Spring cleanup in Winnipeg

St. Norbert – Seine River

As spring slowly emerges, the City of Winnipeg kicks into high gear with its annual spring cleanup. This city-wide effort is essential for removing winter’s accumulation of sand, gravel, and debris from streets, sidewalks, and active transportation paths. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, Winnipeg residents are urged to do their part – both on their own properties and by staying informed about the city’s schedule.

The first step for every Winnipegger is to download and use the Know Your Zone app. This free tool allows residents to monitor exactly when their neighbourhoods are scheduled for mechanical street cleaning. By receiving push notifications for their designated zones, citizens can ensure parked vehicles are moved off the street on cleaning days – avoiding tickets and helping crews do a thorough job. The scale of this operation is immense – the city deploys over 300 pieces of equipment, including graders, sweepers, and loaders, to cover thousands of kilometres of roadway.

While the city clears public thoroughfares, homeowners have a critical responsibility on private property. All residents should inspect their sump pumps to ensure they are plugged in, functioning properly, and discharging water away from their foundations. However, it is vital to remember that sump pump water must drain onto private property – such as a lawn or gravel bed – and not onto sidewalks, lanes, or city streets. Directing discharge onto a public right-of-way can create hazardous ice patches and interfere with cleaning equipment. The city enforces this regulation, and property owners found with their sump pump hose emptying onto the public right of way may face a fine.

Note that the city’s yard waste program began on Monday, May 4, so now is a great opportunity to dispose of those items that have been accumulating during the winter months.

By combining civic infrastructure with individual accountability via the Know Your Zone app and proper sump pump management, Winnipeg can transition into spring safely, cleanly, and without costly penalties.

This isn’t just about cleaning our city, this is about civic pride and doing what is needed to activate shared spaces. So, where you can, lend a hand to improve the beauty of our city.