Steen back at city hall today

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This article was published 12/05/2014 (3783 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Thomas Steen is going back to work at city hall.

A new subdivision along the Pembina Highway bus corridor should be big news at this morning’s property and development committee, but it’s Steen’s attendance that will draw the attention.

The councillor for Elmwood-East Kildonan issued a statement Monday that he never took an extended leave of absence and has resumed his regular duties after being charged with assault last week.

Steen said he only took a few days off last week but never intended it to be a long-term or formal absence.

“I have not taken a leave of absence from my duties as councillor and the various roles and functions that I perform as city councillor and (I) have returned to my duties,” Steen stated in an email to news media.

Steen is expected to attend this morning’s meeting.

He is also a member of the governance committee, which meets Friday afternoon.

The former Winnipeg Jets star allegedly got into a dispute May 1 at the Boston Pizza restaurant on McPhillips Street.

A woman known to Steen reported she was assaulted and contacted police, who authorized a charge following a brief investigation.

Sources said the victim of the alleged assault is Steen’s girlfriend.

Steen turned himself in to police on May 6 and was released on a promise to appear in court.

Boston Pizza workers said last week they were unaware of any assault involving Steen on the night of May 1. Staff said Steen was at the restaurant that night but they did not witness an assault.

Steen said his lawyer advised him not to comment on the police investigation or the alleged assault.

Steen was absent from the appeals committee meeting last week.

Steen confirmed in Monday’s email he will not attend police board meetings.

Regulations prohibit any police board member under police investigation from attending meetings or participating in any police board business.

Steen and Coun. Scott Fielding are the City of Winnipeg representatives on the police board.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca