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:
More information on the curbside yard waste collection program is available at winnipeg.ca/yardwaste.