Coun. Lazarenko suffers aneurysm

ayWinnipeg city Coun. Harry Lazarenko suffered a brain aneurysm and was rushed to hospital, where his family is at his side.

Lazarenko, 73, was found by some staff members collapsed downstairs at City Hall at about 5 p.m. Monday, according to fellow Coun. Gord Steeves, who saw Lazarenko earlier in the day working hard in his office.

"He always strikes you as a guy who's in good health, you know? He never comes across as at all unhealthy or any problems," said Steeves.

"It was a huge surprise."

Lazarenko is listed in stable condition but there are a lot of prayers being said for his recovery, said Mayor Sam Katz.

"Harry's family  requests privacy during this difficult time. We are all praying for a speedy recovery and believe that Harry's perseverance, passion, and strength will assist him in overcoming this challenge," Katz said in a statement released Monday night.

First elected to council in 1974, Lazarenko told CBC News last week that he intended to once again put his name on the ballot for the civic election this fall.

He was off council for a six-year stretch during his long career but has represented the city's Mynarski ward since consistently since 1983.

Lazarenko's health problems come only a week after Charleswood Coun. Bill Clement died after a long battle with cancer. Clement, who served his ward for 27 years, died May 3 at age 61.