Media releases

Free Youth Transit Passes are now available for Winnipeg students

City of Winnipeg — 09/10/2026 - 13:34

Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Transit is helping students get to and from school this season with free youth passes through a partnership with the Province of Manitoba.

The Youth Ride Free pilot is available to students ages 11 to 21 in Grades 7-12 at public, independent, and homeschool programs. It is intended to make transit more affordable and accessible for young people while maintaining safe, reliable, and accessible service for all Winnipeg Transit users.

Schools are providing passes to eligible students as part of a staged roll-out. Passes are valid from September 2026 to August 2027 and can be used for travel to and from school, work, and recreational activities.

“Winnipeg has provided free transit for younger children for several years, and we're happy to partner with the Province to build on that foundation by extending free transit to thousands more young people,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “It’s a practical way to make life easier and more affordable for families while helping more young people become regular transit users. As the pilot rolls out, we’ll track ridership and service impacts closely and work with the Province to make sure the program works well for riders and is sustainable over the long term.”

The pilot program may lead to more passengers on Winnipeg Transit buses. We expect buses to be busier than usual, particularly during the morning and afternoon rush hour periods. This is a common pattern that we see every September, when students return to school and residents settle into new routines.

We will closely monitor ridership, crowding, and service reliability during the pilot program. This will help us identify routes and times where additional service changes may be needed.

In anticipation of the increase in youth riders, Winnipeg Police Services, Winnipeg Transit Inspectors and Community Safety Officers will have a more visible presence on main routes serving middle and high schools.

Students and families are encouraged to plan ahead and familiarize themselves with route options and schedules before they travel by using the Winnipeg Transit app and by visiting winnipegtransit.com.

For more information on the pilot, visit winnipeg.ca/youthridefree.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Archibald Street and Vaughan Street

City of Winnipeg — 09/10/2026 - 08:38

Winnipeg, MB – Since last night, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires.

Archibald Street

At 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a commercial structure in the 0-100 block of Archibald Street.

At the scene, crews found a fire a heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. Firefighters used a defensive attack and declared the fire under control at 11:52 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.

Vaughan Street

At 5:13 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in an apartment building in the 300 block of Vaughan Street.

At the scene, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.

Firefighters located one person and brought them out of the building. Paramedics transported one person to hospital in critical condition.

Meanwhile, other firefighters used an offensive attack and declared the fire under control by 6:17 a.m.

The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.

City launches pilot programs and digital improvements to support housing and development

City of Winnipeg — 09/09/2026 - 15:25

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is introducing new tools and pilot programs to help make it easier to build housing, invest in Winnipeg, and develop new communities.

Experienced property developers may apply to the Qualified Greenfield and Qualified Infill Pilot Programs, both of which are designed to make development processes more efficient, predictable and easier to navigate.

The Qualified Greenfield Pilot Program will support the timely development of new communities, including housing, parks, commercial services and the infrastructure needed to support communities.
The Qualified Infill Pilot Program will support eligible residential and mixed-use proposals within areas identified in the City’s Complete Communities Direction Strategy 2.0.

The pilots build on ongoing improvements to the City’s development and permitting services, including work informed by KPMG’s end-to-end review of Winnipeg’s development process.

“Winnipeg is growing, and we need to make it faster and easier to build the homes and communities people need,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “These changes will give experienced developers a faster, more predictable path through the City’s development process — potentially saving weeks — while maintaining the planning, safety and public-engagement standards Winnipeg residents expect.”

“Building a growing city takes partnership,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chair of Property Development. “By working together with builders, industry and communities, we can find efficiencies, modernize our development processes and create greater certainty. These improvements will help us build stronger communities while making Winnipeg a more competitive and attractive place to invest.”

Depending on the project’s size, complexity and eligibility, applicants may see processing-time savings of several weeks.

The pilots will operate within existing administrative authorities with no change to the approval role of Council.

The changes follow discussions with industry that identified opportunities to improve coordination and reduce avoidable delays in development processes following project approval.

Permits Online improvements

The City has also made several improvements to Permits Online to provide applicants with a more efficient digital experience, including:

A property mapping tool for applicants submitting a development application, variance, conditional use or development permit for a property that does not yet have a street address.
Expanded contractor licensing services, allowing all contractor types to schedule examinations, apply for new licences and update business information online.
A streamlined electrical-permit process for eligible low-risk voice, data, video and security-system installations, helping businesses obtain required permits more efficiently while continuing to meet electrical-safety requirements.

These improvements respond to feedback from industry and will help make City development and permit services clear, easier to use, and quicker for those who meet eligibility requirements.

The property mapping tool and expanded contractor licensing services launched August 31, while the streamlined electrical-permit process will begin on September 15.

Winnipeg surpasses Housing Accelerator Fund housing target ahead of deadline

City of Winnipeg — 09/09/2026 - 11:31

Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg has surpassed its Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) target of approving 14,251 new housing units, nearly three months ahead of the December 5, 2026 deadline.

We have approved 14,833 new housing units through building permits since signing our HAF agreement on December 5, 2023.

Meeting the target puts us on track to receive the final scheduled payment of $32.6 million from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Payment is subject to CMHC's final review, expected in early 2027. The review will confirm whether the requirements of the funding agreement have been met and assess Winnipeg's performance against all agreement targets.

“Winnipeg is building more homes, faster, and this milestone is another sign that our work with other levels of government is delivering results,” said Gillingham. “We are seeing record housing growth because we’ve cut red tape, modernized our processes and made it easier to build the homes Winnipeg families need.”

In March 2026, CMHC approved an additional $4 million for Winnipeg and increased our original target by 150 units, from 14,101 to 14,251. The final payment would bring our total HAF funding to $126.5 million.

We have also completed the required milestones for the original eight initiatives in our HAF Action Plan, including:

Providing incentives for mixed-income and deeply affordable housing across the city
Contributing City-owned lands for affordable housing
Enabling infill and higher-density housing along commercial corridors and at mall sites
Updating local area plans to remove barriers to development
Speeding up permit approvals and digitizing applications
Investing in infrastructure to support housing near high-frequency transit
Guiding affordable housing development and expediting reviews through a concierge service
Completing a Housing Needs Assessment guided by groups with specific housing expertise and lived experience

A ninth initiative added in March — a grant program to support the conversion of vacant historic downtown buildings into housing — is also on track for completion.

Together, these initiatives are helping add more housing options across Winnipeg, with results including:

7,989 new housing units approved through building permits near high-frequency transit since December 5, 2023 (106 percent of HAF target)
1,409 new affordable housing units approved through building permits since December 5, 2023 (104 percent of HAF target) including a record 15 percent of new housing units in 2025, compared with an average of three percent in 2023
1,040 new Downtown housing units approved through building permits in 2025 alone — nearly three times the annual target of 350 and highest amount on record

For more information, visit: winnipeg.ca/HAF

Mayor Gillingham Statement about Paul Soubry and the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance

City of Winnipeg — 09/09/2026 - 10:30

“Since my State of the City speech launched Winnipeg's Sky Economy brand in March, I have been quietly encouraging former New Flyer Industries CEO Paul Soubry to take on a role helping promote and advance our aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.

Paul is highly regarded for his industry knowledge, experience and leadership. He has already given so much to our city, and I’m pleased he has agreed to give even more of his time and energy to this important work.

Paul's work building Winnipeg's heavy vehicle manufacturing sector is nationally and even internationally respected. His 14 years in senior management roles at Standard Aerospace also give him critical experience at an aerospace company that is central to the competitiveness of Winnipeg's Sky Economy.

The federal government’s historic investment in Canada’s defence presents a tremendous opportunity for Manitoba. We need to be organized, ambitious and ready to compete for new investment, procurement opportunities and good, high-wage, high-skill jobs.

I am pleased Premier Kinew and Minister Moses have brought Paul into this important role as Executive Champion of the Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance. This renewed Alliance will complement the work already underway across the province to better organize and promote economic growth in these sectors. I’m thankful to Paul for working with City Hall as an ally in promoting Winnipeg’s Sky Economy and I look forward to seeing him even more often him as we continue to make the case for Winnipeg and Manitoba as a world-class destination for aerospace and defence.”

City of Winnipeg supports residents affected by storm-related power outage

City of Winnipeg — 09/08/2026 - 12:28

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is supporting residents affected by the extended storm-related power outage.

From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today, affected residents can access a reception centre at Corydon Community Centre – River Heights Site (1370 Grosvenor Ave.). Services available at this site include mobile phone charging stations, free Wi-Fi, emergency mental health supports, bottled water, and snacks.

Starting this morning, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service firefighters will be going door to door in affected areas to check on residents who have been without power since the storm and whose outage may reach 72 hours in length. They will be wearing WFPS uniforms, and they will have photo ID. They will be checking in with residents in the River Heights area based on areas with the greatest impacts.

The City’s Urban Forestry Branch is working with Manitoba Hydro to clear branches and trees in affected areas.

If you need emergency help, call 9-1-1. To report downed trees or debris, contact 311.

If you can safely check on neighbours, family, and friends affected by the power outage, consider keeping in regular contact.

In a power outage, follow these tips to stay safe:

Never use a fuel-powered generator indoors. Generators can emit carbon monoxide, a deadly gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure in your home, get out of the building, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
Don’t use fuel-powered appliances indoors or in a garage, even if the door is open. This includes propane and charcoal barbecues, smokers, fryers, etc.
Be careful with candles. If you light a candle, keep it far away from anything flammable. Never leave it unattended, and never go to sleep with a candle lit.
Unplug all appliances and computer equipment to avoid damage from a power surge when the power is restored, and shut off all lights except one to signal the return of power.
Turn on your battery-powered radio and tune it to a local radio station. Keep your phone charged if possible and follow City of Winnipeg social media channels.
Use emergency light sources from your 72-hour emergency kit, such as glow sticks and battery-powered flashlights.

When your power is restored:

Wait a few minutes for the power to stabilize before plugging in appliances again and check your electrical appliances one-by-one
Turn on circuit breakers
Be sure the water heater is full of water before turning it on
Check your home for damage

Downed power lines:

Treat all downed lines as if they are energized and call 9-1-1 if you see one.
A downed or damaged power line is extremely dangerous. They may be live and can electrocute people or pets that come in contact with them.
Stay far away from the power line and anything they touch, including puddles and metal fences, and call 9-1-1.
If a power line is sparking or is on fire, stay far away and call 9-1-1. Sparks or flames from damaged power lines can spread to other structures like buildings, homes, fences, or trees, causing a fire.
Never try to move a downed power line with any object or remove tree limbs from power lines. Manitoba Hydro employees will do this.
Keep children and pets far away from all downed or damaged power lines.
Stay clear of low or sagging power lines.
If it's not an emergency, report low or downed power lines to Manitoba Hydro at 204-480-5900.

City of Winnipeg releases second-quarter financial status report

City of Winnipeg — 09/08/2026 - 10:27

Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg’s second-quarter financial status report forecasts a year-end consolidated shortfall of $18.8 million, an increase of $4.8 million from the first quarter.

A report to be presented at the September 14 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
Increasing workers’ compensation claims and overtime in Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Winnipeg Police Service, and Winnipeg Transit
Lower-than-forecasted Transit revenue

We continue to take steps to manage these pressures, including:

One-time transfers of $18.4 million to the Financial Stabilization Reserve, resulting in a forecasted year-end balance of $15.6 million after covering the shortfall
Increasing budget for snow and ice control to better reflect actual costs

We are also forecasting to achieve $55.1 million of our $58.4 million savings target for 2026 — an increase of $15.7 million from the first-quarter forecast.

"We continue to face cost pressures, including high fuel prices and heavy snowfall from earlier this year," said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development. "We are managing these pressures prudently by closely monitoring spending and continuing to make strong progress toward our 2026 savings target. That disciplined approach is essential to protecting the services Winnipeggers rely on while maintaining our long-term financial stability."

Mayor Highlights Winnipeg’s Strong Job Growth on Labour Day

City of Winnipeg — 09/08/2026 - 08:41

On Labour Day, Mayor Scott Gillingham highlighted new Statistics Canada data showing Winnipeg continues to lead the country’s major metropolitan areas in job growth, with more than 53,500 jobs added since 2022.

On Friday, Statistics Canada released new Canada Labour Force Survey data for August, confirming once again that Winnipeg has delivered record job growth since 2022.

Using Statistics Canada’s standard three-month rolling average, the Winnipeg CMA has added more than 53,500 jobs since the October 2022 election, based on seasonally adjusted figures. Total employment in the Winnipeg area is now over 524,000.

The Winnipeg CMA’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 5.7% to 5.4% in August – still the second-best rate of Canada’s top ten metro areas.

Canada’s unemployment rate is 6.4%, and Canada lost over 40,000 jobs in August.

“On Labour Day, we recognize and thank the workers who make Winnipeg strong — the people who get up every day, go to work, build our city, serve our communities and keep our economy moving,” said Gillingham. “Winnipeggers are right to be concerned about the ongoing trade war, but today’s numbers show we have a strong economic foundation to build on as we face these challenges. We will continue working to create the conditions for good jobs and stable careers here in Winnipeg.”

Downtown road closures coming to accommodate annual Nagar Kirtan parade

City of Winnipeg — 09/04/2026 - 14:21

Winnipeg, MB – Several road closures are coming to Downtown this weekend to accommodate the annual Nagar Kirtan Sikh Procession.

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 6:

Memorial Boulevard will be closed between York Avenue and Broadway
York Avenue from Osborne Street North to Memorial Boulevard
Broadway from Osborne Street North to Kennedy Street

The following streets will close for two hours around 12:45 p.m.:

York Avenue from Memorial Boulevard to Garry Street
Garry Street from York Avenue to Broadway
Westbound Broadway from Garry Street to Memorial Boulevard

Drivers should plan alternate routes and expect delays in the area.

Transit will be rerouted during the closures. Follow @TransitAlerts on X for details and updates.

For regular updates on City of Winnipeg lane closures and to view lane closures on an interactive map, please view our Lane Closures map.

Download and use the Waze app for real-time traffic and incident updates.

Additional traffic restrictions coming to Pembina Highway near U of M

City of Winnipeg — 09/04/2026 - 14:19

Winnipeg, MB – There will be additional traffic restrictions around Pembina Highway and Chancellor Drive on Monday, September 7 at 7 p.m. until Tuesday, September 8 at 7 a.m. to accommodate sewer work.

In addition to existing lane closures:

The middle lane of southbound Pembina Highway will close between University Crescent and Chancellor Drive
The northbound left turn from Pembina Highway onto Chancellor Drive will be closed
The eastbound left turn from Chancellor Drive onto Pembina Highway will be closed

Drivers should plan ahead, use alternate routes, and anticipate delays in the area.

For regular updates on City of Winnipeg lane closures, view our Lane Closures map.

Download and use the Waze app for real-time traffic and incident updates.