Adjusting rules to reflect new realities

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/07/2021 (708 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the city and province slowly continue to open up we find ourselves living in extraordinary times as this pandemic is still active throughout the world. 

Social distancing has become a part of our everyday lives but we need to do what we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and get immunized as quickly so we can all get back to as close to normal and enjoy our great city & province.

During this time at home, many of us have been spending time improving our homes and yards. I recently put forward a motion to city council, which was accepted, that allows for an amnesty for work on your personal residence without a permit. 

This temporary program came into effect on June 1, 2021. The permit amnesty program. as it was called by the public service, was established to encourage homeowners who have done renovations or upgrades to their primary residences (only your primary residence is eligible) without permits, to apply for the required permits, followed by having their work inspected and approved as compliant with applicable codes, by-laws, and safety standards. 

Typically, a post-construction permit fee would normally be applied to permits when work has already been done but this will be waived upon payment of applicable permit fees.

If you opt into the amnesty program, you must ensure that work is completed and inspected by City of Winnipeg staff within a three-year time frame. Please note that if you receive a notice or order for work done without permits as a result of an investigation by City of Winnipeg employees, you will not be eligible for the amnesty program. 

For more information on this program please follow this link:  https://winnipeg.ca/ppd/permits/Residential/AmnestyProgram.stm#5 

Let’s switch lanes and talk swimming.

As of June 25, residents have been able to enjoy our Transcona Aquatic Park. Capacity at the outdoor pools has been reduced to help ensure social distancing guidelines are maintained. As such, residents will be encouraged to pre-book their swim blocks in advance, as drop-ins are discouraged and may not be able to be accommodated due to limited capacity. 

Please note that swimmers must come prepared to swim. There will be no locker use, limited use of washrooms will be allowed,and staff will be following handwashing protocols and disinfecting surfaces as needed throughout the day and between swim blocks of time.

As the Public Health orders are subject to change, so will the limits on operation of these facilities. 

More details can be found at https://winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/pools/outdoorpools.stm   

Shawn Nason
Transcona ward report

Shawn Nason is the city councillor for Transcona ward.

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