On Monday, Winnipeg bylaw officers cleared two encampments on the first day of new city restrictions targeting homeless sites. Crews dismantled a long-standing encampment at Pacific Avenue and Ellen Street, and another behind Montana’s Restaurant on Empress Street near Omand’s Creek. Outreach workers assisted residents before cleanup, ensuring all four people accepted housing placements. City officials described the sites as cluttered with debris, burned materials, and discarded belongings, requiring over one and a half loads to be hauled to landfill.
The new rules prohibit encampments within 50 metres of schools, playgrounds, daycares, and skating rinks, and within 30 metres of transit shelters, bridges, docks, and similar public facilities. Council directed early enforcement ahead of the full policy review later this month. Officials emphasized balancing public safety with the dignity of residents, with Mayor Scott Gillingham highlighting the goal of both returning public spaces for community use and providing residents with access to housing.
More cleanup sites have been identified but not disclosed to prevent interference or premature relocations. “No camping” signs have been posted in several parks and green spaces, and enforcement will continue in the coming weeks. Outreach teams will coordinate with residents to place them into shelters or housing while staff work through a prioritized list of high-risk areas.
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