Sam Katz portrait to be unveiled this month

Former Mayor Sam Katz will take his place in Winnipeg history this month. An unveiling of his portrait is planned for November 16 at The Gallery of Mayors, in city hall.

Portraits of mayors who have served Winnipeg since its inception in 1873 line the walls of the gallery.

Katz was elected to office in a June 2004 byelection. He won two subsequent elections and served for more than 10 years. He decided to not seek another term in 2014 and was replaced by Mayor Brian Bowman.

Katz previously told the CBC his legacy includesrevitalized community clubs and a big makeover at Assiniboine Park.

But his tenure was punctuated by many controversies including the fire hall land deal, the appointment of his friendPhil Sheegl as chief administrative officer and cost overruns in the construction of the new Winnipeg police headquarters which is currently under investigation by the RCMP.

• City of Winnipeg top bureaucrat Phil Sheegl quits
• Fraud, fake documents alleged in Winnipeg police HQ investigation, say court documents
• Police HQ contractor sent Sam Katz thousands of dollars in personal cheques: court documents

A public ceremony is planned, according to aspokesperson for Mayor Brian Bowman, but no further details are available at this time.

The gallery of mayors' portraits is located along the outside wall on both sides of the council chambers.

Katz said he will attend the ceremony.