Media releases

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Main Street

City of Winnipeg — 10/05/2026 - 09:20

Winnipeg, MB – At 4:46 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a commercial/industrial property in the 700 block of Main Street.

At the scene, crews found heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters attacked the fire using a defensive strategy until it was safe to switch to an offensive attack. They sprayed water from above using aerial ladders. Firefighters declared the fire under control by 8:30 a.m.

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

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Main Street

City of Winnipeg — 10/04/2026 - 17:52

Winnipeg, MB – at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a multi-storey building in the 500 block of Main Street. The 9-1-1 Communications Centre dispatched additional crews to the scene due to increased life safety and fire risk associated with a high-rise building.

At the scene, crews found smoke coming from the building. Firefighters found and attacked the fire. They declared the fire under control at 1:11 p.m.

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

Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower

City of Winnipeg — 10/02/2026 - 15:29

Winnipeg, MB – This Fire Prevention Week, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is encouraging residents to Charge into Fire Safety. Taking a few simple steps can help prevent fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries power many devices we use every day, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, and headphones. These batteries are safe when used properly. However, damaged batteries, improper charging, and incorrect disposal can cause fires, injuries, and property damage.

Prevent battery fires by following these safety tips:

Always use the charging cord that comes with your device
If you need a new charger, get one directly from the manufacturer and ensure it is safety certified
Charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Never charge them under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch
Unplug your devices once they are fully charged
Check batteries and devices regularly for signs of damage
Take batteries to a 4R Depot for safe recycling or disposal. Don’t put them in your garbage or recycling carts because they could start a fire

“Whether it's using lithium-ion batteries safely, testing your smoke alarms, or planning how to get out of your home in an emergency, small actions can have a big impact,” said Lisa Gilmour, Deputy Chief, Support Services and 911 Communications. “Fire Prevention Week is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in keeping their home and family safe.”

Find out more at winnipeg.ca/batterysafety.

Smoke Alarm for Every (SAFE) Family program

Homeowners without working smoke alarms may be eligible to have one installed for free through the SAFE Family program.

So far in 2026, WFPS firefighters have installed more than 200 free smoke alarms in homes without working alarms.

Fire prevention week for schools

Schools in Winnipeg are encouraged to take part in Fire Prevention Week by practicing fire drills, promoting fire safety, and sharing tips on fire prevention to students.

Fire paramedic station open houses

Residents are invited to visit participating fire-paramedic stations on Saturday, October 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. Families can tour the station and talk to WFPS members about smoke alarms, home escape plans, and fire prevention.

Find participating locations at winnipeg.ca/firepreventionweek.

Canadian Tire meet and greets

WFPS is teaming up with Canadian Tire to promote the importance of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and other fire and life safety equipment.

Visit a WFPS booth at the following Canadian Tire stores to talk to firefighters about these important devices, how to test them, and where to install them in your home:

Monday, October 5 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 2305 McPhillips St.
Tuesday, October 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 750 St. James St.
Thursday, October 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 157 Vermillion Rd.
Friday, October 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 1519 Regent Ave. W

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit winnipeg.ca/firepreventionweek, or search #FirePreventionWeek on X, Facebook or Instagram.

Upcoming road closures

City of Winnipeg — 10/02/2026 - 13:40

Winnipeg, MB – Late-season roadwork will close a number of major routes over the next week.

Kenaston Boulevard and Grant Avenue intersection

We are paving the intersection of Kenaston Boulevard and Grant Avenue this weekend.

From 6 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, October 3) to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 4:

Northbound Kenaston will be reduced to one lane between Boulton Bay and Carpathia Road
- There will be no left or right turns from northbound Kenaston onto Grant.
Grant will be closed in both directions at the Kenaston intersection
- There will be no through movement or left turns
- All westbound traffic must turn right onto northbound Kenaston
- All eastbound traffic must turn right onto southbound Kenaston

Abinojii Mikanah and Pembina Highway intersection

Some ramp work previously scheduled for last weekend was rescheduled due to weather.

From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, October 3):

The ramp from northbound Pembina to westbound Abinojii Mikanah will be closed

The left-turn ramp from westbound Abinojii Mikanah to southbound Pembina will be closed

All westbound vehicles on the ramp must turn right (northbound) on Pembina

St. Mary's Road

We will be doing overnight paving work on St. Mary's Road next Monday, October 5.

From 6:30 p.m. on Monday to 4 a.m. Tuesday, October 6:

St. Mary's Road will be fully closed between Seniuk Road and Viking Road

For all closures, drivers should plan ahead, use alternate routes, and expect delays.

For updates and an interactive map of City of Winnipeg lane closures, visit our Lane Closures map.

Drivers can also download and use the Waze app for real-time traffic and incident updates.

Gillingham Warns BC Court Ruling Could Weaken Fight Against Illegal Drug Trade

City of Winnipeg — 10/02/2026 - 12:32

Mayor Scott Gillingham is warning a recent B.C. Supreme Court decision striking down the federal offence of possession for the purpose of trafficking could undercut efforts to combat the illegal drug trade in Winnipeg and across Canada.

The case, R. v. Kalicum, centred on a Vancouver group that bought heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine from the dark web, tested the drugs and sold them at cost to members of what it called a "compassion club." The group did not hold a federal exemption allowing it to operate.

Its two founders were found guilty of possession for the purpose of trafficking in 2025. On September 29, 2026, the B.C. Supreme Court stayed those convictions and declared the offence unconstitutional. The declaration is suspended for six months to give Parliament time to respond.

Gillingham made the following statement:

"This may be a B.C. court decision, but the issues it raises are national. It matters in Winnipeg because a ruling like this could be cited in similar court challenges here, and that could undermine our efforts to combat the illegal drug trade.

“Here in Winnipeg, both provincial and City officials support a compassionate approach to people living with addiction. However, we also agree on the need to fight the criminal distribution of drugs and the spread of addiction.

“Winnipeggers are telling me they want to see people struggling with addiction get off the streets and into treatment. We should be working to reduce the number of dangerous drugs on our streets, not creating new pathways for their distribution.

“Drugs like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine are controlled for a reason: they carry serious risks of addiction, overdose and other harms. I am concerned that making dangerous drugs easier to access outside established medical and regulatory oversight will make the addictions crisis on our streets worse. We should be focused on treatment, recovery and reducing the supply of dangerous drugs — not making their distribution easier.”

“I have reached out to federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser to express my concerns about the decision and the need for a strong federal response. I have also contacted Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who has raised serious concerns about the implications of the ruling for his city.

“The people of Winnipeg should not have to accept a misguided court decision in another province that could weaken controls on the distribution of dangerous drugs here. Compassion for people struggling with addiction must not mean abandoning public oversight, accountability or public safety.”

Advance Voting begins Monday, October 5

City of Winnipeg — 10/02/2026 - 09:08

Winnipeg, MB – Beginning next week, eligible voters can cast their ballots for offices of Mayor, Councillor, and School Trustee in the 2026 Municipal and School Boards Election.

Advance voting will take place from October 5 to 23. Eligible voters are welcomed at various City-Wide advance voting locations, no matter where they live in the city.

This election, we’re providing more opportunities for eligible voters to cast their ballots in advance. Community advance voting locations will be open for four days, up from three days in recent elections.

Find an advance voting location

Eligible voters can search their address for convenient voting locations near them. Advance voting will be offered at the following locations:

October 5 - 23 (excluding weekends and Thanksgiving)

City Hall – Council Building – 2^nd Floor, 510 Main Street

October 6 - 8

Canada Life Centre – 300 Portage Avenue

October 9 - 11

Kildonan Place Shopping Centre – 1555 Regent Ave. West

Garden City Shopping Centre – 2305 McPhillips Street

IKEA – 500 Sterling Lyon Parkway

October 16 - 18

Grant Park Shopping Centre – 1120 Grant Avenue

CF Polo Park – 1485 Portage Ave

St. Vital Centre – 1225 St. Mary's Road

October 19 - 22

Community Advance Locations in all 15 Council Wards

During the advance voting period, election staff will also visit hospitals, care homes, post-secondary schools, and other locations to offer people who use the facilities the opportunity to vote.

Identification Requirements

All voters are reminded to check the identification requirements. They are required to bring valid identification that shows their name and current address – such as a driver’s license – when they go to vote.

In the absence of a driver's license, any two documents that together show the person's name and current address will also be accepted. Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address.

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

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a gas leak on Munroe Avenue and a fire on Hendon Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 10/01/2026 - 20:31

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a gas leak and a fire earlier today.

Munroe Avenue Gas Leak

At 3:52 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the WFPS responded to reports of a gas leak in the 600 block of Munroe Avenue.

When crews arrived, they found a damaged natural gas line believed to have been struck during construction work.

As a precaution, firefighters evacuated nearby buildings.

Manitoba Hydro responded and stopped the leak. Work is now underway to repair the gas line.

A WFPS crew will remain on scene while this work is completed.

Road closures are in place.

Munroe Ave is closed between London St. and Gateway St.

Grey St. is closed between Hoskin Ave. and Moncton Ave.

Hendon Avenue Fire

At 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, WFPS crews responded to a monitored fire alarm in a high-rise apartment building in the 100 block of Hendon Avenue.

Upon arrival on scene, firefighters located a fire in one of the suites. They launched an interior fire attack and brought the fire under control at 7:15 p.m. The fire was contained in the suite where it originated.

Some residents evacuated the building, while others were able to safely shelter in place in their suites. No injuries were reported.

After firefighters extinguished the fire and ventilated smoke from the building, most residents were able to return to their suites.

The City’s Emergency Social Services team was activated to provide support for displaced residents

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

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Main Street

City of Winnipeg — 10/01/2026 - 07:01

Winnipeg, MB – At 2:58 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a monitored fire alarm at Main Street Project in the 600 block of Main Street.

When crews arrived, they found smoke inside the building and evacuated all occupants. No injuries were reported.

Before firefighters arrived, Main Street Project staff used fire extinguishers in an effort to put out the fire, helping to keep it small and contained. Firefighters then launched an interior fire attack and quickly brought the fire under control at 3:09 a.m.

The fire was confined to a single room, due in large part to the quick actions of Main Street Project staff and the prompt response of firefighters.

Main Street Project remained open with reduced capacity. The City’s Emergency Social Services team worked with Main Street Project staff to support displaced residents, some of whom were accommodated at other shelters in the area.

The fire is under investigation.

Downtown road closures coming to accommodate Truth & Reconciliation walk

City of Winnipeg — 09/29/2026 - 15:55

Winnipeg, MB – A number of Downtown streets will close for a portion of tomorrow, September 30, to accommodate the Southern Chiefs Organization Healing Walk & Pow Wow.

The following streets are closed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

Westbound Forks Market Road from Israel Asper Way to the Forks

Northbound Israel Asper Way from Forks Market Road to York Avenue

Westbound York Avenue from Israel Asper Way to Main Street

Southbound Main Street between York Avenue and Portage Avenue

Eastbound Portage Avenue from Main Street to Hargrave Street

Hargrave Street from St Mary Avenue to Portage Avenue

Additional streets – including northbound Main Street between York Avenue and Portage Avenue – will be closed for periods of time as the event proceeds along the route.

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

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

Download and use the Waze app for real-time traffic and incident updates as well as traffic re-route options.

For Transit re-route and schedule information, visit winnipegtransit.com or contact 311.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Granville Street

City of Winnipeg — 09/28/2026 - 11:02

Winnipeg, MB – At 5:58 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey house in the 0 to 100 block of Granville Street.

When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the house.

Bystanders were trying to rescue an occupant from the home. Firefighters took over the rescue and removed the individual through a window. Crews then searched the house and confirmed no one else was inside.

Fighters launched an interior fire attack and brought the fire under control at 6:44 a.m.

Paramedics assessed and treated the rescued individual at the scene before transporting them to hospital in stable condition. Paramedics also assessed a bystander with a minor injury. The bystander did not require transport to hospital.

The City’s Emergency Social Services team assisted residents who were displaced by the fire.

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