Winnipeggers invited to provide feedback on short-term rentals

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fire on College Avenue

Released: 9:10 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – At 3:56 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire at a three-storey apartment building in the 200 block of College Avenue.

When crews arrived on scene, they observed a fire outside that had extended to the building, impacting two floors. They quickly extinguished the outside fire and proceeded to address the fire extension with an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 4:39 a.m.

Approximately 12 occupants self-evacuated prior to crew arrival. No injuries were reported.

Winnipeg Transit was called to provide temporary shelter to displaced residents on board a bus. While the City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services was called to support displaced residents in securing short-term alternate accommodations if needed, all occupants were able to return to their suites after crews completed their work and thoroughly ventilated the building.

While fire, smoke, and water damages were primarily contained to one suite, smoke impacted multiple floors. No damage estimates are available at this time.

This fire is believed to have been caused by opportunistic arson. Residents are reminded of the following safety tips to protect their properties from purposely set fires:

• Clean up potential combustible items around your yard. Fire can spread to buildings and other structures quickly, so keep yard waste and bulky items like furniture away from your home, garage, and fence.
• If you have bulky waste items like furniture and appliances, call 311 and the City will remove bulky items for a fee.
• Garbage is a frequent target for set fires. Consider placing your garbage and recycling bins out the morning of collection.
• Store flammable material safely.
• Keep shrubs and trees near buildings trimmed and watered and ensure they are regularly cleared of dead plant matter.
• Use motion-activated lights to brighten the outside of your home or garage.
• Do not extinguish cigars or cigarettes in potted plants. Potting soil and peat moss can be combustible.
• Develop a home escape plan and practice it regularly with your family. If a fire occurs, this will help you be prepared to escape as quickly as possible.

Winnipeggers invited to provide feedback on short-term rentals

Released: 4:23 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is exploring options for regulating short-term rentals and is seeking input from residents and people in the accommodations industry.

Short-term rentals are temporary accommodations (less than 30 consecutive days) in a dwelling such as an apartment, house, or condominium, provided by a property owner or principal tenant in exchange for payment. These accommodations contribute to the local Winnipeg economy, provide adaptable accommodation options, and provide additional source of income for Winnipeggers.

The City is exploring regulations to mitigate negative impacts and concerns caused by short-term rentals, such as impacts on the housing market and rental housing, noise, and loss of sense of community.

We want to hear from Winnipeggers on the challenges and opportunities of short-term rentals, and feedback on the regulation options being considered to determine the best approach for Winnipeg. Residents can provide feedback by taking an online survey until June 30, 2022.

The City will also meet with stakeholders representing local residents, short-term rentals, and others in the accommodations industry.

Feedback received will help inform recommendations on regulating short-term rentals that will be presented to Council in fall 2022 for its consideration.

Visit winnipeg.ca/shorttermrentals to take the online survey and to learn more.