Media releases

New play equipment on its way to Bairdmore Park

City of Winnipeg — 06/18/2026 - 15:40

Winnipeg, MB – Kids in the Bairdmore neighbourhood are one small step closer to a big amount of fun.

Representatives from the Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, and Pembina Trails School Division joined school staff and the Bairdmore Advisory Council today to turn sod at the site of a new play structure.

“Play is a powerful part of how children learn, connect and build confidence,” said Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning. “From school improvements like this, to building new schools and child-care centres, our government is committed to investing in the futures of Manitoba children by providing infrastructure to help them learn, grow and thrive.”

The structure will sit on City land and be owned and maintained by us. Construction will begin this summer. We anticipate it will be ready by year’s end.

“This new play structure will be loved and used by the students of Bairdmore School every day,” said Janice Lukes, Councillor for Waverley West. "Much gratitude is extended to the Bairdmore Parent Advisory Council for initiating the playground renewal project.”

The nearly $295,000 project was made possible by:

· A combined $182,158 from the City of Winnipeg Land Dedication Reserve Fund (Waverley West) and Community Incentive Grant

· $100,000 from the Province of Manitoba From the Ground Up Grant

· More than $12,000 in fundraising by the Bairdmore Advisory Council

· An additional $475 through the Pembina Trails Education Support Fund

“We are deeply thankful for the dedication, commitment, and work of our Playground Committee, Parent Advisory Council, and parent community on this project,” said Allison

Ward, Principal, Bairdmore School. “We look forward to seeing how this new play structure enables our students to explore, connect, learn, and grow together.”

“Bairdmore Advisory Council is excited to see this project come to fruition to provide a safe, accessible, and inclusive structure for the students of Bairdmore School and the surrounding community,” said Emily Sprague, Co-Chair, Bairdmore School Parent Advisory Council and Chair, Playground Committee. “We thank the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba for their long-term guidance and financial support.”

City of Winnipeg hosts Public Service Awards, celebrating staff achievements

City of Winnipeg — 06/17/2026 - 20:00

Winnipeg, MB – Today, the City of Winnipeg celebrated its first annual Public Service Awards, recognizing and celebrating significant achievements by City employees.

Staff nominated close to 200 of their peers for these awards, which honour excellence in leadership, civil service, innovation, safety, and equity, as well as one deserving rising star.

“These awards give us a chance to celebrate members of the Public Service who are making a real difference across our organization, every day,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “They are an important way to recognize the people whose leadership, service, and dedication help move our city forward.”

“Today, we are celebrating the exceptional work of the Public Service,” said Joseph Dunford, Chief Administrative Officer. “We are proud to recognize employees and teams whose work is helping build a stronger organization and better results for residents, and I want to thank all the nominees for their outstanding contributions to public service”

Congratulations to all nominees and our 2026 Public Service Awards winners:

Lissie Rappaport, Manager of the Housing Accelerator Fund – Mayor’s Award for Leadership
Sherwood Armbruster, Senior Election Official – Council’s Award for Service Excellence
Ruth Pardoski and John Heckert, Accounts Payable Automation – CAO’s Award for Innovation
Sarah Davis, Solicitor – Rising Star Award
Fred Carlson, Corporate Safety Officer – Safety Award
Diane Burelle, EDI Projects & Initiatives Coordinator – Excellence in Equity Award

City clarifies Disaster Financial Assistance process following June 9 storm

City of Winnipeg — 06/17/2026 - 16:21

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is providing an update for homeowners impacted by the major storm event on June 9.

We have confirmed that a municipality does not need to declare a state of local emergency for residents to potentially qualify for a provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program.

Our Office of Emergency Management continues work with the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization to understand details of the 2026 June Heavy Rains DFA program and how Winnipeg homeowners impacted by the storm may qualify for provincial assistance.

We understand many homeowners are dealing with damage and looking for clear information about what support may be available. We encourage Winnipeggers to check the Province of Manitoba's Disaster Financial Assistance website for more information.

Gillingham Welcomes Passage of Federal Bail Reform Legislation

City of Winnipeg — 06/16/2026 - 11:42

Today, Mayor Scott Gillingham issued the following statement on the passage of Bill C-14:

After many months of debate and amendment — and advocacy from cities like Winnipeg — Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, received Royal Assent and became law yesterday. This legislation gives the justice system important new tools to help protect the public, including:

More flexibility for judges to take action to protect the public.
A reverse onus rule so high-risk offenders must persuade judges why they deserve bail, instead of a defaulting to release.
Tougher consecutive sentences for offenders convicted of multiple serious crimes.
A federal commitment to gather and share more data to track outcomes for bail and sentencing.

Here in Winnipeg, this law can be a critical tool in addressing repeat violent offenders who have caused real harm in our community. It also reflects many months of constructive advocacy from municipalities, police leaders, community members, and others who have been calling for change.

I want to thank my colleagues who worked together to push for these reforms, including Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox, and Councillor Kathy Valentino of Thompson in her role as First Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. I also want to thank every Winnipeg resident who took the time to make the case for change to their representatives by phone, email, or letter.

Most importantly, I want to thank Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister Sean Fraser, the Government of Canada and members of the House of Commons and the Senate from all parties for prioritizing this legislation. From the moment he received our first letter on this issue, Minister Fraser listened carefully to the concerns raised by Manitoba mayors, and the legislation reflects that.

Federal data shows that while recidivism rates have generally declined over the past 10 years, offenders with 10 or more prior convictions remain much more likely to be reconvicted within three years than those with fewer prior convictions. I look forward to working with provincial and federal officials to ensure this legislation is implemented in a way that addresses that reality, protects the public, and makes our communities safer.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Addison Crescent

City of Winnipeg — 06/15/2026 - 17:40

Winnipeg, MB – At 9:02 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a house on Addison Crescent.

At the scene, crews found smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire using offensive and defensive strategies depending on the changing conditions. They declared the fire under control at 11:59 a.m.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters located one cat that was deceased and the City of Winnipeg’s Animal Services Agency responded to provide support for the cat. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team responded to provide temporary support for displaced residents.

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

City launching new programs to support vacant building redevelopment

City of Winnipeg — 06/15/2026 - 13:31

Winnipeg, MB – Owners of vacant buildings in Winnipeg will soon have access to two new programs to encourage redevelopment of their properties.

Vacant buildings negatively impact our communities by increasing fire risk, creating safety hazards, and attracting illegal activities. The new Renovation Fee Waiver and Vacant Building Exemption Programs will support owners who are taking steps to repair, redevelop, occupy, or remove these buildings.

Applications for both programs open July 1.

“Every vacant building is a property that could be doing more for the neighbourhood as a home or a business,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “When an owner has a real plan and active permits, we should help that work move forward. These programs are another way to get more empty buildings repaired, occupied, or removed instead of sitting vacant year after year.”

"This program will help reduce barriers for owners who are actively redeveloping vacant properties while maintaining accountability,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development. “Ultimately, we want to see fewer vacant buildings, safer neighbourhoods, and more properties returned to productive use."

“Too many neighbourhoods have experienced the negative effects of long-term vacant buildings, from safety concerns and fires to missed opportunities for housing and economic growth,” said Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “These programs provide practical incentives for owners who are taking steps to improve their properties and bring them back into use. Every vacant building that is redeveloped, occupied, or removed is a positive step toward creating safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities for Winnipeggers.”

Renovation Fee Waiver Program

The Renovation Fee Waiver Program helps eligible property owners reduce vacant building fees.

Under this program, we will provide a dollar-for-dollar credit toward vacant building fees based on:

The value of a City grant issued for the renovation or redevelopment of a vacant building, or
The cost of a City construction permit used to improve the building

Credits may be used to pay new or overdue vacant building fees.

To qualify, owners must apply for the fee waiver within 12 months of the date the grant was issued or the permit was closed.

Vacant Building Exemption Program

The Vacant Building Exemption Program supports owners who are actively working to redevelop a vacant building.

Under the program, eligible owners will have their property exempt from vacant building fees so long as they have active development, building, and construction permits for a project.

If approved, owners will still be responsible for:

Keeping the building safe and secure at all times

Keeping the property clean and in compliance with all applicable City by-laws

Ensuring the building is officially occupied or demolished before development permits close

Learn more or apply at winnipeg.ca/vbprograms

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Dufferin Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 06/13/2026 - 10:55

Winnipeg, MB – At 4:26 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a commercial building in the 700 block of Dufferin Avenue.

At the scene, crews found heavy black smoke and flames coming from the building. Firefighters used a defensive attack because it was unsafe to enter the building. They sprayed water from the outside using aerial ladders.

Firefighters declared the fire under control at 6:55 a.m. Firefighters ordered an emergency demolition of the building because it posed a collapse risk.

No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation.

Portion of Marion Street closing tonight

City of Winnipeg — 06/12/2026 - 16:17

Winnipeg, MB – We are closing Marion Street from Archibald Street to Panet Road/Dawson Street North at 6 p.m. tonight for emergency repairs.

It will remain closed through Sunday, June 14.

Local access will be maintained on either side of Dupuy Avenue throughout the closure.

We advise drivers allow additional travel time through the area.

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

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

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

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Magnus Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 06/12/2026 - 08:50

Winnipeg, MB – At 4:09 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a single-storey house in the 1300 block of Magnus Avenue.

When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke and flames coming from the house. Firefighters entered and launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 4:30 p.m.

Paramedics assessed one individual at the scene and transported them to hospital in unstable condition. No other injuries were reported.

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

Mayor Announces Defence Construction Panel for Winnipeg Industry

City of Winnipeg — 06/12/2026 - 09:19

As Canada moves to expand its military capacity, Winnipeg construction companies will get a closer look at upcoming defence-related construction opportunities coming to the city at an event organized by Mayor Scott Gillingham on June 25.

The Sky Economy: National Defence Panel on Winnipeg Construction Opportunities will bring members of the Winnipeg Construction Association and Manitoba Heavy Construction Association together with military, defence, and federal procurement officials.

“Winnipeg is already one of Canada’s most important aerospace and defence cities, and there is more opportunity ahead,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This event is about making sure local construction companies know what work is coming, understand how the federal process works, and are ready to compete.”

The panel will provide information on the scope of upcoming defence-related construction projects in the Winnipeg area, including expansion of 17 Wing. It will also give companies a chance to learn more about how to become qualified Department of National Defence construction suppliers.

Confirmed panelists include:

Major-General Jeff Smyth, RCAF Chief of Air and Space Force Development
Colonel Jody Hanson, Commander, 17 Wing / CFB Winnipeg
Major Chris Dyer, Commanding Officer, Real Property Operations Detachment, Winnipeg
Representatives from Defence Construction Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada

Gillingham said the panel is part of his broader Sky Economy initiative, which is focused on growing Winnipeg’s role in aerospace, defence, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and other industries connected to the Winnipeg airport area, 17 Wing / CFB Winnipeg, and CentrePort South.