Supporting Our Northern Neighbours: Wildfire Evacuations and What the City of Winnipeg is Doing to Help
With wildfires impacting communities across Manitoba, many families have had to make the difficult decision to evacuate their homes. I want to share how the City of Winnipeg is stepping up in partnership with the Province of Manitoba and the Canadian Red Cross to offer safe shelter, support services, and essential amenities to evacuees arriving in our city.
The Latest on Wildfires and Evacuation Notices
To stay informed on current wildfire conditions and evacuation orders:
- Visit the Manitoba Wildfire Service page
- Check Environment Canada’s Winnipeg forecast and air quality
- Visit the City of Winnipeg’s Wildfire Evacuations page
Please also keep an eye on:
City Facilities Supporting Evacuees
Several City-run and affiliated facilities are being used as reception centres and temporary shelters:
- Billy Mosienko Arena – 709 Keewatin St.
- Eric Coy Arena – 535 Oakdale Dr.
- Century Arena – 1377 Clarence Ave.
- Winnipeg Soccer Federation North – 770 Leila Ave. (city-owned but operated by WSF)
All programming and rentals at these locations are currently suspended. User groups will be contacted directly. If you have any questions, please call 311.
Evacuees are asked to go to Billy Mosienko Arena for reception centre services if they do not have family or friends to stay with.
Canadian Red Cross Registration
Registering with the Red Cross is important. It ensures that you can receive updates, access available supports, and be located by loved ones:
- Register online at redcross.ca
- Or call toll-free: 1-800-863-6582, available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
City Services & Free Amenities for Evacuees
Winnipeg has several public resources available for evacuees:
Hydration & Heat Relief
- Hydration stations and shaded spaces are available throughout the city during extreme heat events.
- Learn more about heat relief in Winnipeg
Spray Pads and Recreation
- All outdoor spray pads are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are free to use.
- Free and low-cost leisure programs can be found in the Priceless Fun brochure
Transit and Mobility
- Information on how to ride Winnipeg Transit can be found here
Libraries and Learning
- Winnipeg Public Libraries offer free internet access. Ask staff for a VIP (Visitor Internet Privilege) card for 14-day access.
- You’re also welcome to browse, read, and spend time in our 20 public libraries
Parks and Green Spaces
- Enjoy Winnipeg’s parks and trails, which offer walking paths, playgrounds, and off-leash dog areas
Health Services and Emergency Support
- If you require emergency assistance, call 9-1-1
- For non-emergency health questions, call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257 (available 24/7)
- These numbers can also help locate family members relocated from health centres or care homes
As your city councillor, I want to thank everyone involved in this coordinated response—from our City teams to volunteers and neighbours who’ve opened their homes.
To those who’ve been displaced: Winnipeg is here to support you. We will continue to provide safe spaces, resources, and compassion while you’re away from home.
Please share this post so those in need know where to go and how to get help.
– Cindy Gilroy
City Councillor, Daniel McIntyre Ward
