It’s the kind of whiteout Winnipeg Jets hockey fans hope hits the city each spring. The Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party draw thousands of people downtown ahead of each home playoff game.
Behind-the-scenes, there’s a lot going on to turn some of downtown’s busiest streets into one big viewing party. Our Film and Special Events Office works to provide City support for True North Sports + Entertainment and other organizations involved.
It all starts well before puck drop. This year, planning began early in the new year.
Getting the site ready
Street cleaning, graffiti removal, and tree trimming are just a few of the ways our crews have been busy getting the street party site ready for fans.
We help ensure lighting and electrical needs for the party are met. We also facilitate some of the decorations in the area such as painting the Skywalk windows over Graham Avenue.
Closing the streets
To hold a party on the street means we need to close the street down. Our staff will bring barricades well in advance to prepare for the party. They will also remove them and get traffic flowing again as soon as feasible.
We know any street and sidewalk closure can be an inconvenience so we appreciate your understanding. If you’re heading through downtown, make sure to give your self extra time to get to where you need to go.
Rerouting Transit
We’re also impacted by the road closures. We have to reroute Winnipeg Transit buses in the area. Winnipeg Transit Plus loading zones have to temporarily move as well.
If you’re taking Transit around Canada Life Centre, please check the reroute information on our Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party website.
Keeping it safe
We want to make sure everyone has a safe time and can enjoy the playoff atmosphere. The Winnipeg Police Service will be keeping an eye on all the festivities. Officers will be in and around the street party area. Let them know if you need any help.
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews will also be stationed nearby to assist as needed.
Maintaining operations
The entrance to the Millennium Library falls within the footprint of the street parties. This means that we do have to adjust the branch’s hours as necessary.
Behind-the-scenes, the downtown branch is also the central hub for daily deliveries across all 20 library branches. We’ve ensured delivery trucks will continue to be able to move books in and out of the library.
Our 311 Contact Centre is also located near the street parties. We will continue to answer calls 24/7. If you are calling in during a game, don’t be surprised if you hear cheering in the background from the fans on the street.
Stay up-to-date
Make sure to check our Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party website through the playoffs for the latest information about road closures, Transit reroutes, and more.