Winnipeg, MB - The City’s annual Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban will take effect at 2:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The public is reminded that if they have been parking a vehicle on a street that is designated as a Snow Route, that vehicle must be moved by 2:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The annual ban, which will remain in effect until March 1, 2010, prohibits parking between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on all streets designated as Snow Routes. Snow Routes receive priority status for snow clearing operations and emergency vehicles and are identified by ‘Snow Route’ signs.

“It is critical that we have the ability to keep these important routes open, and unimpeded by parked cars,” said Brad Sacher, Director of Public Works. “Though our city has seen favourable weather this November, it is important that the Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban be implemented to ensure that our snow clearing crews can quickly react to the onset of winter in an effective manner. Clear roads improve traffic flow, improve safety for the motoring public, and ensure emergency vehicles can travel the city quickly and safely.”

Residential streets, though not generally affected, could be subject to the ban if they are designated as Snow Routes. Sacher advises residents to check their street for Snow Route signs, or if unsure to call 311.

Vehicles parked in violation of the Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban will be ticketed, and may be towed. For more information about traffic tickets go to the Winnipeg Parking Authority at: http://www.theparkingstore.winnipeg.ca/theparkingstore/

Up to date parking ban information is available on the Public Works parking bans webpage at http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParkingBans/ or by calling the Snow Information line at 775-SNOW (7669).

In addition, the public is encouraged to subscribe online to the free email notification system that advises subscribers when a parking ban goes into effect at: http://www.winnipeg.ca/wpgmail/PW/pw_cs_subscribe.stm

This parking ban is put into effect pursuant to the terms of By-Law No. 6288/93 which provides for the automatic implementation of the Snow Route Parking Ban annually from December 1 to March 1 on all streets designated as Snow Routes.

Winnipeg, MB - 'The Winter 2010 Leisure Guide offers a number of fun and exciting programs to help preschoolers and children develop basic fundamental movement and sports skills’ says Dan Prokopchuk, Manager of Community Development and Recreation Services for the City of Winnipeg. ‘Little Tykes Sport Camp, soccer, basketball, skating, and swimming are just a few of the many activities that we are offering’.

The Leisure Guide is now available at all civic arenas, pools, libraries and leisure centres. As of tomorrow, the Leisure Guide will also be available at numerous retail locations. Winnipeg Free Press subscribers will receive their Leisure Guide in the Saturday, November 28th edition.

Registration for programs begins at 9:00 am Monday, December 14, 2009.

For your convenience, the City offers a number of ways to register:

• Leisure Online: (visit winnipeg.ca) a login ID and PIN, and a credit card are required. Set up an account prior to registration day by calling 311 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or by visiting any civic pool or the Fort Rouge Leisure Centre (located at 625 Osborne Street).
• Call 311: register at anytime of the day or night.
• In-person: visit 395 Main Street or any civic pool location.
• Drop-off: completed forms at any of the following locations:
  • Fort Rouge Leisure Centre/625 Osborne Street
  • Freight House/200 Isabel Street
  • Main floor/395 Main Street
  • St. James Civic Centre/2055 Ness Avenue
• Mail: Registration Office
  395 Main Street
  Winnipeg, MB. R3B 3N8