Media releases

Outdoor aquatic season wind-down starts this week

City of Winnipeg — 08/20/2026 - 15:53

Winnipeg, MB – There’s still time to come for a splash before wading pools, outdoor pools, and spray pads close for the season.

Outdoor pools

We plan to keep the following outdoor pools open until end-of-day Friday, September 4, 2026:

Fort Garry Lions
Provencher
Windsor Park

We plan to keep the following outdoor pools open until end-of-day Monday, September 7, 2026:

Freight House
Kildonan Park
St. Vital
Transcona Aquatic Park
Westdale

For more information on outdoor pools, including locations and hours of operation, see: winnipeg.ca/outdoorpools.

Wading pools

We will close most of our wading pools between August 25 and September 6, 2026. We plan to keep the following wading pools open until end-of-day Monday, September 7, 2026:

Central Park
Dakota Park
Machray Park
McKittrick Park

For more information on wading pools, including locations, hours of operation, and closure dates, see: winnipeg.ca/wadingpools.

Spray pads

We plan to keep all 30 spray pads open until end-of-day Monday, September 7, 2026. For more information on spray pads, including locations and hours of operation, see: winnipeg.ca/spraypads.

Doggie days of summer

Before the season comes to an end, we invite residents to spend a summer day splashing, playing, and making memories with your four-legged friend!

The event will take place on Saturday, August 29 at Bruce Park Wading Pool. There will be two time slots each for licensed dogs under 30 pounds and over 30 pounds. Pre-register online at winnipeg.ca/leisureonline or by calling 311. Spots are limited.

For more information on recreation and leisure services, please visit winnipeg.ca/recreation.

Winnipeg Leads Major Canadian Cities in Housing Growth

City of Winnipeg — 08/20/2026 - 12:15

Winnipeg continues to buck the national housing slowdown, recording the strongest growth in housing starts among Canada’s 10 largest cities so far in 2026.

New data from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) shows 3,514 homes started construction in Winnipeg between January and July, up 40.4 per cent from 2,503 during the same period last year.

By comparison, housing starts across Canada are down 4.1 per cent year-over-year.

“At a time when housing construction is slowing across much of Canada, Winnipeg is moving in the other direction,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “More homes are starting construction, more homes are being completed, and Winnipeg is leading the country’s largest cities in housing growth. That’s exactly the direction we need to keep going.”

Among Canada’s 10 largest cities, Winnipeg recorded the largest percentage increase in housing starts through the first seven months of 2026, ahead of Montreal at 32.5 per cent and Toronto at 8.4 per cent. The other seven cities all recorded a decline.

Winnipeg is also seeing a significant increase in homes reaching completion. CMHC reports 2,936 housing completions through July, up 52.7 per cent from 1,923 during the same period in 2025.

The City has introduced a series of measures over the past several years aimed at allowing more housing to be built more quickly, including zoning changes to permit more homes near major transit routes and more density city-wide, improvements to the development approval process, infrastructure improvements, and grants through Winnipeg’s $126-million Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with the federal government.

CMHC Housing Market Information Portal: https://bit.ly/CMHC-housing-portal

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Argyle Street

City of Winnipeg — 08/20/2026 - 09:55

Winnipeg, MB – At 6:01 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire at a vacant house in the 0 to 100 block of Argyle Street.

When crews arrived, they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the house. Because of the fire conditions, firefighters could not safely enter the building. They fought the fire from outside, using an aerial ladder to direct water onto the flames. Firefighters brought the fire under control at 9:27 a.m.

Paramedics assessed one firefighter at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The building sustained severe fire, smoke and water damage. It had also been damaged in a fire in June 2026. Due to concerns about the building's structural stability and to help firefighters locate and extinguish any remaining hotspots, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is arranging an emergency demolition.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Geraldine Drive, Lake Village Road, and Ross Avenue West

City of Winnipeg — 08/19/2026 - 15:54

Winnipeg, MB – On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three structure fires.

Geraldine Drive fire

At 2:29 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a house in the 100 block of Geraldine Drive.

At the scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire, switching between offensive and defensive strategies as conditions changed. Crews used an aerial ladder to spray water from above. Firefighters declared the fire under control at 3:45 a.m.

All occupants safely self-evacuated before crews arrived. No injuries were reported.

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

Lake Village Road fire

At 5:05 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a duplex in the 100 block of Lake Village Road.

At the scene, crews found a working fire. Firefighters attacked the fire and they declared it under control at 5:28 a.m.

Firefighters helped occupants get out of the building. No injuries were reported.

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

Ross Avenue West fire

At 7:23 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a house in the 1600 block of Ross Avenue West.

At the scene, crews found heavy black smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire with an offensive strategy, while other crews protected nearby buildings from fire spread.

Firefighters declared the fire under control at 8:54 a.m. No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.

City takes next step in major renewal of Pan Am Pool

City of Winnipeg — 08/19/2026 - 13:06

Winnipeg, MB – Pan Am Pool is one step closer to serving swimmers for years to come.

The long-planned renewal of the city’s flagship aquatic facility (25 Poseidon Bay) moved forward today with the release of a tender for significant repairs and upgrades to the nearly 60-year-old facility.

This proactive work is part of our multi-year plan to upgrade many City aquatic facilities for future generations.

We expect this phase of Pan Am construction to run from January 2027 to summer 2028. It includes:

Concrete repairs to the main pool tank, deck, and dive towers
Replacement of the waterproof membrane in the main tank and retiling
Upgrades to meet current regulations and standards

Pan Am Pool supports public swimming, lessons, community programming, swim clubs, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and major competitive events. Originally constructed for the 1967 Pan American Games, the facility is a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s recreation and sport infrastructure and requires updates to remain a safe, high-quality space for residents and sport associations for decades to come.

To complete the work as efficiently as possible, while minimizing disruption to competitive swimming and diving programs, the facility will be closed to the general public during construction but will accommodate as much access as possible for Swim Manitoba and Dive Manitoba athletes.

The project budget is approximately $7 million and will be funded by the Province of Manitoba as part of the Recreation and Library Facility Investment Strategy.

Renovations are being staged to minimize service disruption and restore currently closed aquatic facilities as soon as possible, helping maintain capacity while long-term infrastructure upgrades continue.

We recently reopened Piscine Dan Vandal Bonivital Pool following a lengthy revitalization. A major expansion of St. James Civic Centre as well as renewals at Seven Oaks Pool are underway. Both facilities will resume Leisure Guide activities and normal bookings in early 2027.

Learn more about the project and our recent investments in our pools and recreation facilities.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to gas leak on Henderson Highway

City of Winnipeg — 08/17/2026 - 15:00

Winnipeg, MB – At 10:37 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a gas leak in the 1800 block of Henderson Highway.

When crews arrived, they found a damaged natural gas line that had been struck during construction work.

Although the gas was venting safely into the outdoor air, crews evacuated several nearby buildings as a precaution. Firefighters also monitored gas levels in surrounding buildings.

Manitoba Hydro stopped the leak, and occupants were then able to return to their buildings.

No injuries were reported.

North central community celebrates future of grassroots soccer with groundbreaking of innovative new pitch

City of Winnipeg — 08/15/2026 - 22:16

Winnipeg, MB - Kick-off is coming soon for grassroots soccer players in north-central Winnipeg.

The City and partners officially broke ground this morning on the new Jumpstart Community Pitch - a unique field designed to give more community members access to free soccer opportunities – at Burton Cummings Community Centre.

The project is primarily funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), which is backed by the Government of Canada through Sport Canada.

Additional funding comes from the Point Douglas Land Dedication Reserve Fund, Province of Manitoba's From the Ground Up Grant, and Mayor's Office funding.

“Investing in community sport infrastructure is about investing in the future of our youth," said Hon. Adam van Koeverden, Canada's Secretary of State (Sport). "Through our partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the City of Winnipeg, this new mini-pitch at Burton Cummings Community Centre will give local kids a high-quality, free-to-use space right in their own backyard. Sport starts at the grassroots level, and our government is proud to support accessible spaces that inspire young athletes from playground to podium.”

“Our government is thrilled to be supporting the development of this new soccer pitch as part of our commitment to creating active, healthy communities across Manitoba,” said MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame). “By helping create accessible spaces for children, youth and families to be active together, we’re creating a safe space for them to connect with their community in a healthy and fun way.”

Construction starts next week on the project, which will include a fenced enclosure, player benches, and six goals to allow for either a single game to be played across the length of the field or two smaller games to be played side-by-side concurrently across the width of the field.

The pitch will also accommodate futsal - a specialized, skill-based soccer game played on a smaller field. When it opens later this year, it will be the first of its kind in Winnipeg.

“This new pitch will give more people the opportunity to play soccer right here in their own neighbourhood,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “It’s another example of partners coming together to make investments that strengthen our communities and help build our city.”

“This project shows what we can accomplish when we bring the right partners to the table,” said Councillor Vivian Santos (Point Douglas). “By working together and leveraging investments from Jumpstart, the City and the Province, we’re creating something that will have a real impact in West Alexander. Most importantly, kids will

have a great soccer pitch right in their own neighbourhood where they can play, stay active and have more opportunities to participate in sport.”

Winnipeg joins other Canadian cities funded through Jumpstart's multi-year plan to build inclusive community soccer pitches across the country that support free play, local programming, and community connection.

“As Jumpstart continues to support new community pitches across Canada, we’re proud to help bring this project to life in Winnipeg,” said Marco Di Buono, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Soccer is a powerful way for kids and youth to be active, build confidence and connect with others, but access to safe, welcoming places to play remains a barrier for many families. This pitch will help create more free, accessible opportunities for play and community programming close to home.”

Jumpstart funding is supported by Government of Canada through Sport Canada, alongside support from local donors, Canadian Tire Dealers and CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CT REIT). The Government of Canada is providing $2,165,000 to support the initiative, helping more children and youth access soccer from coast to coast to coast.

Temporary traffic changes coming to Plessis Road

City of Winnipeg — 08/14/2026 - 13:23

Winnipeg, MB- The way traffic moves around Plessis Road construction will change next week.

At 7 a.m. on Monday August 17:

Plessis will be fully closed in both directions between the CN main approach / Autumn Way and Camiel Sys Street
There will be no southbound traffic between Camiel Sys Street and Dugald Road
- Northbound traffic will remain open in this portion
Two-way traffic will be temporarily restored between Fermor Avenue and the CN main approach / Autumn Way (this portion is currently northbound only)

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

The roadway will revert to northbound-only traffic only at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 21.

Normal traffic operations will resume later this year when the full construction project is complete.

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

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

Major disruptions coming Saturday to St. Anne's / Abinojii Mikanah intersection

City of Winnipeg — 08/14/2026 - 10:24

Winnipeg, MB - Traffic movements will be very limited this weekend at the intersection of St. Anne's Road and Abinojii Mikanah to accommodate intersection paving.

The following restrictions will be in place from 6 a.m. Saturday, August 15 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 16:

Northbound St. Anne's Road:
- All traffic must turn right onto eastbound Abinojii Mikanah
- No left turns or through travel
Southbound St. Anne's Road:
- All traffic must turn right onto westbound Abinojii Mikanah
- No left turns or through travel
Westbound Abinojii Mikanah:
- Right turns permitted
- Through traffic limited to one lane
- No left turns onto southbound St. Anne's Road
Eastbound Abinojii Mikanah:
- Right turns permitted
- Through traffic limited to one lane
- No left turns onto northbound St. Anne's Road

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

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

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

Mayor announces Sky Economy scholarship recipients

City of Winnipeg — 08/13/2026 - 13:16

Today, Mayor Gillingham announced the six Winnipeg students selected to receive the inaugural Mayor’s Sky Economy Scholarships.

The scholarships support Winnipeg students pursuing education and training connected to aerospace, aviation and defence that are part of Winnipeg’s growing Sky Economy.

“Building our Sky Economy starts with people,” said Gillingham. “Winnipeg is home to Canada’s third-largest aerospace cluster and we want students to see that there are exciting careers in these industries and that they can build those careers right here in Winnipeg.”

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

Nadia Bergen
Muhammad Abbaski
Mana Zandvakili
Aidan Simpson
Isabella Villegas
Karman Singh

The Mayor’s Sky Economy initiative is focused on growing Winnipeg’s role in aerospace, aviation and defense connected to the Winnipeg airport area, 17 Wing / CFB Winnipeg and CentrePort South.

The scholarship program was launched by Mayor Gillingham in May as part of his broader focus on strengthening Winnipeg’s Sky Economy and positioning the city to attract new investment, skilled workers and high-quality jobs.

In his State of the City address earlier this year, Mayor Gillingham committed to strengthening Winnipeg’s Sky Economy. Since then, he has met with national and local leaders, including Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, federal ministers, industry executives, the President of Red River College Polytechnic and the Chancellor and the President of the University of Manitoba, to promote Winnipeg’s role in Canada’s aerospace, aviation, and defence.