News briefs for Sunday, November 2, 2025

WFPS responds to three structure fires over the weekend

9:25 PM

Over the weekend, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to three structure fires.

At 7:23 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, fire crews responded to reports of a fire in a house in the 600 block of St. Mary’s Road. The fire was declared under at 7:50 p.m.

At 11:36 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, a house fire was reported in the 1100 block of Alexander Avenue. Fire crews found heavy smoke coming from the house. The fire was under control at 12:15 a.m.

At 7:10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a strip mall in the 900 block of Corydon Avenue.

Crews encountered smoke and flames coming from the building. The fire was declared under control at 7:25 a.m.

A news released noted no injuries were reported at these fires. The incidents are under investigation and no damage estimates are available.

Police warn of high-risk offender’s release from Milner Ridge

9:14 PM

Police are warning the public about a high-risk offender who was released from jail and is expected to live in Winnipeg.

Leslie Wayne Oliver Mercredi, 33, is a convicted sex offender who is considered high risk to reoffend in a sexual manner against all children, particularly females, the Manitoba integrated high-risk sex offender unit said in a news release Sunday.

Mercredi — also known as Leslie Wayne Brightnose and Leslie Mercredi — was released from Milner Ridge Correctional Centre after serving a sentence for two counts of failing to comply with the conditions of a recognizance order. He was convicted on March 21, 2025 of those offences, and received a sentence of 540 days less time in custody and a two-year probation order. Although he participated in some treatment programming in the past, Mercredi is still considered high risk to reoffend.

Mercredi is subject probation orders with conditions that include no contact/communication or be in the presence of any person under 18 years of age; and complying with an absolute curfew for the first three months, followed by a daily curfew between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

“This information is provided to enable members of the public to take suitable measures to protect themselves. Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct directed at Mr. Mercredi will not be tolerated,” the release said.

High winds causing power outages

1:44 PM

High winds are knocking down power lines in southern Manitoba, causing outages for thousands of residents.

More than 4,000 Manitoba Hydro customers were experiencing power outages across southern Manitoba as of early Sunday afternoon, Hydro posted on social media. Hundreds in south Winnipeg were also affected, including in Minnetonka and the Pembina Strip. Hydro said about 1,900 customers in those areas were experiencing outages.

See the outage map here. 

Sherbrook Street fire under investigation

1:04 PM

A fire that broke out near Sherbrook Street and Westminster Avenue on Saturday night is under investigation.

Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Pat Saydak said the fire was reported at about 8:30 p.m., with no injuries reported.

A Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service spokesperson said crews attacked the flames, and searched nearby buildings and structures to see if smoke and flames had spread.

The fire was declared under control shortly after 9:10 p.m.

A staff member at Next Door restaurant said the fire happened outdoors near a back lane, spreading to a wooden pole and wires.

Police investigating ‘serious incident’ on Wellington Crescent

12:02 PM

Winnipeg police are investigating a “serious incident” on Wellington Crescent today.

Officers responded to the scene on the 200 block of Wellington Crescent just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday, a WPS spokesperson confirmed.

“There is no threat to public safety. No further information is available,” Const. Pat Saydak wrote in an email.