25 Facts About Sam Katz

Samuel Michael Katz was born on August 20,1951 and is a Canadian businessman and former politician who was the 42nd mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba from 2004 to 2014.

Sam Katz is the owner of the Winnipeg Goldeyes and a member of the Order of Manitoba.

Sam Katz was owner of the Winnipeg Thunder and served as president of the short-lived National Basketball League.

Sam Katz 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.

Sam Katz assumed the role of Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Affairs in 2008.

Sam Katz pledged $3 million for aboriginal youth over three years beginning in 2009.

Sam Katz created a Special Events Marketing Fund for conferences and special events.

In 2009, Sam Katz unveiled Plan Winnipeg, a 25-year blueprint for the future.

Sam Katz endorses the use of P3s to fund roads, bridges and paths.

In 2009, Sam Katz pledged to keep property taxes in Winnipeg frozen for the 12th straight year.

Sam Katz supported an indoor soccer facility in The City of Winnipeg.

Sam Katz welcomed a bylaw enacted in 2005 to restrict aggressive panhandling.

Sam Katz committed to alternative options for at-risk youth including participation in sports and activities in community centres as a preventative measure.

In 2007, Sam Katz appointed Winnipeg Chief of Police Keith McCaskill.

Sam Katz supported a graffiti control bylaw to stop the sale and possession of spray paint to minors.

Sam Katz supported a Winnipeg auto theft suppression strategy as a way to crack down on auto theft.

Sam Katz has said that Winnipeg should take full advantage of being the mid-continent trade corridor.

Sam 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.

Sam Katz is the target of humour in a song by The Consumer Goods.

Sam Katz 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.

Sam 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.

Sam Katz said his financial ties to Shindico had been severed, and denied any allegations of favouritism or involvement in the fire hall contract.

Sam Katz stated that the councillors were entitled to their opinions but that he would not resign.

Sam Katz said he was seeking an apology, as he knew that the Uniter did not have the funds necessary for a financial settlement.

In 2002, Sam Katz was presented with the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.