Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is set to resume a number of services and programs in the coming days and weeks, in accordance with the Province of Manitoba’s Restoring Safe Services plan. As such, we have begun recalling approximately 400 staff members from the Community Services Department who were temporarily laid-off to support the resumption of services.
Residents will be able to enjoy heated and non-heated outdoor pools as early as July 3, 2020.
Capacity at the outdoor pools will be reduced to help ensure social distancing guidelines are maintained. As such, residents will be encouraged to pre-book their two-hour swim blocks in advance, as drop-ins are discouraged and may not be able to be accommodated due to limited capacity. All swimmers will be asked to leave the facilities after the two hour swim blocks to allow for thorough cleaning in between swim times. More details on how residents can register for swim blocks will be released closer to pools re-opening.
Admission is free at non-heated pools, while there is an applicable admission fee for heated pools. Pool rentals and private services are not permitted at outdoor pools. . Swimming lessons will not be offered at this time. Aquafit will be offered at select outdoor pools. Full pool schedules and admission information will be released closer to pools re-opening.
Swimmers must come prepared to swim as lockers will not be available, and there will be limited use of change rooms, washrooms, and showers.
Social distancing is still required and individuals must maintain a distance of at least two metres from every other individual while queuing to enter the pool, on the pool deck, and in the water; however, this does not apply to people who can demonstrate that they are living together in the same household.
Customers will be asked to use the self-assessment symptom checklist at the time of pre-booking, and before entering the pool. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter.
For more information on the facilities targeted to reopen on July 3, please consult the Outdoor pools information sheet.
The City is planning to open up to 33 wading pools, as early as July 3, 2020. While admission is free at wading pools, pre-booking 2 hour swim blocks is encouraged. Crowd sizes will be monitored by staff throughout the day to ensure proper social distancing guidelines are being followed.
Limited use of washrooms will be available, and staff will be following handwashing protocols and disinfecting surfaces as needed throughout the day and between swim blocks of time.
For more information on the facilities targeted to reopen on July 3, please consult the Wading pools information sheet.
The Animal Services Agency, located at 1057 Logan Ave., is partially reopening to members of the public on Wednesday, June 17. Front counter service will be available for pet licensing and fee collection on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Animal Services will continue to reunite lost dogs with their owners and will continue to have dogs available for adoption; however, an appointment must be made in advance by contacting 311. The dog kennels remain closed to members of the public.
Customers will be asked to use the self-assessment symptom checklist before entering the facility. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter.
Customers are asked to respect social distancing guidelines and stay 2 metres apart while waiting and follow all floor signage.
Staff have received safety training and will be following handwashing protocols and disinfecting surfaces as needed. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the facility. Plexiglass shields have been installed at the front counter.
The skywalk portion of the connected walkway system will reopen effective Monday, June 22 at 6 a.m. Access to the connected walkway system including the underground concourse at Portage & Main will be open between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and closed on weekends.
For more information on the City’s response to COVID-19, including more information about City services and programs, see winnipeg.ca/COVID-19.