Winnipeg, MB - Today is the last day to apply to become Winnipeg's first Kid Mayor, Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.

Kid Mayor is a fun, educational initiative aimed at building a greater appreciation for and understanding of municipal government. All kids between the ages of eight and twelve living in Winnipeg are eligible to apply. Online entries will be received until midnight tonight, and can be submitted at: www.mayorbowman.ca. To date, 91 applications have been received.

Winnipeg, MB - The northbound and southbound directions of travel on McPhillips Street between Logan Avenue and Jarvis Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction starting this Monday, April 2 at noon for sewer rehabilitation work and will continue until the project is complete in late April.

Winnipeg, MB - Smoking on outdoor patios at restaurants and bars in Winnipeg will be banned starting April 1.

In March, following an extensive public engagement process that demonstrated clear public support for banning smoking on outdoor patios, Council approved amendments to the City’s Outdoor Smoking By-law that will come into force on Sunday. The ban applies to all restaurants and bars where there is an outdoor patio that occupies a defined space and requires an occupancy permit.

Winnipeg, MB - This spring, on-street parking rates will be increasing by $1.50. This change will take approximately six to eight weeks to fully implement beginning April 1, 2018 because each individual pay station needs to be reprogrammed manually.

Winnipeg, MB – Recent lane closures on McPhillips Street and Leila Avenue related to sinkhole repairs remain in place as crews continue to complete repairs.

All lanes on northbound McPhillips Street at Leila Avenue are completely closed to vehicular traffic. Vehicles travelling along northbound McPhillips Street must turn either east or west onto Leila Avenue.

Winnipeg, MB - Four key themes were outlined today by Mayor Brian Bowman in this year’s State of the City address to maintain the city’s strong momentum and continue the city’s positive growth well into the future.

“The days of feeling like you have to whisper about your pride in Winnipeg are over,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Winnipeg’s strongest days are here. We are a city that’s growing, collaborative, and compassionate, and we need to be focused on building our city for families, for business, and for the future.”

Winnipeg, MB – Starting Thursday at 8 a.m. until Friday at 5 p.m., northbound and southbound Empress Street between Wellington Avenue and Sargent Avenue will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic for building construction work.

Motorists are advised to use an alternate route and to plan for additional travel time to reach their destinations.

Winnipeg, MB – All lanes on northbound McPhillips Street at Leila Avenue have been completely closed to vehicular traffic effective immediately until repairs related to a sinkhole are completed.

While repairs are underway, vehicles travelling along northbound McPhillips Street must turn either east or west onto Leila Avenue.

The curb and centre lanes on Westbound Leila Avenue are also closed, while the median lane remains open.

Winnipeg, MB - Earlier today at City Hall, Mayor Bowman announced that the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS), Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and three community partner organizations have begun using a new a Voluntary Transport to Drop-In Shelters Protocol to help at-risk individuals stay healthy and safe.

Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is encouraging residents to check for plumbing leaks during Fix a Leak Week, March 19 - 25, 2018.

Plumbing leaks can waste water 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can cost customers hundreds of dollars each year. The majority of leaks occur in the bathroom and the most common culprits are toilets and dripping faucets.

In many cases, fixture replacement parts are inexpensive, pay for themselves quickly, and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers or plumbing professionals.