Winnipeg announces plans for restarting some city services

WINNIPEG (CityNews) – The City of Winnipeg is set to resume numerous services over the coming days.

All of the openings will comply with the province’s Restoring Safe Services Plan.

The city as said they “have begun recalling approximately 400 staff members from the Community Services Department who were temporarily laid-off to support the resumption of services.”

The city has released information on outdoor pools, wading pools, and animal services which will be among the first city owned services that will be reopening.

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Outdoor pools and Wading pools

As early as July 3, the city is planning on opening heated and non-heated outdoor pools, as well as 33 wading pools.

Pool capacity will be reduced to ensure social distancing guidelines.

Anyone looking to enjoy pools once they reopen, is being asked to pre-book swimming blocks in advance, as drop-ins are discouraged and may not be able to be accommodated due to limited capacity.

Swimming blocks will be limited to two hours and swimmers are being asked to leave the facilities once their swim time is complete, to allow for thorough cleaning between swim groups.

Swimmers must come prepared to swim as lockers will not be available, and there will be limited use of change rooms, washrooms and showers.

More details on how residents can register for swim blocks will be released closer to pools re-opening.

Animal Services Agency

The Animal Services Agency, located at 1057 Logan Ave., is partially reopening to members of the public on Wednesday, June 17.

Front counter service will be available for pet licensing and fee collection on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Animal Services will continue to reunite lost dogs with their owners and will continue to have dogs available for adoption; however, an appointment must be made in advance by contacting 311.

Dog kennels remain closed to members of the public.

The city said, “customers will be asked to use the self-assessment symptom checklist before entering the facility. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter.”

Customers are asked to respect social distancing guidelines and stay two metres apart while waiting and follow all floor signage.

Connected walkway system

The skywalk portion of the connected walkway system will reopen Monday, June 22 at 6 a.m.

Access to the connected walkway system including the underground concourse at Portage & Main will be open between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and closed on weekends.

For more information on the City’s response to COVID-19, including more information about City services and programs, visit the City of Winnipeg’s website.