Tips and tricks during spring cleanup season

Winnipeggers are about to see the shine return to our streets and sidewalks.

Our annual citywide spring cleanup officially started on April 20, bringing into action a team of around 500 workers.

Crews will spend the next six weeks sweeping our entire street network. They’ll tackle roadways, bridges, sidewalks, pathways, and alleys. They’ll also cleanup boulevards and medians on major routes, as well as litter and debris in public parks.

Tidying up Downtown

New for this year, four dedicated crews are spending time focused solely on tidying up Downtown.

“This work will go beyond the standard spring cleanup activities like street and sidewalk sweeping,” said Michael Cantor, Manager of Streets Maintenance. “We’re putting in a concerted effort to spruce up Downtown so Winnipeggers and tourists alike can really enjoy the beauty of visiting the area through the warmer months.”  

These dedicated crews are:

• Cleaning graffiti in partnership with the Downtown and Exchange Business Improvement Zones
• Replacing broken, damaged, or faded signage
• Pressure-washing park equipment
• Hand-sweeping and cleaning debris

The "Downtown detailers” (as we’re calling them) began their work last week.

Keep your distance

More than 300 pieces of equipment are on the job throughout the city. If you see them out and about, make sure to slow down and keep back at least three car lengths (roughly 15 metres).

Crews often make several passes over the same area and may stop suddenly or reverse. Vehicles travelling too close could be damaged.

Keep children away from roads and sidewalks when you see heavy machinery coming.

Be patient

Street cleaning equipment moves slower than other vehicles so be prepared to wait as crews work. An operator may stop and wave you through before continuing their work – as long as it’s safe to do. Do not proceed unless you make eye contact with the operator and you’ve been given the go-ahead from them.

Respect workers

Spring cleaning an entire city is a lot of work. Please be respectful of crews if you come across them. Make sure to obey any flag persons and give them space when slowly passing them.

At times we may block off areas with traffic cones to help crews safely work. Never drive through a work area at any time of year.

Park smart

Vehicles parked on the road make it difficult for us to clean the streets well.

Please watch for temporary no parking signage on major routes. Parking is illegal in these spots and vehicles parked in violation may receive a ticket and be towed at the owner’s expense.

In residential areas, try to avoid parking on the street when it is scheduled for cleaning. You can find the schedule online.

Check your property

Before your street is cleaned, check your property for anything near the curb that could interfere with equipment. This includes things such as basketball and hockey nets.

Store your garbage and recycling bins away from the curb. If your collection day lands at the same time as street cleaning, try to put the bins away in a timely manner if possible.

Stay cleanup-to-date

If you haven’t yet, consider downloading and use the Know Your Zone app. All cleanup-related temporary parking restrictions will be listed on the app in advance.

You can stay updated on spring cleanup operations on our spring cleanup website.