News briefs for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Plowing of back lanes begins Thursday

4:48 PM

Crews will begin plowing back lanes across the city at 7 a.m. Thursday.

“Back lane conditions have deteriorated in recent days amid fluctuating temperatures,” the City of Winnipeg said in a news release late Wednesday afternoon. “Motorists should drive to conditions and use extreme caution when near heavy equipment.”

The annual winter route parking ban remains in effect.

Shots fired in Ebb and Flow, man arrested

4:29 PM

A man has been charged after someone fired a sawed-off shotgun multiple times outside a home in Ebb and Flow First Nation and threatened to shoot someone.

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP were sent to the area at 11 p.m. Monday. Officers arrested a man at a friend’s home and seized a gun.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with firearms-related offences, uttering threats and failing to comply with a release order. A 28-year-old woman was arrested on a warrant for an unrelated matter.

Check meningococcal vaccination status, province urges

4:23 PM

Manitoba Health officials are urging residents to check that their meningococcal vaccinations, and those of their children, are up to date after several people died from one strain last year.

There has been an increased number of invasive meningococcal disease  caused by the serogroup W strain since December 2023, the provincial government said in a news release Wednesday. There were four deaths and 23 confirmed cases of the serogroup last year. That is about five times the expected number of cases, the release said.

Infants under 12 months old are most at risk, although cases have occurred in all age groups, the province said. To check vaccine eligibility, go online.

Man sexually exploited teen girl: police

9:52 AM

Police say a 55-year-old man gave a teenage girl drugs and alcohol, and sexually exploited and choked her, during multiple encounters over the course of nearly a year.

The Winnipeg Police Service’s counter-exploitation unit began an investigation earlier this month and arrested a man at his home Friday. The incidents happened at the home between February and Dec. 30, 2025, the WPS said in a news release Wednesday.

“During one incident, the teen suffered a potentially fatal overdose. She was also assaulted and choked on several occasions, resulting in minor injuries not requiring medical attention,” the release said.

Police were contacted after the teen told someone about what happened.

Albert Felix Mondor is charged with sexual interference, administering a noxious thing, assault and assault by choking, suffocating or strangling. He was detained in custody.

Police are still investigating and asked anyone with information about the case to call the child abuse unit at 204-986-3296 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 (TIPS).

Fire at vacant hotel closes Main Street

7:30 AM

A building fire in a vacant hotel in the 600 block of Main Street has resulted in lane closures.

“Main Street is closed in both directions between Logan Avenue and Higgins Avenue,” the City of Winnipeg posted on X. “Please avoid the area.”

Media reports indicate the structure on fire is the Manwin Hotel at 655 Main St., which has been vacant for a year and was considered at risk of fire and vandalism.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 3:46 a.m. Wednesday, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said in a news release.

Fire crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from outside the building as it was unsafe to enter. Firefighters used aerial ladders and hose lines to spray water on the fire and protect neighbouring buildings.

Firefighters evacuated the neighbouring shelter as a precaution. Winnipeg Transit responded to provide buses for temporary shelter for evacuees. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team responded to the scene and is working with shelter staff to provide support for those who were evacuated.

No injuries have been reported.

The building has sustained major damage and is a total loss. The fire is under investigation.