Winnipeg, MB – At an event this morning, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief, John Lane, accepted a donation of 1,000 stuffed animals from Sara’s Safety Friends, a joint initiative between Sara Tabac, the Firefighters’ Burn Fund, and Red River Mutual. The stuffed dogs known as ‘Patch’ will be placed on Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) vehicles and given to children experiencing an emergency.

Winnipeg, MB - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service would like share some tips to help you minimize the risk of a fire in your home and make your holiday season enjoyable and safe.

Lights and Decorations

It’s always fun to deck the halls and trim the tree during the holiday season. But some lights and decorations can be dangerous if not used carefully. Here are some tips for ensuring your decorations stay decorative, not destructive:

Winnipeg, MB – Several amendments to the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw will be proposed for Council’s consideration later this week including a new safety surcharge that would apply to Personal Transportation Providers (PTP) Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.

Winnipeg, MB – Starting tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., southbound Taché Avenue between Provencher Boulevard and Despins Street will be closed for the winter for riverbank stabilization work associated with the Taché Promenade project. The southbound lane is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Thursday, March 15. While this work is underway the northbound lane on Taché Avenue will remain open. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the east sidewalk.

Winnipeg, MB – Crews were out overnight and continue to plow and salt routes today. Upon completion of main routes, crews will begin plowing collector streets and bus routes. Priority one sidewalks and active transportation pathways will also be plowed beginning this morning. Salting and sanding will continue today to improve traction.

Motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and reduce speed. Please stay well back from heavy equipment.

Avoid a ticket and tow

Winnipeg, MB – After listening to public feedback and presentations from over 40 delegations, several amendments are being proposed by Executive Policy Committee to the initial recommendations contained within the 2018 Preliminary Operating and Capital budget Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.

Winnipeg, MB – Emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found in Winnipeg. Introduced into North America from China, EAB is an invasive, wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills all species of ash trees.

“While emerald ash borer will have a significant impact on our urban tree canopy, the City has been preparing for its arrival for over a decade,” said city forester Martha Barwinsky. “We are ready to respond.”

Winnipeg, MB – Citizens are reminded that the registration process for Winter 2018 activities will have staggered start dates as follows:

Tuesday, December 12 at 8:00 a.m. – Registration begins for swimming lessons only.

Wednesday, December 13 at 8:00 a.m. – Registration for all other activities begins and swimming lesson registration continues.

Winnipeg, MB – Mayor Brian Bowman announced today that eight City-owned community centres will receive funding for renovations.

The Community Centre Renovation Grant (CCRG) Program received and approved eight applications from the Fall 2017 intake period for a combined total of $296,191 in grant funding. Since the program’s inception, the City has invested $5,172,566 into 129 different community centre applications for renovations across the city.

Winnipeg, MB – Standard and Poor's has recently affirmed Winnipeg's AA (Stable) credit rating based on a very strong and diversified economy, stable budgetary performance, strong financial management, and robust liquidity.

“Standard and Poor’s confirmation of our AA credit rating is an encouraging sign amidst a very challenging budget environment,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The AA rating is evidence of the City of Winnipeg’s strong and responsible approach toward managing the City’s finances.”