Media releases

City unveils draft design for Omand’s Creek Pedestrian Bridge

City of Winnipeg — 05/07/2026 - 15:19

Winnipeg, MB – We’re one step closer to a new Omand's Creek Pedestrian Bridge – and we’re looking to Winnipeggers to help finalize the design.

The existing bridge in Omand Park needs to be replaced. It is aging, floods often, and the current pathways are steep and difficult to use. Through earlier engagement, residents told us that Omand Park is an important natural space that should be protected.

We’ve turned what we heard from the community and learned about this unique site into a draft design that checks most of the boxes for area residents, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

The draft design raises the bridge to help reduce flooding and rebuilds the pathways to improve safety and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, while respecting the park’s natural setting.

After looking at several designs and potential locations, we landed on a plan that reflects community input and aims to improve accessibility, reduce flood impacts, and maintain the natural character of Omand Park.

We’re now asking residents to help us understand:

How well the proposed design supports how people use and value the park
How well it balances accessibility with the natural environment
What concerns remain for us to address

Get involved and have your say

Winnipeggers can review the project boards and complete an online survey open until June 14, 2026.

People can also speak with the project team in person at upcoming drop-in events:

Omand Park pop-up event
Tuesday, June 2, 2026

3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Omand Park (corner of Wolseley Avenue and Raglan Road)

Wolseley Farmers Market pop-up event
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
160 Ethelbert St.

In case of rain or high winds, please visit the project website for updates.

Learn more at winnipeg.ca/omandscreekbridge

2026 property tax bills in the mail

City of Winnipeg — 05/07/2026 - 10:35

Winnipeg, MB – This year’s property tax bills are on their way to approximately 240,500 households. The deadline for paying this year’s property taxes is Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Winnipeggers can pay property taxes:

Through the Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP)
In-person at a financial institution
Telephone or internet banking
By credit card through third-party provider Plastiq
By mail or courier
In person by cash, debit, or cheque at one of two locations:
- Susan A Thompson Building, City Hall, 510 Main St.
- Accès–Access Saint-Boniface, 170 Goulet St.

More information on 2026 property taxes is available online.

New Report: Winnipeg Beats Housing Targets as Downtown, Infill and Transit Development Surge

City of Winnipeg — 05/06/2026 - 09:05

Summary:

Winnipeg’s housing market is smashing records. A new City report shows permits were issued for more than 6,200 new homes last year, easily beating the five-year average.
The real story is happening downtown, where development is nearly triple the annual target, with a record 1,040 new units getting building permits.
62% of all new housing permits were for locations in infill areas, and permits for housing next to transit service hit a record high.
Mayor Scott Gillingham says the surge proves the city is growing smarter by building more homes near transit and in established neighbourhoods.

__________

A new City report says Winnipeg is beating its targets for new housing, and most of that growth is happening downtown, in infill neighbourhoods, and close to transit.

The City issued permits for 6,291 new homes in 2025, well above the five-year average of 5,343.

The 2026 Land Monitoring Report also says Winnipeg continues to exceed its infill housing target. 62% of all new residential permits were in infill areas, blowing past the City’s target of 50%.

Downtown saw one of the strongest results in the report. The City issued permits for 1,040 new downtown homes in 2025, nearly three times the annual target of 350, and the highest amount on record.

“Winnipeg is growing, and this report shows we’re doing it in a smarter way,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “More homes are being built downtown, in established neighbourhoods, and close to transit. That means more housing choice for residents, better use of existing infrastructure, and more jobs and investment in our city.”

The report also shows record amounts of housing is being built near transit. In 2025, permits were issued for 4,362 new homes within 400 metres of the Primary Transit Network, including 1,119 homes within 400 metres of a rapid transit station.

“This shows the value of aligning housing, transit, infrastructure, and land-use planning,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development. “Winnipeg is seeing strong residential growth in areas where it makes sense: close to services, close to transit, and in communities where existing infrastructure can be used more efficiently. That is good planning and good city-building.”

The report says multi-family housing continues to drive much of Winnipeg’s infill growth. In 2025, only 20% of new dwelling units were single-detached homes, reflecting continued growth in apartments and other higher-density housing forms.

Across the city, approximately 19,500 units are in the broader infill development pipeline, based on development applications that have been approved to date. This includes 2,300 additional units in the downtown, led by major projects like Railside at The Forks, Market Lands, Portage Place, the Marlborough Hotel, and the St. Charles Hotel.

On the non-residential side, the City issued permits for 1.3 million square feet of new floor area in 2025, consistent with the five-year annual average of 1.4 million square feet.

The report also notes lower industrial land development in recent years, pointing to the ongoing need for more shovel-ready industrial land in Winnipeg. Gillingham said that reinforces the importance of extending servicing into CentrePort South, a project he has championed as both Councillor and Mayor.

“CentrePort South is going to be huge for Winnipeg,” said Gillingham. “The servicing work is nearing completion, the Winnipeg Airports Authority has already announced plans to develop its airside lands, and we expect applications for other major developments in the area this year. We are unlocking investment, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of Winnipeg’s Sky Economy.”

The findings are included in the 2026 Complete Communities Land Monitoring Report, which will be considered at today's meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development.

Winnipeggers invited to have their say on zoning by-law rewrite

City of Winnipeg — 05/05/2026 - 13:36

Winnipeg, MB – We’re inviting Winnipeggers to weigh in on the future of our zoning by-law.

We want to know what’s working well and what we could improve as we update our zoning rules for the first time in 20 years.

Zoning shapes our neighbourhoods — how buildings look, where shops and services go, and how streets and public spaces feel. It sets rules for how land and buildings can be used and developed. We’re creating a modern zoning by-law that will be easier to use, support more housing options, and better match how Winnipeg is growing today.

Residents can share their feedback through an online survey, at an in-person open house, or during our virtual event.

More information on the zoning by-law rewrite project and details on engagement activities is available at: winnipeg.ca/zoningrewrite

The online survey is available on the project website until Friday, June 5.

Open house details

In-person open houses are come-and-go format. Project team members will be available to answer questions and hear from residents. The virtual open house will include a short presentation, followed by a Q&A with the project team. Registration for the virtual open house is required.

Tuesday, May 19 – in person
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave. (North Building, Meeting Room 4-5)

Wednesday, May 20 – in person
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Club Regent Casino Hotel, 1415 Regent Ave. W. (Ambassador Main Room)

Thursday, May 21 – in person
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Garden City, 2100 McPhillips St. (Ambassador A Room)

Monday, May 25 – in person
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: St. Vital Centre, 1225 St. Mary’s Rd. (Main floor, near the former Hudson’s Bay)

Tuesday, May 26 – in person
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg, 555 Sterling Lyon Pky. (near Old Navy/H&M, Entrance 1)

Wednesday, May 27 – virtual
Time: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Be Prepared: City of Winnipeg Reminds Residents How to Stay Ready for Emergencies

City of Winnipeg — 05/04/2026 - 15:35

Winnipeg, MB – It’s time for Winnipeggers to focus on being ready for the worst.

May 3-9 is Emergency Preparedness Week, and we’re encouraging people to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies.

Planning ahead can help protect people, families, and pets when emergencies happen.

“Emergencies don’t wait, and often they don’t give warnings,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The City is ready to respond, but the more prepared you are, the safer you and your family will be. A few simple steps taken now can make a real difference when it matters most.”

Residents can start by taking the City’s free, online Ready Winnipeg course. The self‑guided course explains the hazards most likely to affect Winnipeg, what to expect during an emergency, and how to prepare ahead of time.

Teachers and community groups can also request a free, customized in‑person presentation from the City’s Office of Emergency Management. Last year, the City delivered 67 presentations to 1608 residents, including children, adults, and seniors.

The course encourages families to take these four actions:

Identify special needs such as accessibility, medical care, or medications
Make an emergency plan
Build an emergency kit
Talk with your support network—family, friends, neighbours, and caregivers

“Preparedness is about giving yourself options. Think about everyone in your household and what you would need if you had to leave your home quickly,” said Mike Olczyk, Emergency Management Coordinator. “When you have a plan, an emergency kit, and people you can turn to, you’re better able to reduce the stress an emergency can bring by responding and recovering quickly.”

Emergency preparedness habits to start today:

Think about your current situation and what your family would need during an emergency.
Build or update a household emergency kit. Add a few items each month to make it financially manageable.
Pack a small “go bag” in case you need to leave quickly. Include medications, baby supplies, pet items, and important documents.
Create and regularly update an emergency plan. Include key phone numbers, identification, and how to contact family if you are apart.
Include pets in your emergency planning. Make sure they have food, water, and a safe place to stay.
Create and practice a home escape plan with everyone in your household.
Make sure you have property or tenant insurance and that your coverage is up to date.
Take the free Ready Winnipeg course and encourage family, friends, and colleagues to do the same.
Follow the City of Winnipeg and other trusted sources on social media for emergency updates.

For tools, checklists, and step‑by‑step guidance, visit winnipeg.ca/emergencypreparedness.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to structure fires on Pritchard Avenue, Garfield Street North, Young Street, and Blake Street

City of Winnipeg — 05/02/2026 - 20:13

Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to four structure fires.

Pritchard Avenue structure fire

At 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a duplex in the 700 block of Pritchard Avenue.

At the scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control at 10:02 a.m.

All occupants safely evacuated the building before crews arrived. No injuries were reported. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team responded to the scene to provide temporary support to displaced residents.

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

Garfield Street North structure fire

At 1:57 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a house in the 600 block of Garfield Street North. At the scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control at 2:18 p.m.

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

Young Street structure fire

At 4:56 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a high-rise building in the 100 block of Young Street. The WFPS 9-1-1 Communications Centre immediately dispatched additional crews to the scene because fires in high-rise buildings pose additional life safety risks.

At the scene, crews found smoke and flames coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control at 5:19 p.m.

No injuries were reported. Firefighters were able to contain most fire damage to one area of the building. The fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.

Blake Street structure fire

At 6:56 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a multi-unit residential building in the 300 block of Blake Street.

At the scene, crews found a fire and extinguished it using an offensive attack. Firefighters declared the fire under control at 7:12 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team responded to the scene to provide temporary support to displaced residents. Many residents were able to return to their suites.

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

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a grass fire and two structure fires

City of Winnipeg — 05/02/2026 - 09:20

Winnipeg, MB – Since yesterday, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a wildland fire and two structure fires.

Dearborn Avenue structure fire

At 5:05 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a structure fire In a house in the 200 block of Dearborn Avenue.

At the scene, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the house. Initially, firefighters used a defensive attack as it was unsafe to enter the house. Once conditions improved, firefighters used an offensive attack. They declared the fire under control at 5:43 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation.

Paul Boulevard wildland fire

At 5:05 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a grass fire near the 100 block of Paul Boulevard.

At the scene, crews found a wildland fire spanning approximately 1,000 square meters. Firefighters used specialized wildland firefighting equipment, including the WFPS Bison, to extinguish the fire and protect nearby structures. Firefighters declared the fire under control at 5:34 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation.

Lock Street fire

At 2:51 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant house in the 200 block of Lock Street.

At the scene, crew found a heavy flames and smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control at 3:10 a.m.

No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation.

Vacant buildings

Call 9-1-1 if you see someone actively entering a vacant building or removing boards from windows or doors from a building.

If you notice boarded windows or doors that have been breached, but you do not see someone actively entering or trying to enter the building, report the incident to 311 by phone or online.

Grass and wildland fires

In the Spring, WFPS often sees an increase in grass and wildland fires. Residents can protect their homes and the community by considering safety.

Do not dispose of cigarette butts in any sort of vegetation (including grass), in planter pots, or throw them from vehicle windows.

You can protect your yard and home from wildland and grass fires:

Thin and prune vegetation and clean up brush, leaves, grass and debris around your home.

Plant fire-resistant plants and shrubs. Avoid combustible plants and trees that accumulate dry dead materials or have papery bark (like cedar or pine).

Water plants and vegetation around your home, especially during dry conditions.

Store firewood at least 10 meters away from your home, fence, and other structures.

It's prohibited to burn yard waste, garbage, or scrap material within city limits.

Fire pit safety

Position your approved fire pits/receptacles in an open area away from overhanging trees, power lines, and 10 feet away from anything that can catch fire.

Only burn clean, dry, untreated wood in your approved residential fire pit.

Always have a way to extinguish the fire readily available.

Fire pits must be enclosed on all sides and have a spark arrestor.

You cannot have an open-air fire in a fire pit, even with a fire permit, if wind speeds and/or gusts exceed 25 km/h.

Other home fire safety tips

Check your smoke alarms every month to make sure they’re working. Every home should have them.

Have a home escape plan for your home and practice it often with everyone who lives in your home.

Spring curbside giveaway and compost pickup help residents save money and reduce waste

City of Winnipeg — 04/30/2026 - 12:46

Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeggers will soon have more opportunities to cut waste, save money, and keep useful items out of the landfill.

We’re getting ready to launch our annual giveaway weekends, compost program, and yard and waste collection programs.

“Spring cleanup doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. These programs give residents simple ways to save money, tidy up, and keep good items out of the landfill. When we all take part, our whole city benefits” said City Councillor Ross Eadie, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Water, Waste and the Environment.

Spring curbside giveaway weekend

This year, the spring curbside giveaway weekend is happening May 9 and 10. This weekend is a chance to clear out your home and help someone else at the same time.

Place reusable, unwanted household items at the curb on your front street, label those items with a FREE sticker or sign and remove leftover items from the curb by dusk on Sunday.

Do not put out:

Items that could be unsafe
Items infested with bed bugs (e.g., mattresses, furniture, and bedding)
Toilets that use 13 litres or more per flush

For more information, including suggested items, giveaway weekend etiquette, and what to do with leftover items, see: winnipeg.ca/giveawayweekend.

Annual compost giveaway

If you want to improve your garden soil, you can pick up free compost. We’re giving it away on May 8, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at these locations, while supplies last:

1901 Brady Rd. (next to Brady 4R Winnipeg Depot)
Kilcona Dog Park, west parking lot off McIvor Avenue (line up on Norris Road, south of McIvor Avenue)
Summit Road closed landfill site, Summit Road north of Optimist Park

The compost we are giving away is made from the yard waste picked up from Winnipeg homes during the yard waste collection season.

This event is open to Winnipeg residents only. Residents must bring their own containers, shovels, and gloves.

There is a limit of 100 litres of compost per vehicle (approximately five 19-litre/five-gallon pails). Trailers can be used only for containers up to the 100‑litre limit. Loose compost will not be loaded into trailers.

Only one vehicle will be allowed per compost pile at a time.

For more information, see: winnipeg.ca/compostgiveaway

Yard waste collection program

This year's curbside yard waste collection program will start the week of May 4 for homes in yard waste collection area "A," and the week of May 11 for homes in yard waste collection area "B.” Residents can also drop off yard waste for free at one of our 4R Winnipeg Depots. We collect yard waste at the curb once every two weeks, on the same day as recycling and garbage.

We ask residents not to rake yard waste or other debris onto streets. This can plug drains and cause ponding problems. It can also increase the risk of basement flooding.

Residents can put out debris for regular garbage collection. Compostable yard waste material (e.g., grass clippings, leaves) can be placed in any reusable containers without a lid, cardboard boxes, or paper yard waste bags.

Residents can find out their yard waste collection day by:

Visiting winnipeg.ca/collectioncalendar
Contacting 311

More information on the curbside yard waste collection program is available at winnipeg.ca/yardwaste.

Registration period for Mayoral candidates opens tomorrow

City of Winnipeg — 04/30/2026 - 08:43

Winnipeg, MB – The campaign period for Winnipeg residents seeking to be elected for Mayor will begin on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Individuals who wish to register as mayoral candidates must do so in-person with the Senior Election Official. They are encouraged to make an appointment in advance. The City Clerk’s Department will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

Candidates must ensure all required information is included with their registration form. The list of requirements can be found in the Campaign Expenses and Contributions Guide.

Candidates cannot solicit or collect any campaign funding, spend any funds on their campaign, or borrow funds until they are registered.

The list of candidates will be on the election website and updated as registrations are received. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m.

The 2026 City of Winnipeg Municipal and School Boards Election is on Wednesday, October 28. Eligible voters can cast a ballot for Mayor, Councillor, and School Trustees.

Residents can check now to see if they are on the voters list. If they are eligible to vote and aren’t on it yet, they can have their name added. Being on the voters list ensures a voter’s card will be sent to them. Having the card and being on the list will make voting an even easier process.

More information is available by visiting winnipeg.ca/election2026 or by contacting 311.

Reduced speeds coming to seasonal bike routes

City of Winnipeg — 04/29/2026 - 15:02

Winnipeg, MB – Reduced speed limits will be in place on our annual seasonal bike routes on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The routes are:

Lyndale Drive – Cromwell Street to Gauvin Street (30 km/h)

Wellington Crescent – Academy Road to Guelph Street (30 km/h)

Churchill Drive between Hay Street and Jubilee Avenue (30 km/h)

Kilkenny Drive between Burgess Avenue and Kings Drive / Kings Drive between Kilkenny Drive and Patricia Avenue (40 km/h)

The speed reduction will be in place 24/7 from the time signs are installed through mid-October.

Turn requirements at select intersections throughout each route will be added following the City’s spring clean-up operations and will be in place weekends in May, June, September and October, and 24/7 through July and August.

For more information about our seasonal bike routes, see: winnipeg.ca/seasonalbikeroutes.