Media releases

City awards renovation grants to 24 community centres

City of Winnipeg — 06/11/2026 - 11:22

Winnipeg, MB – Twenty-four City-owned community centres will receive funding for renovations through our Community Centre Renovation Grant Program (CCRGP).

“I have spent countless hours at my local community centre, so I know firsthand the important role they play in bringing people together,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “These facilities are at the heart of many Winnipeg neighbourhoods. Through this funding, we’re helping community centres make the upgrades and improvements they need so they can continue supporting recreation, community connection, and opportunities for residents of all ages.”

“Community centres are where Winnipeggers come together to make connections, have fun, stay active, and gather with others,” said Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “This grant program allows us to make targeted, practical investments that ensure our community centres continue to serve Winnipeggers to their fullest potential. Supporting these upgrades is about protecting community assets and strengthening the social fabric of Winnipeg, today and for years to come.”

The recipients were announced this morning at an event at Garden City Community Centre.

The grants total $1.96 million and will go to the following community centres:

Archwood
Bord-Aire
Bronx Park
East Elmwood
Fort Garry
Garden City
Glenwood
Greendell Park
Heritage Victoria
Notre Dame
Lord Roberts
Norwood
Park City West
River Osborne
Riverview
Robert A. Steen
Roblin Park
St. Norbert
Transcona East End
Valour
Varsity View
Vince Leah
Westdale
Whyte Ridge

The program ensures that City-owned, board-run community centres can access much-needed assistance required to complete facility repairs, upgrades, retrofits, safety improvements, and renovation projects.

Since the program’s inception in 2012, we have invested over $21 million towards community centre renovations across Winnipeg.

“It’s my pleasure to host this announcement here in my ward, where I see every day the value these sites bring to communities as a whole and community members,” said Councillor Devi Sharma, Old Kildonan. “Community centres are gathering places that enrich the lives of Winnipeggers, creating opportunities for recreation, connection, and belonging. By continuing to invest in these facilities, we are investing in stronger neighbourhoods and the people who make them thrive.”

Information regarding the CCRGP, including project details and how community centres can apply, can be found at City of Winnipeg – Community Centre Renovation Grant Program.

Mayor welcomes second major industrial park proposal in CentrePort South

City of Winnipeg — 06/10/2026 - 14:09

Mayor Scott Gillingham today welcomed news that MMI Group Inc. has submitted a development application for Sturgeon Business Park, a major new industrial project in CentrePort South that adds to the growing momentum around Winnipeg’s Sky Economy.

“I am very pleased to see a second major industrial park proposal come forward in CentrePort South in less than a month,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This is a clear sign of private-sector confidence in Winnipeg’s airport-area economy, and it’s exactly what we were targeting when we made the strategic decision to expand water and sewer service into the area.”

The proposed business park would span 162 acres in its first phase, with approximately 400 acres planned in total. This application closely follows a recent submission for Catalyst Park, a proposed 700-acre industrial development also located in CentrePort South.

“With Catalyst Park and now Sturgeon Business Park, we are seeing real momentum build in Winnipeg’s Sky Economy,” added Mayor Gillingham. “These projects will help unlock much-needed industrial land, attract global investment, and create good jobs for Winnipeggers in key sectors like aerospace, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.”

MMI news release: MMI Group Submits Application for Sturgeon Business Park to Expand Industrial Land Supply at CentrePort Canada

Mayor thanks City crews, urges caution following major storm

City of Winnipeg — 06/10/2026 - 12:13

Mayor Scott Gillingham issued the following statement today regarding the City of Winnipeg’s response to last night’s storm event:

This was a difficult night for many Winnipeggers, and I’m grateful to the dedicated City staff who were in the field and on the phones helping keep people safe.

The impact of this storm was significant. The City has already received nearly 1,000 service requests, and crews are deployed across Winnipeg to clear debris, respond to flooding and sewer backups, remove downed trees, repair damaged traffic signals, and restore safe travel as quickly as possible.

Residents should continue to avoid flooded roads and underpasses, treat intersections with malfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops, and stay away from downed power lines and fast-moving water.

For immediate emergencies, please call 911. For non-emergency storm issues – such as downed trees or blocked streets – please contact 311 or use the City’s online self-service forms.

I want to thank Winnipeggers for their patience and cooperation, and for neighbours helping neighbours, as City crews work around the clock to restore services and keep the city moving.

Partners celebrate reopening of Air Canada Window Park

City of Winnipeg — 06/11/2026 - 11:20

Winnipeg, MB – Project partners and community members gathered today to celebrate the reopening of Air Canada Window Park (355 Portage Ave.) in Downtown Winnipeg. The park has been completely transformed, guided by and redeveloped for the community it serves.

The redevelopment of Air Canada Window Park focused on re-imagining the public space with safety and community in mind.

Today’s celebrations included a prayer and blessing from Elder David Budd, a reading by former Winnipeg Poet Laureate Duncan Mercredi, park ribbon cutting, and community planting event.

“Today’s re-opening of Air Canada Window Park is wonderful news for downtown Winnipeg,” said Ginette Lavack, Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface—Saint-Vital and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services. “A vibrant downtown needs welcoming public spaces where people can gather, connect and feel a sense of belonging. Parks like this help bring life to our city core, support a stronger sense of safety, and create places where residents, workers and visitors alike can enjoy being together. I’m thrilled to see this renewed space reopen and serve our community for years to come.”

“This renewed space reflects the stories, traditions, and aspirations of the people it serves, and it shows how thoughtful investment can strengthen connection, safety, and belonging in the heart of our city,” said Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Norther Relations, Francophone Affairs. “Our government is proud to support projects that honour Indigenous teachings, elevate community leadership, and create vibrant public spaces for everyone.”

“This park is an important gathering place in the heart of our downtown, and it should reflect the people and community it serves,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The renewed Air Canada Window Park has been shaped by Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and community voices. As Portage Place is redeveloped next door, this space will be an important part of creating a safer, more welcoming, and more connected downtown. Thank you to all the partners who helped reimagine this space.”

“As our downtown continues to evolve, investments in public amenities like Air Canada Park play an important role in fostering community pride, supporting wellness, and attracting activity to the City’s downtown,” said Councillor Cindy Gilroy, Daniel McIntyre. “I'm delighted to support these improvements and look forward to this renewed public space for years to come."

The design of the park was inspired by traditional Indigenous stories of Turtle Island. The park features a large gathering space that includes a multi-purpose stage. The stage provides ample opportunities for programming and additional seating when not in use. Trees, Indigenous plantings, and natural materials are key elements of the design. There is also a storytelling area for small ceremonies and gatherings.

The grading of the entire park was raised to sidewalk level, providing clear sightlines and ensuring the space is accessible to users of all ages and abilities. Grading work also included an extensive storm water management system.

Additional amenities include a colourful trellis, new lighting, and a drinking fountain.

Existing public artwork commissioned by the Winnipeg Arts Council in 2018 was incorporated into the design. A line from Duncan Mercredi’s poem River City is etched into the concrete.

“Great public spaces are created through collaboration,” said Rochelle Squires, President & CEO, CentreVenture Development Corporation. “The engagement process for Air Canada Park brought together Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, community partners, advocates, and members of the public to help shape a park that will strengthen connections, support downtown vibrancy, and create a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors alike.”

“Public spaces play an important role in the health and vitality of our downtown - they create opportunities for people to gather, connect, learn, and celebrate together,” said Kate Fenske, CEO, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “We look forward to seeing this renewed community space become an active, welcoming and safe place for everyone who lives, works, visits and spends time downtown.”

CentreVenture Corporation and the Downtown BIZ helped facilitate an engagement process on the park’s redevelopment that began in 2022. The process included input from Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, as well as local community partners and advocates. Nearly 300 members of the public provided feedback online and at pop-up events.

The total project budget for redevelopment was $3.575 million. Project funding included $2.543 million from the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund).. This funding was awarded through the City’s Economic Response and Recovery Plan.

Various City funding sources make up the remaining $1.032 million of the budget. This includes Forestry ($317,000), Downtown Enhancement ($175,000), and a portion of proceeds of the sale of the Winnipeg Square Parkade ($540,000).

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on River Avenue and Elgin Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 06/10/2026 - 10:05

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two residential structure fires last evening.

River Avenue fire

At 6:32 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 100 block of River Avenue. Initial reports indicated that people may be trapped in the building.

When crews arrived on scene, they found smoke and flames coming from the building. Firefighters entered the building and attacked the fire from inside. They brought the fire under control shortly after 7 p.m.

Firefighters found one person in the suite where the fire started and brought them out. Paramedics transported the individual to hospital in critical condition.

All other occupants evacuated the building before crews arrived. Paramedics assessed seven other people, but they did not require transport to hospital. A Winnipeg Transit bus was dispatched to the scene to provide shelter for the evacuees.

The City’s Emergency Social Services team attended to provide temporary support for displaced residents.

The WFPS and the Winnipeg Police Service continue to investigate the fire.

Damage estimates are not available.

Elgin Avenue fire

At 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a high-rise apartment building in the 400 block of Elgin Avenue.

Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the building located a fire in one of the suites. They launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 8:15 p.m.

Some residents self-evacuated from the building. Others were able to shelter in place. No injuries were reported.

The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.

City of Winnipeg storm response update

City of Winnipeg — 06/10/2026 - 10:09

Winnipeg, MB – City of Winnipeg crews are working across the city following yesterday’s storm. Crews are attending to calls of sewer backup, clearing debris from catch basins and culverts to help water drain from roads and underpasses, responding to downed trees and debris, and repairing malfunctioning traffic signals.

Some low-lying areas, including underpasses, remain flooded. We are working to restore safe travel as quickly as possible. Residents are reminded never to drive through flooded roads or underpasses.

If traffic signals are not working, residents should treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Emergency services

Our 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers managed extremely high call volumes overnight and worked tirelessly to prioritize and coordinate emergency responses across the city.

Between 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, and 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 851 emergency calls were received at the WFPS 9-1-1 Communications Centre.

These included 132 calls related to electrical hazards, such as downed power lines, 10 calls for possible structure fires, and many calls involving stranded vehicles.

Residents are reminded to stay clear of any downed electrical or utility lines. If a line is arcing, sparking, or causing a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Residents are also advised to stay away from rivers, creeks, ponds, and other waterways, as water flows and levels may be dangerous.

311 service requests

311 is currently experiencing longer-than-average wait times. We thank residents for their patience, as we respond to calls as quickly as possible, in the order they are received.

As of 9 a.m., 311 received the following storm-related service requests:

Downed trees and debris: 137
Malfunctioning traffic signals: 25
Basement flooding: 6
Sewer backup – clean water: 79
Sewer backup – raw sewage: 122
Catch basin plugged – front street: 68
Catch basin plugged – back lane: 22
Manhole cover ajar or off: 5
Manhole cover missing: 7

Residents can also submit several service requests online using our self-service forms, including:

City of Winnipeg storm response update

City of Winnipeg — 06/10/2026 - 09:43

Some low-lying areas, including underpasses, remain flooded. We are working to restore safe travel as quickly as possible. Residents are reminded never to drive through flooded roads or underpasses.

If traffic signals are not working, residents should treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Emergency services

Our 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers managed extremely high call volumes overnight and worked tirelessly to prioritize and coordinate emergency responses across the city.

Between 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, and 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 851 emergency calls were received at the WFPS 9-1-1 Communications Centre.

These included 132 calls related to electrical hazards, such as downed power lines, 10 calls for possible structure fires, and many calls involving stranded vehicles.

Residents are reminded to stay clear of any downed electrical or utility lines. If a line is arcing, sparking, or causing a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Residents are also advised to stay away from rivers, creeks, ponds, and other waterways, as water flows and levels may be dangerous.

311 service requests

311 is currently experiencing longer-than-average wait times. We thank residents for their patience, as we respond to calls as quickly as possible, in the order they are received.

As of 9 a.m., 311 received the following storm-related service requests:

Downed trees and debris: 137
Malfunctioning traffic signals: 25
Basement flooding: 6
Sewer backup – clean water: 79
Sewer backup – raw sewage: 122
Catch basin plugged – front street: 68
Catch basin plugged – back lane: 22
Manhole cover ajar or off: 5
Manhole cover missing: 7

Residents can also submit several service requests online using our self-service forms, including:

First-quarter financial forecast highlights ongoing pressures

City of Winnipeg — 06/08/2026 - 14:32

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg’s first-quarter financial status report forecasts a year-end consolidated shortfall of $14 million. Forecasted amounts include the General Revenue Fund, Utilities, and Special Operating Agencies.

A report to be presented at the June 12 meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development outlines cost pressures we are currently facing.

These include:

Volatility in global commodity prices, including fuel, due to the ongoing war in Iran
Higher-than-budgeted snow and ice control costs due to significant snowfall in early 2026
Lower forecasted Transit revenues due to a variety of factors including ongoing challenges with fare evasion and – most significantly – fewer international students and foreign workers taking Transit as a result of changes to federal immigration policy

We continue to take steps to manage these pressures. In May, Council approved recommendations to transfer $18.4 million to the Financial Stabilization Reserve (FSR). These transfers bring the forecasted year-end balance of the FSR to $24.2 million after covering the shortfall.

We are also actively working to reduce fare evasion and are making changes to the network to both improve the Transit experience and increase ridership.

The report also forecasts achieving $39.4 million of our $58.4 million savings target for 2026 through efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Winnipeg Transit’s summer schedule goes into effect Sunday, June 21, 2026

City of Winnipeg — 06/08/2026 - 11:16

Winnipeg, MB – Our summer Transit schedule is coming soon along with more route improvements.

The summer schedule will take effect on Sunday, June 21, 2026. We are taking seasonal schedule changes as an opportunity to make small changes to the network based on feedback from Winnipeggers.

Highlights of improvements coming June 21 include:

D19: Corydon – The terminal will be located on Kennedy Street, bringing transit closer to the Winnipeg Clinic, Graham Avenue, Manitoba Hydro Place, and Canada Life Centre
D16: Notre Dame – For simpler, more reliable service, this route will be split into two:
- The new D16 will go from Polo Park to Downtown via Academy, River/Stradbrook, Tache and Main
- The new D18 will go from RRC Notre Dame to Downtown via Notre Dame and William

We’re also extending the south boundary of On-Request zone 106 from Edison Avenue to Kimberly Avenue. This will improve service in the evenings and on weekends.

In addition to these improvements, summer schedule changes will be in effect on the following routes: 332, 334, 336, 440, 442, 444, 446, 649, 662, 671, 672, 676, 677, 688, D16, D18, D19, F7, F9, and FX2.

Remember to plan your trips using Navigo or another dedicated transit trip planner.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Redwood Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 06/07/2026 - 09:50

Winnipeg, MB – At 9:34 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey rooming house in the 300 block of Redwood Avenue.

When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the residence. Firefighters launched an interior fire attack and declared the fire under control at 10:02 p.m.

All residents evacuated the building. One resident was assessed by paramedics and transported to hospital in unstable condition.

Paramedics also transported a firefighter to hospital in stable condition following an injury sustained at the scene.

The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.