Media releases

Mayor, Committee Chairs Propose 2027 Water and Sewer Rate Freeze and Enhanced Affordability Measures

City of Winnipeg — 04/17/2026 - 09:04

Councillors Jeff Browaty (Chair of Finance and Economic Development) and Ross Eadie (Chair of Water, Waste and Environment), with the support of Mayor Scott Gillingham, will introduce a motion at Executive Policy Committee on April 21 proposing how the City should allocate higher-than-expected water and sewer revenues from 2025.

The proposal focuses on keeping services affordable for Winnipeggers while strengthening the City’s long-term financial health.

The motion will propose three key actions, funded from the 2025 water and sewer revenue surplus:

Freeze water and sewer rates in 2027, pending confirmation of one-third federal and one-third provincial funding for Phase 3 of the North End Water Pollution Control Centre – $15 million
Redesign and expand the H2O (Help to Others) program to provide affordability support to homeowners struggling to pay their water and sewer bills – $1.1 million
Reduce the City’s debt requirement for its one-third share of the North End plant project, freeing up borrowing capacity for other priority infrastructure projects – $48.6 million

Water and sewer revenues were higher than expected in 2025 due to increased consumption and more accurate meter readings. The resulting surplus provides an opportunity to keep services more affordable, including freezing water and sewer rates at current levels in 2027 instead of the previously approved increase of 4.2%.

“Winnipeggers are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and when we have an opportunity to keep services more affordable, we should take it,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This plan does that in a responsible way. It helps keep rates stable, supports people who need it most, and continues progress on one of the most important infrastructure projects in our city.”

Councillor Browaty said the proposal reflects a balanced approach to managing the City’s finances.

“This is about using a positive variance wisely,” said Browaty. “We can ease pressure on households in the near term while also strengthening our financial position by reducing future debt. That puts the City in a better position to deliver on other important infrastructure priorities.”

Councillor Eadie emphasized the importance of the H2O program expansion.

“We have a duty to keep our essential services sustainable, but we also have a duty to the people who find it harder to make ends meet,” said Eadie. “Redesigning and expanding the H2O program and holding rates will make a real difference for many Winnipeg households.”

The motion will be considered at the April 21 meeting of Executive Policy Committee and would require approval by City Council.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Spence Street

City of Winnipeg — 04/15/2026 - 16:14

Winnipeg, MB – At 10:26 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half storey multi-family residence in the 500 block of Spence Street.

When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the building. Firefighters entered and launched an interior fire attack. They declared the fire under control at 11:00 a.m.

All occupants of the building evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. The City’s Emergency Social Services team was deployed to assist individuals displaced by the fire.

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

Permits Online improvements continue to make process easier, more efficient

City of Winnipeg — 04/15/2026 - 14:57

Winnipeg, MB – Submitting certain applications to the City of Winnipeg is now faster and easier.

Today, we added five new application types to our Permits Online customer portal.

These are just the most recent improvements made to our Permits Online system, which makes the permit process more convenient. Approximately 50 permits and applications are now available through Permits Online.

Winnipeggers can now go online for:

Mobile signs permits
Home based business permits
Civic address changes
Waterway permits
Waterway records searches

“Winnipeggers expect faster, simpler access to City services, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chairman of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development. “We are cutting red tape, modernizing how permits are issued, and making it easier for residents and businesses to move projects forward without unnecessary delays.”

Customers can access our customer portal from their mobile phone. It's convenient for everyone to access information from wherever they are.

These recent changes are part of our commitment to ongoing continuous improvements. Learn more at winnipeg.ca/permitsonline

Citywide spring cleanup coming Sunday

City of Winnipeg — 04/15/2026 - 10:15

Winnipeg, MB – Spring has sprung and our crews are on the way to help Winnipeg freshen up – starting with a blitz to spruce up the Downtown.

Our annual citywide spring cleanup will start Sunday, April 19. Our annual yard waste program will follow the week of May 4.

Earlier this week, four dedicated crews descended on Downtown for a four-week assignment polishing and shining the area.

“This is about taking pride in our city and doing the basics well,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "Every spring, our crews put in a huge effort to clean up Winnipeg after the winter, and this year we’re also putting extra focus on downtown to make sure it looks its best for residents, workers, and visitors.”

This work builds on the standard spring cleanup activities in the area, like street and sidewalk sweeping.

The dedicated crews will:

Clean graffiti in partnership with the Downtown and Exchange Business Improvement Zones
Replace broken, damaged, or faded signage
Pressure-wash parks equipment
Hand-sweep and clean debris

The goal of this trial program is to improve the visual Downtown experience for Winnipeggers and tourists alike.

“Spring cleaning is about more than tidying up—it’s about renewing pride in our shared spaces,” said Councillor Sherri Rollins, Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry. “A cleaner city signals care, safety, and respect—for our neighbourhoods and for each other.”

“We know how much first impressions matter,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Point Douglas. “Downtown is where many people work, visit, attend events, and experience Winnipeg, and when it looks clean, welcoming, and cared for, it reflects positively on our entire city. I am pleased to see our City crews working alongside our Downtown and Exchange BIZ partners to help freshen up our streets, parks, and public spaces as we head into the spring and summer season.”

Annual spring cleanup activities

Over the next six weeks, we will sweep the entire street network. This includes roadways, bridges, sidewalks, and pathways. We will also tackle boulevards and medians on major routes and litter and debris in City parks. This major operation is made possible by more than 300 pieces of equipment and approximately 500 workers.

It’s very important for Winnipeggers to:

Stay cleanup-to-date by monitoring winnipeg.ca/springcleanup and using the Know Your Zone app
Routinely check for no parking signs
Move vehicles when required to avoid being ticketed or towed

Stay cleanup-to-date

Winnipeggers can stay updated on spring cleanup operations at winnipeg.ca/springcleanup.

This portal includes:

Safety tips
A comprehensive FAQ
A searchable residential streets cleanup status map

The map lists all residential streets scheduled for cleaning over the next 24 hours as well as those already cleaned.

We also encourage people to download and use the Know Your Zone app. All cleanup-related temporary parking restrictions will be listed on the app in advance.

Avoid a ticket and tow

Residents should watch for temporary no parking signage and avoid parking on their street when it is scheduled for cleaning.

We don’t put temporary no parking signs everywhere but do install them on routes where we know parked cars would be a problem for crews.

Vehicles parked in violation may receive a $150 ticket. They may also be towed to the towing company’s compound at the owners’ expense. Please note that tickets may be mailed rather than placed on vehicles.

While parking on routes without no-parking signage is still technically allowed, it’s easier for us to do our jobs if people park elsewhere.

People who believe their vehicle has been towed due to spring cleanup operations should contact 311 for its location

Yard waste

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.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Bannerman Avenue and Stella Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 04/14/2026 - 15:30

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires over the past day.

Bannerman Avenue fire

At 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 300 block of Bannerman Avenue.

Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke in the house. Firefighters launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 12:14 p.m.

Crews searched the house and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.

Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical device. Damage estimates are not available.

Stella Avenue fire

At 9:03 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half storey multi-family residence in the 400 block of Stella Avenue.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they found smoke coming from the building. They entered and launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 9:32 p.m.

All occupants self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. The City’s Emergency Social Services team was deployed to provide temporary assistance to displaced residents.

Firefighters located two cats in the residence and brought them to safety.

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

Mayor Scott Gillingham’s Statement on the Passing of Tannis Richardson

City of Winnipeg — 04/15/2026 - 08:48

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Tannis Richardson, and on behalf of City Council, I want to offer our sincere condolences to the Richardson family.

Tannis was gracious, caring, and deeply committed to this city. Winnipeg is a better place because of her, and her loss will be felt by many across our community.

Her story of care and compassion for others began very early, with visits to children in hospital when she herself was still a child. And she simply never stopped, spending her whole life in the service of health, education, the arts, and a better community for all of us.

She was an early champion of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a long-time leader and supporter of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, including serving as Honorary Co-Chair of the Foundations for Health Campaign with her late husband, George. Her commitment extended to many other causes, including the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Her impact on Winnipeg’s cultural and community life was just as significant. She contributed her time and leadership to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, served on the boards of Rainbow Stage, the Manitoba Opera Association, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian Association of Youth Orchestras, and supported organizations like the United Way of Winnipeg, the Western Canadian Aviation Museum, the Manitoba Museum, and the Winnipeg Public Library Foundation.

Tannis once said: “Philanthropy not only supports causes financially but includes volunteering your time and exerting oneself for the well-being of others. It could be a gesture, a smile, or a kind word. We can all be philanthropists.”

With every word and action, Tannis Richardson showed us this is true. Her legacy will continue to be felt across Winnipeg for years to come.

Recognizing the heroes behind the headsets

City of Winnipeg — 04/13/2026 - 15:11

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is recognizing the dedicated work of 9-1-1 call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12–18, 2026.

This week celebrates the emergency telecommunications professionals who play a vital role in keeping residents and first responders safe.

“I want to thank all of our 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers with the Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “They’re often the first person someone speaks to in an emergency. They stay calm, ask the right questions, and help people through some of the toughest moments of their lives. Their work makes a real difference every day, and we’re grateful for everything they do to keep Winnipeggers safe.”

“When someone in our community calls 9-1-1, it’s often one of the worst moments of their life,” said Acting Chief Art Stannard, Winnipeg Police Service. “On the other end of that line is a calm, steady voice. Someone trained to listen, to guide, and to act. Our Communications Centre team members are that calm in the chaos. They are a trusted lifeline for the public and for our officers. Their work saves lives every single day.”

“Our 911 professionals are the first voice people hear on their worst days, and their calm, skilled, and compassionate work saves lives long before our crews arrive,” said Christian Schmidt, Fire and Paramedic Chief, WFPS. “They guide residents through emergencies and support our responders in the field. During Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and every week, I want to thank them for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to keeping Winnipeggers and our responders safe.”

WPS and WFPS 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers are often the public’s first point of contact during emergencies involving police, fire, or ambulance.

The City employs 170 WPS and WFPS emergency telecommunications professionals. Last year, they answered more than one million calls from residents.

In Winnipeg, every 9-1-1 call first goes to a WPS call taker, who gathers the location and the nature of the emergency. If the call requires police, it stays with WPS. If the caller needs fire or medical help, the call is transferred to the WFPS Communications Centre for triage and dispatch. While units are being sent, call takers can also provide lifesaving instructions, such as how to perform CPR or assist someone in labour.

Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency

Call 9-1-1 when:

Someone has a life-threatening emergency (trouble breathing, severe bleeding, chest pain, change in consciousness, major injury).
You see a fire - indoors or outdoors.
An alarm is sounding, or you smell smoke or gas.
You see a crime in progress or have just been the victim of a crime such as assault, robbery, domestic violence, or a break-in.
You are concerned about someone’s immediate safety or wellbeing.
You’re unsure—when in doubt, call. A call taker will assess the situation.

For police non emergencies, call 204-986-6222.

How residents can help 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers:

Know your location. This is the most important information you can provide. It may be a street address, intersection, landmark, or well-known place.
Stay calm and answer all questions. Provide your phone number in case the call drops.
If you hear a recorded message, stay on the line. Your call will be answered as soon as possible.
Stay on the line until the call taker says you can hang up. This ensures we send the right help and can give you lifesaving instructions.
If you dial 9-1-1 by accident, do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the call taker what happened.
Supervise children using old cellphones. Even deactivated phones can call 9-1-1.

For more information, visit Winnipeg Police Service – Reporting Emergencies.

City delivers improved year-end financial results while managing late-year pressures

City of Winnipeg — 04/13/2026 - 12:26

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg’s unaudited year-end financial status report shows continued progress in strengthening our financial position, with a $3 million improvement over the last quarterly forecast.

The tax-supported operating budget (General Revenue Fund) closed the year with a $14.3 million deficit, driven in part by significant late-year pressures, including heavy snowfall and an unexpected $7 million legal settlement.

Despite these challenges, we achieved our full $51.8 million in savings targets through:

Continuous improvement initiatives
Debt deferral
Removal of carbon tax
Additional short-term interest earned

“Throughout the year, we remained disciplined in how we managed the City’s finances — finding savings, improving processes, and adapting to changing conditions as they arose,” said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development. “Those ongoing efforts helped strengthen our overall financial position and better prepare us to handle late-year pressures. In addition to the unplanned $7 million legal settlement, we saw a significant snowfall event late in 2025 that negatively impacted the quarter but still allowed us to land the snow and ice control budget within $1 million of our target for the full year.”

The unaudited year-end balance in the Financial Stabilization Reserve is $25.9 million, following a $14.3 million transfer to cover the General Revenue Fund deficit.

Notably, Water & Sewer operations ended the year with revenues $67 million higher than budgeted, primarily due to:

Improved water billing accuracy — a 73 percent increase in water meter replacements and a six percent increase in meter readings provided by property owners led to a roughly eight percent increase in billed water usage in 2025
Increased water consumption during a dry summer — pumped water increased by one-and-a-half percent from 2024 to 2025

This budget variance will be used to fund significant capital investments such as the North End Water Treatment Plant, reducing the need for debt. We will consider changes in water billing or consumption habits as part of our annual review of water rates.

Other positive variances include:

Winnipeg Transit, which had a $4.1 million positive variance despite ongoing challenges with fare evasion
Winnipeg Police Service, which had a $1.7 million positive variance, in part reflecting significantly lower homicide levels in 2025 compared to 2024

The year-end report will be presented at the meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Economic Development on April 17, 2026.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Redwood Avenue and Magellan Bay

City of Winnipeg — 04/12/2026 - 12:15

Winnipeg, MB – In the morning of Sunday, April 12, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires.

Redwood Avenue

At 5:59 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire that had spread to two garages in the 800 block of Redwood Avenue.

Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control at 6:32 a.m. At the same time, other crews protected nearby structures from fire spread.

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

Magellan Bay

At 7:19 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a house on Magellan Bay. At the scene, firefighters found a fire and smoky conditions. Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control at 7:38 a.m.

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

Christian Schmidt to retire as Fire and Paramedic Chief after nearly 33 years of service

City of Winnipeg — 04/10/2026 - 13:59

Winnipeg, MB – After nearly 33 years of service with the City of Winnipeg, Fire and Paramedic Chief Christian Schmidt has announced his retirement, effective July 3, 2026.

“I want to thank Chief Schmidt for his service to the City of Winnipeg,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “He has been an innovative leader, guiding the WFPS through a period of real modernization, from new facilities and equipment to the implementation of a more advanced dispatch system that is improving how we respond to calls. Just as importantly, he has led with a collaborative approach, working with partners across the system to deliver better service for Winnipeggers. He leaves the department in a strong position for the future, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

Schmidt joined the City in 1993 and served in a wide range of roles throughout his distinguished career, including Paramedic, Communications Officer, Staff Inspector, Superintendent, Assistant Platoon Chief, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief. He was appointed Fire and Paramedic Chief in 2021.

“Chief Schmidt has guided the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service with steady leadership during a period of significant change and growing service demands. His leadership has made a lasting impact on the service and the community,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “I want to sincerely thank him for his years of dedicated service and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.”

Schmidt led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped secure a new five-year paramedicine contract with Shared Health Manitoba, including the addition of two new ambulances and 20 new paramedic positions.

During his tenure, Schmidt also supported the opening of two new fire-paramedic stations in Winnipeg – Windsor Park and the temporary Waverley West station – and oversaw the transition from a two-priority dispatch system to a five-priority system to improve response efficiency.

He also supported the addition of 40 new firefighter positions in 2026 and 2027 through flexible staffing as part of a Resource Pool. This investment strengthens the department’s ability to respond to growing service demands during a period of record call volumes and increasingly complex emergency incidents.

In addition to his service to the City of Winnipeg, Schmidt contributed to the broader profession through his involvement on the Board of Directors for the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada and other advocacy efforts. He is also a member of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Metropolitan Chiefs.

A thorough and competitive recruitment process will be undertaken to select Winnipeg’s next Fire and Paramedic Chief.