Media releases

Mayor moves to protect tree funds and maintain record urban forestry investment

City of Winnipeg — 07/09/2026 - 14:23

Mayor Scott Gillingham announced today he will bring forward a proposal to City Council next week to maintain full funding for tree planting in the 2026 Urban Forest Renewal Program.

The move follows public feedback about a proposed budget amendment that would have reduced 2026 tree planting work by $1.236 million to offset a provincial government change to the City’s Strategic Infrastructure Basket funding allocation.

“Winnipeggers care deeply about our urban forest, and I’ve heard that clearly,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The public wants this tree planting funding protected. I agree, and I’ll be bringing forward a plan to Council next week to do exactly that.”

City Council adopted Winnipeg’s first Urban Forest Strategy in 2023, setting a long-term plan to protect, preserve, and grow the city’s tree canopy. Since then, the City has made historic investments in urban forestry, increasing total operating and capital funding from $21 million in 2022 to $33.6 million in 2026 – a 60% increase and the highest level of urban forestry investment in Winnipeg’s history.

Those investments are producing measurable results since 2022:

The overall tree pruning cycle has been cut in half, from once every 16.4 years to once every 8.5 years today.
The number of trees pruned annually has doubled, from 17,675 trees to 35,155.
Number of boulevard and park trees planted annually has increased by 54%, from 4,333 to 6,686.
Urban Forestry staffing has increased by 38%, giving crews more capacity to plant, prune, and protect Winnipeg’s tree canopy.

“Winnipeg’s urban forest is one of our most important community assets,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “Trees make our neighbourhoods healthier, more resilient, and more beautiful. We have made real progress through the Urban Forest Strategy, and protecting this funding will help ensure that progress continues.”

Gillngham said the proposal will be brought forward for Council’s consideration at its July 16 meeting.

“Our urban forest is part of what makes Winnipeg livable, resilient, and beautiful,” said Gillingham. “When residents speak up for something that matters, City Hall should listen. That’s what we’re doing.”

City of Winnipeg invites residents to cool off during forecasted high heat

City of Winnipeg — 07/09/2026 - 11:24

Winnipeg, MB – Residents are invited to access clean drinking water and come in and cool off in civic facilities during regular operating hours, as high temperatures are forecasted over the next few days.

Residents can access clean drinking water at any one of our nine hydration stations:

469 Selkirk Ave. (The Bell Tower)
Southwest corner of Stella Avenue at Main Street (near Mount Carmel Clinic)
Northeast corner of Princess Street at Henry Avenue (near Siloam Mission)
Southeast corner of Roslyn Road at Osborne Street
369 Furby St. (near Agape Table)
Southeast corner of Maryland Street at Ellice Avenue (near Spence Neighbourhood Association)
180 Henry Ave. (near Amoowigamig public washroom & The Salvation Army Centre of Hope)
406 Edmonton St. (Central Park near Knox United Church)
185 Young St. (Broadway Neighbourhood Centre)

Leisure centres and City libraries are available to act as 'cooling areas' where the public may come in for relief from the heat and have access to drinking water during operating hours. City indoor pools and outdoor spray pads are also great ways to cool down. Some community centres are also set up as cooling spaces this summer.

Safety Tips for Hot Weather

Exposure to heat for long stretches can pose serious health risks, including risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For tips on how to help bring down the heat in your home without air conditioning, visit: City of Winnipeg – How to keep cool without air conditioning.

Residents are reminded of the following heat safety tips:

Stay hydrated. Don’t wait to feel thirsty to drink water. Limit alcohol consumption.
Check on vulnerable family, friends and relatives, especially older adults or individuals with medical conditions.
Stay in the shade and wear a hat and loose-fitting clothing. Be especially mindful of sun exposure for babies and young children and try to keep them in the shade when possible.
Ensure children and pets are never left alone in closed vehicles or direct sunlight.
Extreme heat is very dangerous. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
When using additional cooling appliances such as portable air conditioners, do not overload electrical circuits as this can create a fire risk.

For more information on heat and sun safety, visit City of Winnipeg – Hot & cold weather safety.

For updates on severe weather and weather alerts, please visit Environment Canada.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Furby Street

City of Winnipeg — 07/09/2026 - 09:40

Winnipeg, MB – At 3:09 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building the 0-100 block of Furby Street.

At the scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the building. Firefighters helped some residents get out of the building while others self-evacuated.

Firefighters attacked the fire and declared it under control at 4:20 a.m.

Paramedics assessed 9 patients and transported 8 of them to the hospital, one in unstable condition and 7 in stable condition. Paramedics also assessed one firefighter on scene for a minor injury and no transportation to hospital was required.

The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team responded to the scene to provide temporary support for displaced residents. Two Winnipeg Transit buses responded to the scene to provide temporary shelter for residents while arrangements are finalized.

The fire is under investigation.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Erin Woods Road

City of Winnipeg — 07/08/2026 - 14:59

Winnipeg, MB – At 12:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a house on Erin Woods Road.

At the scene crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the house and threatening a neighbouring house. Firefighters used a defensive attack, deploying aerial ladders to spray water at the fire from above. They also protected neighbouring homes from the flames and heat.

As conditions improved, firefighters switched to an offensive attack, and they declared the fire under control at 1:54 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

One home sustained significant damage from smoke, fire, and water. A neighbouring home alspo sustained damage.

The fire is under investigation.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Langside Street

City of Winnipeg — 07/07/2026 - 16:04

Winnipeg, MB – At 1:51 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a house in the 500 block of Langside Steet.

At the scene, crews observed heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters used an offensive attack, and they declared the fire under control at 2:38 p.m.

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

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service warns public after medical bag theft

City of Winnipeg — 07/07/2026 - 13:21

Winnipeg, MB – A WFPS medical response bag containing medications that may be dangerous was stolen from an emergency scene today.

None of the medications in the kit contain narcotics. Taking any amount of medication in the kit without medical supervision can be dangerous or fatal.

Most of the medications in the kit are used to provide symptomatic relief, and some are used during patient resuscitation efforts. Most are administered by intravenous and are packaged in vials. They should not be taken orally.

The incident has been reported to the Winnipeg Police Service. If you have any information on the whereabouts of the bag and/or medications, please call the Winnipeg Police Service at 204-986-6222.

WFPS is investigating the incident.

Public Service recommends awarding construction contract for Biosolids Facilities

City of Winnipeg — 07/07/2026 - 12:16

Winnipeg, MB – The Public Service is recommending awarding a contract worth $815.48 million to Red River Biosolids Partners to build the Biosolids Facilities at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWPCC).

NEWPCC’s Biosolids Facilities receive sludge from Winnipeg’s three wastewater treatment plants, where it is treated and turned into reusable biosolids.

The plant requires upgrades to replace aging infrastructure, increase capacity to support Winnipeg’s growth, and meet the requirements of the City of Winnipeg’s Environment Act Licence and the Water Protection Act.

The project follows a progressive design build (PDB) delivery model that supports smart design and engineering choices as well as cost efficiency so that we can deliver the project within the approved budget and schedule. The NEWPCC upgrades include three separate capital projects that combined are among the largest infrastructure projects in Winnipeg’s history.

In July 2024, the Standing Policy Committee on Water, Waste and Environment approved Red River Biosolids Partners as the development partner for the project. The Public Service has collaborated with Red River Biosolids Partners on the design, cost, and construction schedule, and reviewed different options based on cost, available technology, treatment needs, construction risks, and long-term value.

The project is also expected to generate significant economic benefits. An economic impact analysis estimates that it will support $620.8 million in GDP and 3,770 person-years of employment in Manitoba, while also generating additional economic activity across Canada.

The Biosolids Facilities project will also be the first City project to incorporate Council’s 2022 social procurement directive. The directive aims to increase representation of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups in construction roles. The Design Build Agreement sets minimum thresholds and stretch targets for skilled labour, semi-skilled labour, general labour, and apprenticeship ratios.

Subject to Council’s approval of the award of contract, the project would move into the construction phase. The facilities are anticipated to begin treating biosolids in October 2030 and reach substantial completion in March 2031.

View the report on the City’s Decision Making Information System.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on St. Mary’s Road and Flora Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 07/07/2026 - 09:08

Winnipeg, MB – Since yesterday, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has responded to two structure fires.

St. Mary’s Road fire

At 7:07 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a commercial building in the 1200 block of St. Mary’s Road.

At the scene, crews found a fire inside the building that had been extinguished mostly by the building’s sprinkler system. Firefighters completed the extinguishment and ensured there was no further fire in the building.

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

Flora Avenue fire

At 3:09 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant house in the 600 block of Flora Avenue.

At the scene, crews found heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire using an offensive strategy, and they declared the fire under control at 3:52 a.m.

No injuries were reported. No damage estimates are available. 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.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to a fire on Mulvey Avenue

City of Winnipeg — 07/05/2026 - 15:38

Winnipeg, MB – At 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a vacant and boarded building in the 600 block of Mulvey Avenue.

At the scene, crews found smoke coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire with an offensive attack and declared the fire under control at 9:41 a.m.

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

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.

South Winnipeg park goes to the dogs

City of Winnipeg — 07/03/2026 - 14:44

Winnipeg, MB – Canine companions can now sniff and run free in a long-awaited South Winnipeg dog park.

Bridgwater Trails Dog Park officially opened this morning in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park (360 Appleford Gate).

“South Winnipeg continues to welcome new families every year, and as communities grow, it’s important that parks and recreation spaces grow with them,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This new dog park is a safe, welcoming space for dogs to play and for neighbours to connect, and as a dog owner, I know Louie would absolutely approve.”

The off-leash area was developed through the City’s Off-Leash Area Master Plan procedure.

The project was funded through the Mayor’s Civic Initiatives – Promotional and Protocol Fund and the Communities Fund – Waverley West.

“Dog parks bring more than wagging tails—they bring people together,” said Councillor Janice Lukes. "It's a place where neighbors connect, friendships begin, and both humans and their furry companions leave happier and healthier.”

The fully fenced off-leash area spans one hectare and features dedicated spaces for large and small dogs.

It is outfitted with an array of new trees, signage, waste bins, gravel pathways, benches, and picnic tables. Dogs will also have logs, stumps, and flat rocks for dogs to play on and around.