Mayor orders review of fire hall land deal

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz has ordered a financial review of a controversial land deal involving the replacement and relocation of some fire halls.

The review comes after about two weeks of questions about a deal with property developer Shindico to swap two abandoned fire halls and some property in exchange for land on Taylor Avenue where a new fire station has already been built.

Details of the deal began to surface after CBC News reported thatShindico was prematurely advertising a lease on one of theformer fire halls.

The review comes despite repeatedassurances by city officialsincluding Katz himselfthat the deal followed all proper procedures.

A statement from Katz's office said the mayor wants councillors to have all the pertinent financial information, as well as let taxpayers know their money is being spent responsibly.

City council is expected to receive a report about the deal later this month.