zena Katz, and his older brother, David, and was raised in North Winnipeg.<ref name="Jewish Post">{{cite news | url=http://www.jewishpostandnews.com/samkatz.html | title=Sam Katz, Winnipeg's first Jewish mayor, expressed mixed feelings on election night | publisher=[[The Jewish Post and News]] | first=Matt | last=Bellan | access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060514165624/http://www.jewishpostandnews.com/samkatz.html |archive-date = May 14, 2006}}</ref> Shortly after graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the [[University of Manitoba]], he opened a retail clothing store in [[Brandon, Manitoba]].<ref name="Jewish Post" /> Throughout his career he continued his entrepreneurial ventures in real estate and entertainment.<ref name="Jewish Post" /> His entertainment company, Showtime Productions Inc., brought artists such as [[Tina Turner]], the [[Rolling Stones]], and [[Paul McCartney]], and musicals such as ''[[Evita (musical)|Evita]]'', ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' and ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)|The Phantom of the Opera]]'' to Winnipeg.<ref name="Jewish Post" /><ref name="Winnipeg Press Club">{{cite web |url = http://www.winnipegpressclub.org/past.htm |title = Past Recipients of the President's Award |publisher = Winnipeg Press Club |access-date = July 1, 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050913032319/http://www.winnipegpressclub.org/past.htm |archive-date = September 13, 2005|df= mdy-all}}</ref>

In 1994, he brought professional baseball back to Winnipeg with the [[Winnipeg Goldeyes]], who now play in the [[American Association of Independent Professional Baseball|American Association]].<ref name="Winnipeg Press Club" /> Through this franchise, he arranged for the construction and success of [[Shaw Park]] in 1999.<ref name="Winnipeg Press Club" /> Katz was also founder of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation,<ref name="Lieutenant Governor">{{cite web | url=http://lg.gov.mb.ca/activities/news/2004/eleven.html | title=News Release: Eleven Manitobans to receive Order of Manitoba | publisher=[[Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba]] | date=July 15, 2004 | access-date=July 2, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060228185843/http://lg.gov.mb.ca/activities/news/2004/eleven.html |archive-date = February 28, 2006}}</ref> an organization that has donated more than a $900,000 to children's charities and non-profit organizations in Manitoba.<ref name="Field of dreams">{{cite web | url=http://www.goldeyes.com/pages/fieldDreams/index.asp | title=Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation | access-date=July 2, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070518050116/http://www.goldeyes.com/pages/fieldDreams/index.asp |archive-date = May 18, 2007}}</ref>

== Mayor of Winnipeg (2004-2014) ==
On June 22, 2004, Katz was elected mayor of Winnipeg,<ref name="Jewish Post" /> beating [[Dan Vandal]], Al Golden, and [[MaryAnn Mihychuk]] and receiving [[Results of mayoral elections in Winnipeg#2004 mayoral election|42%]] of the vote.<ref name="CBC">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/katz-wins-mayoral-race-1.503546
 | title=Katz wins mayoral race
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=June 23, 2004
 | access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> This came after [[Glen Murray (politician)|Glen Murray]]'s resignation as mayor to run in the [[2004 Canadian federal election|2004 federal election]].<ref name="CBC" />

Katz was reelected in the [[2006 Manitoba municipal elections#Winnipeg|2006 elections]] with 61.60% of the vote. He was elected to a third term in the [[2010 Manitoba municipal elections#Winnipeg|2010 elections]] with 55% of the vote.<ref name="Election results">{{cite web
 | url=http://www.winnipeg.ca/Clerks/pdfs/elections/2006election/E06Results.pdf
 | title=City of Winnipeg 2006 Election Results
 | pages=8
 | date=October 26, 2006
 | access-date=July 2, 2007}}</ref>

=== Mayoral decisions ===

====Aboriginal Community====
Katz assumed the role of Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Affairs in 2008.<ref name="News Release">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=18546
 | title=City of Winnipeg and MMF Partner to Create Job Opportunities
 | publisher=[[Nation Talk]]
 | date=March 6, 2006
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>
In 2009, Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand and Sam Katz launched “It’s My Community Too”.<ref name="News Release"/> Katz pledged $3 million for aboriginal youth over three years beginning in 2009.<ref name="Mayor pledges property-tax freeze for Winnipeg">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/mayor-pledges-property-tax-freeze-for-winnipeg-1.778488
 | title=Mayor pledges property-tax freeze for Winnipeg
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=January 30, 2009
 | access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref>

====Advisory boards====
Katz created the Mayor's Seniors Advisory Committee in 2007.<ref name="National and Provincial Advisory Committee Updates">{{cite news
 |url=http://www.jeffbrowaty.com/news_det.asp?ID=1946
 |title=National and Provincial Advisory Committee Updates
 |publisher=[[Canadian Centre on Disability Studies]]
 |date=October 2007
 |access-date=June 2, 2009
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713095634/http://www.jeffbrowaty.com/news_det.asp?ID=1946
 |archive-date=July 13, 2011
 |df=mdy
}}</ref>
<ref name="Mayor Sam Katz Announces Seniors Advisory Committee">{{cite news
 |url=http://www.jeffbrowaty.com/news_det.asp?ID=1946
 |title=Mayor Sam Katz Announces Seniors Advisory Committee
 |publisher=[[Jeff Browaty Press Release]]
 |date=October 27, 2007
 |access-date=May 29, 2009
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713095634/http://www.jeffbrowaty.com/news_det.asp?ID=1946
 |archive-date=July 13, 2011
 |df=mdy
}}</ref>
Katz also created the citizen-led Police Advisory Board.<ref name="12 Winnipeggers named to police advisory board">{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/12-winnipeggers-named-to-police-advisory-board-1.668306
 | title=12 Winnipeggers named to police advisory board
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=December 14, 2007
 | access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref>
Councillors Jenny Gerbasi, Mike Pagtakhan, Harvey Smith, Lillian Thomas and Dan Vandal voted in opposition to this board because it meets behind closed doors.<ref name="Laying down the law">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/historic/32450589.html
 | title=Laying down the law
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=September 27, 2007
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> In 2009, Katz hosted ''Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg''. This symposium was a surprise to some residents because Katz has been critiqued for his approach to the environment and sustainability.<ref name="Katz symposium on development stirs optimism">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/katz-symposium-on-development-stirs-optimism-43733267.html
 | title=Katz symposium on development stirs optimism
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=April 26, 2009
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>

====Economy====
In 2005, Katz cut the business tax by 20%.<ref name="Improving Our City's Competitiveness">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/eoc/eocFinalReport.pdf
 | title=Improving Our City's Competitiveness
 | publisher=[[Final Report of the Economic Opportunity Commission]]
 | date=June 22, 2007
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> Katz created a Special Events Marketing Fund for conferences and special events.<ref name="City to Establish Special Event Marketing Fund">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipeg.ca/cao/media/news/nr_2008/nr_20080926.stm
 | title=City to Establish Special Event Marketing Fund
 | publisher=[[City of Winnipeg Press Release]]
 | date=September 26, 2008
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>

====Efficiency at City Hall====
First, the Mayor's Red Tape Commission recommended 30 recommendations to cut [[red tape]].<ref name="Mayor hands red-tape scissors to new councillor">{{cite news
 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/mayor-hands-red-tape-scissors-to-new-councillor-1.637751
 | title=Mayor hands red-tape scissors to new councillor
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=February 20, 2007
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref><ref name="2008 State of the City Speech">
{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/pdfs/mayors_office/StateOfTheCity2008.pdf
 | title=2008 State of the City Speech
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=January 26, 2008
 | access-date=May 29, 2009
 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928021536/http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/pdfs/mayors_office/StateOfTheCity2008.pdf
 | archive-date=September 28, 2011
 | url-status=dead
 | df=mdy-all
 }}
</ref> One of the recommendations of the commission was to implement ''311''. It was operational by January 2009.<ref name="City to create 311 hotline for non-emergencies">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/city-to-create-311-hotline-for-non-emergencies-1.842068
 | title=City to create 311 hotline for non-emergencies
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=January 8, 2009
 | access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref><ref name="311 plan awaits first call">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/311_plan_awaits_first_call.html | title=311 plan awaits first call
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=January 2, 2009
 | access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref> Expenditures have been posted on Winnipeg.ca since 2007.<ref name="2008 State of the City Speech"/><ref name="Katz renews call for transparency">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/katz-renews-call-for-transparency-43866902.html
 | title= Katz renews call for transparency
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=April 28, 2009
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> In 2009, Katz unveiled ''Plan Winnipeg'', a 25-year blueprint for the future.<ref name="Sam Katz addresses the city: Full Speech">{{cite news
 | url=https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/sam-katz-addresses-the-city-full-speech-1.365052
 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115094506/http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/sam-katz-addresses-the-city-full-speech-1.365052
 | url-status=dead
 | archive-date=January 15, 2013
 | title=Sam Katz addresses the city: Full Speech
 | publisher=[[CTV News]]
 | date=January 29, 2009
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Katz outlines plan for city’s future">{{cite news
 | url= http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/null38687662.html
 | title= Katz outlines plan for city's future
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=January 29, 2009
 | access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref>

====Environment====
In 2008, Katz committed to a 20% reduction in corporate municipal greenhouse gases.<ref name="2008 State of the City Speech"/><ref name="Gases gone at the stroke of a pen">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Gases-gone-at-stroke-of-pen38212854.html
 | title= Gases gone at the stroke of a pen
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=January 23, 2009
 | access-date=June 1, 2009}}</ref> In April 2009 a ''Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg'' was held and kicked off www.speakupwinnipeg.com, a collaborative approach to city planning that is socially, environmentally and financially sustainable.<ref name="Katz symposium on development stirs optimism"/><ref name="Our Winnipeg: SpeakUpWinnipeg">{{cite news
 | url= http://www.winnipegarts.ca/index.php?/wac/article/223/
 | title= Our Winnipeg: SpeakUpWinnipeg | publisher=[[Winnipeg Arts Council]]
 | date=April 2009
 | access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref>

====Infrastructure====
The Province of Manitoba and The City of Winnipeg negotiated a new infrastructure agreement with the Federal Government and the Provincial Government that included an increase of $50 million over two years (2006–08).<ref name="$167-million federal gas tax boost for roads, sewers, transit">{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/article/20051122700
 |title        = $167-million federal gas tax boost for roads, sewers, transit
 |publisher    = [[Daily Commercial News]]
 |date         = April 26, 2009
 |access-date  = November 22, 2005
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708221252/http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/article/20051122700
 |archive-date = July 8, 2011
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Katz endorses the use of P3s (Public, Private Partnership) to fund roads, bridges and paths. This method is reported to have ensured the Charleswood Bridge project (completed in 1995 during Mayor Susan Thompson's term) was built on time and on budget. (Katz had nothing to do with the Charleswood Bridge project, which long preceded his involvement in City Hall.)<ref name="Katz proposes 'P3' funding for new police stations">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/katz-proposes-p3-funding-for-new-police-stations-1.608894
 | title=Katz proposes 'P3' funding for new police stations
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=October 4, 2006
 | access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref>

====Property taxes====
In 2009, Katz pledged to keep property taxes in Winnipeg frozen for the 12th straight year.<ref name="Mayor pledges property-tax freeze for Winnipeg"/> The policy was applauded by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, but has been criticized by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, which, in their 2010 Alternative Budget, said "the semblance of a property tax freeze is only made possible with less transparent tax increases to pick up the slack of fiscal irresponsibility."<ref name="20/20: A Clear Vision for Winnipeg
2010 - Alternative Municipal Budget">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/2020-clear-vision-winnipeg
 | title=20/20: A Clear Vision for Winnipeg 2010 – Alternative Municipal Budget
 | publisher=[[Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives]]
 | date=September 9, 2010
 | access-date=October 5, 2010}}</ref>

====Recreation====
Katz supported an indoor soccer facility in The City of Winnipeg.<ref name="Winnipeg's Soccer Enthusiasts to Enjoy New Indoor Complex at The University of Manitoba in 2008">{{cite news
 |url=http://www.infrastructure.mb.ca/en/news07_0917.html
 |title=Winnipeg's Soccer Enthusiasts to Enjoy New Indoor Complex at The University of Manitoba in 2008
 |publisher=[[Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs]]
 |date=September 17, 2007
 |access-date=May 29, 2009
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821175351/http://www.infrastructure.mb.ca/en/news07_0917.html
 |archive-date=August 21, 2009
 |df=mdy
}}</ref> Although controversial, he also championed having a waterpark in Winnipeg.<ref name="City's new water park dries up">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/citys-new-water-park-dries-up-43961907.html
 | title=City's new water park dries up
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=April 29, 2009
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>

====Safety====
Katz welcomed a bylaw enacted in 2005 to restrict aggressive panhandling.<ref name="Mayor Katz welcomes aggressive panhandling bylaw">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipeg.ca/cao/media/news/nr_2005/nr_20050613a.stm
 | title=Mayor Katz welcomes aggressive panhandling bylaw
 | publisher=[[City of Winnipeg News Release]]
 | date=June 13, 2005
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> He also committed to alternative options for at-risk youth including participation in sports and activities in community centres as a preventative measure.<ref name="Job and Skills Training Opportunities Expanded for Aboriginal Youth">{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/77_10927.asp
 |title        = Job and Skills Training Opportunities Expanded for Aboriginal Youth
 |publisher    = [[Western Economic Diversification Canada]]
 |date         = December 18, 2008
 |access-date  = May 29, 2009
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706181917/http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/77_10927.asp
 |archive-date = July 6, 2011
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> In 2007, Katz appointed Winnipeg Chief of Police Keith McCaskill.<ref name="Keith McCaskill Appointed Chief of Police">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=5125
 | title=Keith McCaskill Appointed Chief of Police
 | publisher=[[Nation Talk]]
 | date=November 20, 2007
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> Katz increased the Winnipeg Police Department budget from $140 million to $160 million, which is 20% of the Operating Budget.<ref name="Who pays for budget increase?">{{cite news
 |url          = https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/who-pays-for-budget-increase-1.275358
 |archive-url  = https://archive.today/20130115115624/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080208/wpg_tax_increase_0020808?s_name=Autos&no_ads=
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-date = January 15, 2013
 |title        = Who pays for budget increase?
 |publisher    = [[CTV News]]
 |date         = February 8, 2008
 |access-date  = May 29, 2009
}}</ref> Operation Clean Sweep became a permanent entity, which is supported by the established permanent Street Crime Unit.<ref name="Mayor, police officers laud Operation Clean Sweep">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/mayor-police-officers-laud-operation-clean-sweep-1.577671
 | title=Mayor, police officers laud Operation Clean Sweep
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=February 20, 2006
 | access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> After touring New York City, Katz was interested in the creation and implementation of Crimestat, an interactive system to provide up-to-date information to help protect citizens.<ref name="Winnipeg police set to launch online crime-tracking and prevention system">{{cite news
 | url= http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/historic/32063474.html
 | title= Winnipeg police set to launch online crime-tracking and prevention system
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date=January 14, 2007
 | access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Police and City continue to enhance CrimeStat Website">{{cite news
 | url=https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/police-and-city-continue-to-enhance-crimestat-website-1.358711
 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115104200/http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/police-and-city-continue-to-enhance-crimestat-website-1.358711
 | url-status=dead
 | archive-date=January 15, 2013
 | title=Police and City continue to enhance CrimeStat Website
 | publisher=[[CTV News]]
 | date=January 9, 2009
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> Katz supported a graffiti control bylaw to stop the sale and possession of spray paint to minors.<ref name="Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2007/2008">{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.winnipeg-chamber.com/files/Wire%20links/Annual%20Report%202008%202.pdf
 |title        = Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2007/2008
 |publisher    = [[Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce]]
 |date         = 2007–2008
 |access-date  = May 29, 2009
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110718063342/http://www.winnipeg-chamber.com/files/Wire%20links/Annual%20Report%202008%202.pdf
 |archive-date = July 18, 2011
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Katz supported a Winnipeg auto theft suppression strategy as a way to crack down on auto theft.<ref name="Auto Theft Crackdown">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2009/04/22/9198581-sun.html
 | title=Auto Theft Crackdown
 | publisher=[[Winnipeg Sun]]
 | date=April 22, 2009
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>

====Transportation====
Construction of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor started in summer 2009.<ref name="Winnipeg, Manitoba sign $138M rapid transit deal">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-manitoba-sign-138m-rapid-transit-deal-1.719457
 | title=Winnipeg, Manitoba sign $138M rapid transit deal
 | date=November 16, 2007
 | access-date=May 3, 2018
 | work=CBC News}}</ref> A transit strike was averted in 2008.<ref name="Winnipeg transit strike averted">{{cite news
 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-transit-strike-averted-1.717262
 | title=Winnipeg transit strike averted
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=August 20, 2008
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref> Katz has said that Winnipeg should take full advantage of being the mid-continent trade corridor.<ref name="Interprovincial Trade Barriers: Tear Down the Walls">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.mhca.mb.ca/index.php?Itemid=26&id=153&option=com_content&task=view
 | title=Interprovincial Trade Barriers: Tear Down the Walls
 | publisher=[[Manitoba Heavy Construction Press Release]]
 | date=November 28, 2007
 | access-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>

=== Criticism ===
Katz was the subject of criticism after a P3 deal was tabled and provisionally accepted a 30-year deal with [[Veolia]] to manage Winnipeg's waste water.

After referring to Winnipeg's five female Olympic medal winners as "beautiful females" whose close-up presence made him "feel like [[Hugh Hefner]]",<ref name="Gender equity">{{cite news
 |url          = http://www.caaws.ca/e/gender_equity/article.cfm?id=929
 |title        = Winnipeg Mayor ripped for 'Hefner' comment at Olympic tribute
 |publisher    = [[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 |date         = April 12, 2006
 |access-date  = July 1, 2007
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-url  = https://archive.today/20130115072254/http://www.caaws.ca/e/gender_equity/article.cfm?id=929
 |archive-date = January 15, 2013
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Katz was criticized by a women's studies professor at the [[University of Manitoba]]. Reaction from the citizens of Winnipeg was mixed.<ref name="Gender equity" />

Katz is the target of humour in a song by [[The Consumer Goods]].<ref name="Uptown1">{{cite news|url=http://www.uptownmag.com/2007-08-16/page679.aspx |title=Singing on a Prairie tune – Local band gets critical of mayor Katz in new song – then gets it on the radio |publisher=[[Uptown (newspaper)|Uptown Magazine]] |date=August 16, 2007 |access-date=November 23, 2007 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Their song "And the Final Words are Yours, Sam Katz" was entered in medium rotation at a number of local radio stations and offers Katz ironic sympathy for the difficulties of running "a city, a business and a baseball team", the use of [[Malathion]] for mosquito fogging, and a military training exercise (Operation Charging Bison).<ref name="Uptown1" />

Katz also came under fire from the city's French-speaking population after removing a bilingual requirement from the criteria for awarding a restaurant license on the ''Esplanade Riel'' bridge and backing away from earlier promises to help fund a French-language theatre.<ref>{{Cite news
 | last =Welch
 | first =Mary Agnes
 | title = Anger grows in St. B
 | newspaper =[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 | date =February 18, 2005
 | url =http://www.prairiepublic.org/features/riverwatch/news/winnipeg_press/02_18_05.html
 | access-date =September 5, 2008
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080716092528/http://www.prairiepublic.org/features/riverwatch/news/winnipeg_press/02_18_05.html |archive-date = July 16, 2008}}</ref>

Six days before the Winnipeg City Council voted on the city's operating budget, Katz revised it. This drew criticism from councillor Jenny Gerbasi and the Manitoba director of the [[Canadian Taxpayers Federation]], Adrienne Batra.<ref>{{Cite news
 |last=Kives
 |first=Bartley
 |authorlink=Bartley Kives
 |title=Critics slam Katz over just-released budget info
 |newspaper=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]
 |date=March 24, 2007
 |url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/story/4147521p-4737414c.html
 |access-date=June 20, 2008
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509134615/http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/story/4147521p-4737414c.html
 |archive-date=May 9, 2008
 |df=mdy
}}</ref>

====Riverside Park Management====
{{main|Riverside Park Management}}
[[Riverside Park Management]] is a nonprofit organization founded by Katz in 1997 to create a leasehold stake in the proposed [[CanWest Park]] stadium that eventually housed his [[Winnipeg Goldeyes]] baseball team.<ref>Bartley Kives, "Fair Ball?", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', October 11, 2008, A6.</ref> Katz continued his involvement after being elected mayor and when a property tax controversy arose was accused of [[conflict of interest]] as he was both Mayor of Winnipeg and president of Riverside Park from August 2005 to April 2008, while the two sides were engaged in a financial dispute.<ref>Bartley Kives, "Conflict of interest clear to all except the mayor", ''Winnipeg Free Press'', September 20, 2008, B2.</ref>

====Fire hall construction controversy====
A 2013 city-commissioned report on the construction of new [[Fire station|fire halls]] alleged that Shindico, a Winnipeg-based commercial real-estate developer, received the contract due to favouritism.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/shindico-shown-favouritism-fire-hall-report-shows-1.2126593|title=Shindico shown favouritism, fire hall report shows|author=Teghan Beaudette|publisher=[[CBC News]]| date=2013-10-21|access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref> According to [[CBC News]], the developer was granted building rights after previous correspondence between Shindico and the former fire chief, Reid Douglas, despite being the highest bidder. Katz in particular was criticized due to his long-standing relationship with Shindico, of which he had partial financial ownership until 2013. Katz said his financial ties to Shindico had been severed, and denied any allegations of favouritism or involvement in the fire hall contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/mayor-sam-katz-says-partnership-with-shindico-owner-over-1.2159543|title=Mayor Sam Katz says partnership with Shindico owner over|publisher=[[CBC News]]|date=2013-10-23|access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref>

Immediately after the report was published, multiple city councillors asked for Katz's resignation due to the fire hall situation. Katz's friendship with Phil Sheegl, the former City of Winnipeg Chief Administrative Officer who negotiated the fire hall contract, received substantial attention. Katz stated that the councillors were entitled to their opinions but that he would not resign.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/councillors-seeking-katzs-resignation-229213181.html|title=Councillors seeking Katz's resignation|author=Aldo Santin|publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]|date=2013-10-25|access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref>

====Uniter opinion piece and lawsuit====
Shortly after the fire hall report was released, an opinion piece written by a volunteer was published by the Uniter, the [[University of Winnipeg]]'s main student newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uniter.ca/view/the-local-political-blunder |title=Archived copy of "The Local Political Blunder" |date=2013-12-04 |author=Josh Benoit |publisher=The Uniter |access-date=2014-02-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204004422/http://uniter.ca/view/the-local-political-blunder |archive-date=February 4, 2014 }}</ref> The piece, which criticized the mayor's handling of the fire hall, resulted in Katz's suing the university, the Uniter and the author of the piece.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Katz-suing-The-Uniter-U-of-W-and-student-journalist-243350081.html|title=Katz suing over Uniter article|author=James Turner|publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]|date=2014-02-03|access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref> Katz said he was seeking an apology, as he knew that the Uniter did not have the funds necessary for a financial settlement. The university stated that it believed its involvement in the lawsuit was an error, given that it had no editorial oversight of the student paper.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mayor-seeks-apology-from-u-of-w-student-newspaper-243907061.html|title=Mayor seeks apology from U of W student newspaper|author=Aldo Santin|publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]|date=2014-02-06|access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref> As of February 6, 2014, the case had not been heard in court.

== Honours ==
In 2002, Katz was presented with the [[Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal|Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal]].<ref name="Winnipeg Press Club" /> In 2003, he received the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2004, he was given the province's highest honour, the [[Order of Manitoba]], for demonstrating an ability to improve the social, cultural and economic well being of Manitoba and its residents.<ref name="Lieutenant Governor" />

== Personal life ==
Sam was married to Baillie, with whom he's had two daughters (born in 2001 and 2005).<ref name="Divorce">{{cite news
 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/katz-in-divorce-proceedings-day-after-re-election-1.582077
 | title=Katz in divorce proceedings, the day after re-election
 | publisher=[[CBC News|CBC]]
 | date=October 30, 2006
 | access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> Katz began divorce proceedings with his wife on October 26, 2006 – one day after his reelection.<ref name="Divorce" /> Katz is married to Leah Pasuta.

==Electoral record==
{{2004 Winnipeg municipal by-elections/Mayor of Winnipeg}}

{{2006 Winnipeg municipal election/Mayor of Winnipeg}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ 2010 Winnipeg Mayoral election
|-
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="200px" | Candidate
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="50px" | Votes
! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="50px" | %
|- style="text-align:left; background:#cfc;"
|(x) Sam Katz ||116,308 ||54.8
|-
|[[Judy Wasylycia-Leis]] ||90,913 ||42.8
|-
|Brad Gross ||3,398 ||1.68
|-
|Rav Gill ||1,775 ||0.8
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://samkatz.ca/ Sam Katz]
*[http://www.citymayors.com/mayors/winnipeg-mayor.html CityMayors profile]

{{Mayor of Winnipeg}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Katz, Sam}}
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century mayors of places in Manitoba]]
[[Category:Baseball people from Manitoba]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Winnipeg]]
[[Category:Israeli emigrants to Canada]]
[[Category:Israeli Jews]]
[[Category:People from Rehovot]]
[[Category:Members of the Order of Manitoba]]
[[Category:Mayors of Winnipeg]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Winnipeg]]
[[Category:University of Manitoba alumni]]
[[Category:Winnipeg Goldeyes]]
[[Category:Jewish mayors of places in Canada]]