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(City of Winnipeg Release) Winnipeg – The City of Winnipeg has informed 41 property owners that their properties require dikes to protect their properties form river flooding, while another 16 properties remain at risk of river flooding and may require dikes. As of 1:18 p.m. on April 6, 2020, the river level at the James Avenue gauge was 14.69 ft. River levels are available online at City of Winnipeg – River Levels and updated in real time every 10 minutes. City employees continue to monitor river levels around the clock, and are working closely with the Province of Manitoba to determine whether additional properties will require sandbag dikes to protect against river flooding. Only those properties notified directly by the City are considered at risk of river flooding. If a property owner has not heard from the City and believes their property is at risk of river flooding, they can contact 311. Sandbag production & dike construction While the City remains committed to maintaining essential services for our residents, we are also balancing the health, safety, and well-being of our employees. We are acting on the advice of experts and taking their instructions seriously. Our Emergency Operations Centre is actively engaged in our response to COVID-19, including coordinating response efforts in consultation with civic departments, and ensuring the appropriate policies and procedures are in place to support the continuity of our essential services and the ongoing maintenance of our critical infrastructure. The same is true of flood preparations, including safe-work procedures for the production of sandbags and the building of sandbag dikes. Crews are following safe work procedures and are following the province’s social distancing protocols. Property owners are responsible for building their own sandbag dikes, and should follow the province’s social distancing protocols. However, we recognize that homeowners may be experiencing difficulty in finding volunteers to help build sandbag dikes. In these instances, the City may provide assistance. Basement, overland & snowmelt flooding Property owners should be alert to the various other types of flooding, including: basement, overland, and snowmelt. Sandbags are available for pick-up by Winnipeg residents who need to protect their properties against overland flooding. Winnipeg residents can now pick up sandbags for overland flooding at the following locations between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.: · 1220 Pacific Ave. · 1539 Waverley St. · 960 Thomas Ave. Springtime thaws also increase the risk of basement flooding across the city. Property owners are reminded to take steps to protect their homes and property against basement flooding. Although basement flooding is a risk at any time of the year, the risk increases in the spring and when river levels rise because the sewer system must rely heavily on pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the water runoff due to higher river levels. Property owners are reminded to take the following steps to protect their homes and property: 1. To ensure maximum protection against basement flooding, arrange for a licensed plumber to install a sewer line backup valve and a sump pit with pump in the basement 2. Inspect backup valves and sump pump drainage systems to make sure they are functioning properly 3. Ensure drainage is directed away from the home by extending downspouts away from the basement walls and ensuring the earth is built up around the house Property owners are reminded it is against the law to drain sump pump water into the basement floor drain or any other part of the house plumbing system, as it can overtax the sewer system placing their basement and those of their neighbours at risk of flooding and damage. Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Winnipeg on Facebook and Twitter (#WpgFlood) for flood updates, and more flood information is available online at winnipeg.ca/flooding. Thin ice safety Due to warming temperatures, residents are advised that thin ice conditions are present on Winnipeg waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, streams, creeks, retention ponds and rivers. Parents are urged to speak to their children about the dangers of waterways. The ice surfaces are thin and fragile, and falling into ice-cold water can be deadly. The public is also reminded that while the Winnipeg Police Service’s River Patrol Unit places “Danger - Thin Ice” signage at specific locations including outfalls, retention ponds, and other potentially dangerous areas, ALL ice should be considered unsafe even if warning signage is not present.

(Winnipeg Police Release) On March 24, 2020, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services responded to an injured toddler at a residence in the 100 block of Snowdon Avenue. The victim, a two and a half-year-old boy, was taken to hospital in critical condition. The child’s injuries were not consistent with the explanation provided by the boy’s caregiver, and the Winnipeg Police Service’s Child Abuse Unit was alerted. On March 26, 2020, the child succumbed to his injuries. He is being identified as Brett White, 2 ½ years. The Child Abuse Unit continued with their investigation. On April 3, 2020, detectives arrested Victoria Reane Thiessen, 20, and charged her with Manslaughter. Thiessen was the victim’s step-mother. She was detained in custody.

(City of Winnipeg Release) Winnipeg – At 5:50 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of fire in a 4-storey apartment block in the first block of Sargent Avenue. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on the scene, due to the potential for a high number of occupants in the building. Firefighters launched an offensive attack, while also completing a search of the building and rescuing several occupants. Ladder crews also rescued one individual from a third floor window. Due to deteriorating conditions, all crews were forced to exit the structure briefly and transition to a defensive attack. Once conditions improved, crews were once again able to enter the building and fight the fire from the interior. It was declared under control at 6:47 a.m. Two individuals were transported to hospital - one in critical condition and the other in stable condition. Paramedics assessed seven other occupants on scene but no other transports to hospital were required. Winnipeg Transit buses were deployed to the scene to provide shelter for the evacuees. Occupants of the building will not be able to return to their suites once crews complete their work. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services was deployed in order to connect them with available resources. Several cats were rescued from the building – at least one which required oxygen. That cat was later reunited with its owner. Winnipeg Animal Services was called to the scene to provide care for the other animals The cause of the fire will be under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.

(City of Winnipeg Release) Single Family Home Fire on King Edward Street At 2:36 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a report of fire in a single family home in the 400 block of King Edward Street. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered smoke in the house and launched an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 2:54 p.m. All occupants self-evacuated from the home, prompted by a working smoke alarm. No injuries were reported. Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, due to combustibles being stored too close to the hot water tank. All residents are reminded to always keep combustibles away from heat sources. Two-and-a-Half Storey House on Helmsdale At 8:27 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a report of fire in a two-and-a-half storey house under renovations in the 100 block of Helmsdale Avenue. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered heavy smoke coming from an exterior wall. In order to extinguish the fire, crews gained access from the interior of the home and from the gable end of the house. All occupants self-evacuated from the home prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. At 9:03 p.m. WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey, single-family home in the 800 block of Ashburn Street. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the exterior of the home. An offensive attack was launched but due to deteriorating conditions, crews were forced to exit the house and transition to a defensive attack. This incident is ongoing at this time. Crews are expected to be on scene into the night. All occupants of the home self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. Two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution. Winnipeg Transit buses were deployed to the scene to provide shelter for the evacuees. No injuries have been reported at this time. The causes of both fires will be under investigation. No damage estimates are available to this time. House Fire on Carlton Street At 10:25 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a report of fire in a 10-storey apartment block in the first block of Carlton Street. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on the scene, due to the potential for a high number of occupants in the building. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered smoke in the building and launched an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 11:07 p.m. Damage was contained to the suite where the fire originated. Occupants were not required to evacuate the building. Crews canvassed all floors to confirm their safety. One individual was assessed on scene by paramedics and transported to hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire will be under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.

(Province of Manitoba Release) Public health officials advise nine additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m., bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 203. The data also shows: • 11 individuals are currently hospitalized including seven in intensive care, • 17 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and • the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is two. Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 488 tests Saturday. As of April 5, a total of 12,998 tests have been performed. Isolation centres will be established to meet the need of Manitobans who may require some additional support as they self-isolate. This support will be offered as part of the public health investigation process to individuals who are COVID-19 positive or who have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive case and require a dedicated space where they can self-isolate. The first centre has been set up in a Winnipeg hotel and began accepting individuals this weekend. These centres will adhere to the public health guidelines and guests will be required to self-isolate in their rooms at all times. Isolation centres will use enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices. All social and physical distancing practices will be adhered to and centres will practice zero contact services wherever possible. Public health is also advising people to remain within or close to their home communities. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba, to essential trips only. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill. Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required. For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

(Winnipeg Police Release) On February 26, 2020, Winnipeg Police were alerted to three incidents of graffiti that had occurred overnight: one at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, one at RCMP D Division headquarters on Portage Avenue, and one at the offices of MP Dan Vandal on St. Mary’s Road. The Winnipeg Police Major Crimes Unit began an investigation, and on February 28, 2020, arrested a suspect. Carter Raymond Peter GRYCKO, 18, has been charged with 3 counts of Mischief Under $5,000. He was released on an Undertaking with conditions. This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477) if they wish to remain anonymous.

(Manitoba Government Release) Public health officials advise 15 additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m., bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 182. In addition, a second death has been reported. Patient specific details are not being released at this time. The data also shows: • nine individuals are currently hospitalized including six in intensive care, • 11 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and • the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is two. Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 634 tests Thursday. As of April 3, a total of 11,952 tests have been performed. Eight companies have responded to the province’s call for donations of medical supplies, which will help ensure the province is prepared to meet the needs of patients and ensure appropriate protection from COVID-19 is available to health-care workers. One day after putting out a call for supplies, the health system received donations of 2,570 N95 masks, 3,110 surgical and procedure masks, 9,300 gloves and 202 bottles of hand sanitizer. Donations of the following supplies are welcome: • N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial grade; • surgical/procedure masks; • gloves; • disposable gowns and • disinfectants and cleaners. Supplies must be in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. Expired supplies are not able to be accepted. For more information on donating supplies, visit https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/supply-donations/ or call (toll-free) 1-833-408-0101. The Manitoba government has decided to postpone the remaining dates for making campground reservations. Sessions scheduled for April 6 and April 8 will be rescheduled later. Existing campground, group-use and yurt reservations are still valid, but may be cancelled if the situation changes. More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks. Public health is also advising people to remain within or close to their home communities. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba, to essential trips only. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill. In order to meet the continuing need for Winnipeggers to be screened for COVID-19, a second community testing drive-thru site opened today at the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Main Street service centre, 1284 Main St. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Other Winnipeg locations include: • Mount Carmel Clinic, 886 Main St.; • Access Winnipeg West, 280 Booth Dr.; and • MPI’s Bison Drive Service Centre, 15 Barnes St. The redeployment of testing resources to the Main Street location will allow testing sites at Access Transcona and Access Fort Garry to return to their mandate of providing primary and episodic care to patients. The public is reminded that a referral to these testing sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation throughout Manitoba is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html. Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required. For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

(Winnipeg Release) Winnipeg - At 3:19 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to an automatic fire alarm at a hotel in the 1800 block of Wellington Avenue. While responding, further 911 reports were received indicating fire in one of the suites. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on the scene, due to the potential for a high number of occupants in the building. Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke in the first floor hallway of the hotel. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was very quickly brought under control. The automatic fire sprinkler system had activated and kept the fire from extending beyond the room of origin. Crews then worked to ventilate smoke from the building. All occupants self-evacuated from the building. One patient was assessed on scene by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported. Fire damage was contained to the suite where the fire originated. Other areas of the hotel suffered minor smoke and water damage. No damage estimates are available at this time. The cause of the fire is considered incendiary. The incident is being investigated by the Winnipeg Police Service.

(Winnipeg Police Release) The Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit (MIHRSOU) is a joint forces unit of the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP. MIHRSOU today provides information regarding James Sheldon JASPER, 43 years of age, a convicted sex offender who is considered high risk to sexually re-offend against all children, particularly male children. JASPER will be released from Stony Mountain Institution, in Stony Mountain, Manitoba on April 3, 2020. Upon release, JASPER will be subject to a three year supervised probation order, and lifetime prohibition and weapon prohibition orders. JASPER has been convicted previously of numerous sexual offences against children. Although he has participated in sexual offender treatment in the past, JASPER is still considered high risk to re-offend. All children, particularly male children, are at risk of sexual violence. He is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: James Sheldon JASPER is a 43-year-old male with a criminal record for sexual offences against children, particularly male children. Of note, on November 25, 2003 JASPER was convicted of a sexual offence against a 10-year old boy. JASPER invited the boy into his car and drove him to a secluded spot where JASPER sexually assaulted him. JASPER was sentenced to 26 months in jail followed by a 10 year long-term supervision order. After completing the prison portion of his sentence, he was released on January 23, 2006. However, JASPER was subsequently convicted of breaching the terms of his long-term supervision order, in 2011 and 2016, and breaching the terms of his probation order in 2018. On April 3, 2020, JASPER will be released from serving a 24 month sentence (in addition to 6 months pre-sentence custody credit) at the Stony Mountain Institution, regarding the 2018 convictions for breach of his probation order, and will be subject to the conditions of a three year supervised probation order including: • Reside as directed by his probation officer and observe a curfew between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, and comply with curfew checks; • Not have any contact with, or be in the presence of any person under 18 years except for unavoidable encounters in a public place or except in the presence of a responsible adult approved in writing, by his probation officer; • Not attend within 100 metres of any public parks or public swimming areas where persons 18 years or under are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a day care centre, school ground, playground or community center; (JASPER is subject to a lifetime order with the same prohibition) • Not to participate in paid or volunteer work that involves regular contact with anyone 18 years or under, or which places him in a position of trust or authority towards those persons; • Not to be in possession of a cellular phone, subscribe to a cellular phone in his name, or use a cellular phone with the consent of the subscriber except as permitted by his probation officer; • Not to own, possess, or acquire any personal computer system or electronic device capable of accessing the internet except if explicitly set out in writing by his probation officer in advance; and • Comply with any assessment, treatment, counseling, and/or community programming, as directed by his probation officer; Although Mr. JASPER has participated in sex offender treatment programs in the past, he is still considered high risk to re-offend. Children - young boys in particular - are at risk of sexual violence. Some of JASPER’s victims have been “groomed” by him involving predatory, premeditated behaviour to access vulnerable victims, particularly young boys, to facilitate the sexual offences. JASPER is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg. This information is provided to enable members of the public to take suitable measures to protect themselves. Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct directed at James Sheldon JASPER will not be tolerated. This information is also displayed on the Manitoba Justice Sex Offender Website: www.gov.mb.ca/justice/notification

(Government of Manitoba Release) The Manitoba government is announcing new measures in the Manitoba Protection Plan to provide extra support and relief to homeowners and businesses, and to enhance health preparedness for new medical equipment and shelter space in the fight against COVID-19, Premier Brian Pallister announced today. “Our government’s number one priority during this global pandemic is keeping Manitobans safe and ensuring our health-care system is there for us and our loved ones,” said Pallister. “We must protect our most valuable service – our health-care system – and protect our most vulnerable people, our senior citizens, our homeless, those faced with threats of violence and those who are facing new financial challenges.” Faster Health Equipment Procurement The government is investing more than $100 million to accelerate the pace at which Manitoba is procuring essential medical supplies and equipment, hotel capacity and other critical needs to help prepare for COVID-19. “Manitobans have always risen to the challenge and what we’ve seen so far during this pandemic is no exception,” said Pallister. “This $100-million investment will allow us to support made-in-Manitoba products and solutions from local businesses to quickly help in our collective efforts to fight COVID-19 and protect Manitobans in the weeks and months ahead.” Manitoba manufacturers or businesses that are prepared to rapidly scale up production or re-tool manufacturing lines to develop products made in Manitoba to help in the fight against COVID-19 can go to the portal at www.manitoba.ca/covid19, and then visit the business and workplace page. The province is also issuing a call to businesses who have a stock of personal protective equipment. If the equipment is not being used due to closures and physical distancing, they can also reach out by visiting the portal at www.manitoba.ca/covid19. In addition, Manitoba businesses can donate unused personal protective equipment supplies in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. For more info, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/supply-donations/. Cash Flow Tax Relief Today’s measures will provide immediate relief to Manitobans facing financial challenges by deferring provincial fees and charges, the premier noted. As part of the Manitoba Protection Plan, the province is providing the following protections for the next six months until Oct. 1: • instructing Manitoba Hydro, Centra Gas and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to not charge interest or penalties in the event that Manitobans are unable to pay at this time; • instructing MPI to relax ordinary practices on policy renewals and collections; • instructing Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries not to charge interest on receivables from restaurants, bars and specialty wine stores; • supporting Workers Compensation Board (WCB) to do the same and asking WCB to extend relief from penalties for late payments; • directing Manitoba Hydro and Centra Gas to not disconnect customers during these times; and • working with municipal partners to ensure municipalities do not charge interest on provincial education taxes and school division fees and the province is encouraging municipalities to do the same with respect to their own taxes and will start discussions to support implementation. The government is also deferring provincial income tax and corporate income tax filing deadlines and payments to coincide with the current revised federal deferral of income tax to Aug. 31 and has indicated it would be willing to extend these deferrals until Oct. 1, should the federal government agree, the premier added. The new measures are in addition to the recently announced two-month deferral for small businesses that remit up to $10,000 in Manitoba payroll tax or $10,000 in sales tax. This will result in $80 million in deferred remittance to the province. Pallister also announced plans to help make insurance more affordable for Manitobans. While the province has no ability to allow for deferrals of payments or the waiver of interest charges and penalties, Manitoba is taking steps to make home and business property insurance more affordable to Manitobans by accelerating the removal of $75 million of annual PST from residential and business properties, effective July 1. This will save residential property owners an estimated $38 million per year and business property owners $37 million a year. Expanded Shelter Capacity The Manitoba government will add more than 140 new shelter beds to support people affected by homelessness and allow for social distancing protocols as part of the province’s broader Manitoba Protection Plan response to COVID-19, the premier announced. “While many of us have the capacity to shelter at home, the reality is some of us do not,” said Pallister. “Through our Manitoba Protection Plan, our government will ensure people who don’t have a stable home have a place to stay safe and healthy as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic together.” Up to $1.2 million will be invested at several locations in Winnipeg to: • repurpose a vacant Manitoba Housing building on Sargent Avenue to create 31 new beds; • add 35 beds provided by the Salvation Army at its Martha Street location; • expand Siloam Mission’s capacity by 50 beds; and • move individuals currently using the Salvation Army’s SonRise Village to alternate locations, making its 26 beds available for new clients. The beds at the Sargent Avenue location will be managed by Main Street Project, which is partnering with other shelters to co-ordinate access among their clients. This location will open today and others will become available as soon as possible. The provincial building on Sargent Avenue may also be used as self-isolation units for homeless individuals who need it. The premier noted the province is also looking into additional options to support homeless and vulnerable people outside of Winnipeg as part of the province’s Manitoba Protection Plan response to COVID-19. “Our government remains committed to looking at every possible way to help all Manitobans through these uncertain times, by providing financial relief and support needed on the front line as we face this global pandemic together.” The province continues to rely on the recommendations of the chief provincial public health officer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages all Manitobans to engage in social distancing protocols. For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19

The COVID-19 pandemic is truly a crisis unlike anything we have ever experienced, and it continues to impact our city, our way of life and our economy. To date there’s been no debate within Council, and no financial details provided for review and consideration. The community can’t afford to wait and see how this all plays out. Residents and business owners want assurances that their municipal leaders are focused on fiscal management. They want confidence that their municipal government will take action to ignite our economy when one crisis ends, and another begins. City Council and the Administration must take bold, decisive action to help sustain our city through this challenging and stressful time. As opposed to being told of actions in Council on Friday, we’re asking for council and administration to consider a number of bold steps to support residents and small business owners, as well as to set a proactive path which will allow our municipal economy to effectively rebound. Such bold steps can include: 1) Direct the Public Service to eliminate late payment (penalty and interest) charges for residential and non-residential property taxpayers until October 31, 2020. 2) Reverse the March 1, 2020 water and sewer rate increases to both residential and commercial until October 31, 2020. 3) Suspend the Business Tax from April 1 to October 31, 2020 for locally owned companies that have ceased operating in co-operation with Social Distancing principals. Companies with fewer than 100 FTE’s during regular operations would be eligible. 4) Offer grant funding in the total amount of $30,000 ($2,000 from each Councillor’s Community Incentive Grant Program) to any approved provider of breakfast programs for children (adhering to all health directives) in our at-risk neighbourhoods for the duration of the crisis. This is already being done in Ottawa. 5) Direct $500,000 of funding from Economic Development and Centre Venture to plan a local advertising campaign designed to encourage residents to visit local non-government funded businesses when the crisis restrictions conclude to launch our local economy. 6) Offer special grant funding, a total of $15,000 ($1,000 from every City Councillor’s Community Incentive Grant Program), to recognized organizations, following Manitoba Health directives, that offer programming for youth and children that otherwise have limited access. These recommendations are made with the full understanding that the above measures will impact Winnipeg financially. We would invite all members of Council to participate in the thorough review of the current budget and identify reductions or eliminations. We believe there is the potential of $65 million in adjustments that could be made to mitigate the financial risks with anticipated loss of revenues and unplanned expenses. Below are a few examples that would saving taxpayers significant money. Each reduction would require scheduled reviews on a monthly basis as we navigate the pandemic and financial fallout. 1) Immediately suspend all non-essential spending at the City of Winnipeg. Immediately freeze all non-union salaries at the 2019 levels and implement a hiring freeze throughout the city. 2) The City of Winnipeg should immediately eliminate all capital expenditures, except for safety-related or business essential items. 3) Immediately place a 12-month suspension on contract approvals for improvements to St. Boniface Pool and the St. James Civic Centre. 4) Suspend all purchases planned by Fleet Management for 2020 (to be reviewed for the 2021 budget). 5) Direct Transit to implement Sunday scheduling effective immediately, and to continue until the physical distancing restrictions have been lifted by the Province of Manitoba. 6) Suspend the opening of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor, given the University of Manitoba is effectively closed and passenger volumes along the Pembina strip will be low. Savings would be derived from no additional service and maintenance costs (including shelter cleaning) during this time. 7) Suspend the spending of Federal Gas Tax funds for 2020 in the area of additional Transit Bus purchases. 8) Suspend the spending of Federal Gas Tax funds for 2020 in the area of Pedestrian & Cycling Programs. 9) Cancellation of projects that incur debt, not including roads and bridges, until a review can be completed in the 2021 budget preparations. 10) Reduce the budget for non-essential departments by 10% immediately. All decisions should be carefully considered, discussed and debated amongst all members of Council. They are representatives of each corner of Winnipeg; the participation of all is critical to getting through this “together” as one city. Keep Safe & Healthy.

(City of Winnipeg Release) Winnipeg, MB – In its 2020 March Flood Outlook released yesterday, the Province of Manitoba advised that there is a risk of moderate flooding on the Red River. Predicted water levels at the James Avenue gauge at peak is between 5.8 metres (19.0 ft) and 6.25 metres (20.5 ft) depending on weather conditions. At this time, the City has identified 57 properties that may be at risk of river flooding and may require dikes. The City hand-delivered notices to affected property owners, and survey crews will be visiting these properties in the coming days to mark the location and elevation of the sandbag dikes that will be potentially required. As of 12:38 p.m. on April 1, 2020, the river level at the James Avenue gauge was 11.80 ft. River levels are available online at City of Winnipeg – River Levels and updated in real time every 10 minutes. City of Winnipeg employees are monitoring river levels around the clock and have been working on annual spring flood preparations for several weeks, including making preparations for temporary and permanent pumping, closing river gates, and sealing manholes. The City will continue to work closely with the Province of Manitoba and will determine whether additional properties will require sandbag dikes to protect against river flooding. Only those properties notified directly by the City are considered at risk of river flooding. If a property owner has not heard from the City and believes their property is at risk of river flooding, they can contact 311. Sandbag production & dike construction While the City remains committed to maintaining essential services for our residents, we are also balancing the health, safety, and well-being of our employees. We are acting on the advice of experts and taking their instructions seriously. Our Emergency Operations Centre is actively engaged in our response to COVID-19, including coordinating response efforts in consultation with civic departments, and ensuring the appropriate policies and procedures are in place to support the continuity of our essential services and the ongoing maintenance of our critical infrastructure. The same is true of flood preparations, including safe-work procedures for the production of sandbags and the building of sandbag dikes. Sandbag production began this week. The City is currently operating two sandbag-making units, with crews currently producing approximately 24,000 sandbags a day. Crews are following safe work procedures and are following social distancing protocols developed in consultation with the province. Property owners and volunteers may need to adjust their work method for sandbag dike construction on their property depending on physical barriers/obstructions, terrain, and space available at the location where the sandbag dike is to be built. Residents are reminded to follow appropriate social distancing protocols while building their sandbag dike. Any adjustments made should follow social distancing guidelines of six feet or two meters. More information is available online. Basement, overland & snowmelt flooding Property owners should be alert to the various other types of flooding, including: basement, overland, and snowmelt. Sandbags are available for pick-up by Winnipeg residents who need to protect their properties against overland flooding. Winnipeg residents can now pick up sandbags for overland flooding at the following locations between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.: • 1220 Pacific Ave. • 1539 Waverley St. • 960 Thomas Ave. Springtime thaws also increase the risk of basement flooding across the city. Property owners are reminded to take steps to protect their homes and property against basement flooding. Although basement flooding is a risk at any time of the year, the risk increases in the spring and when river levels rise because the sewer system must rely heavily on pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the water runoff due to higher river levels. Property owners are reminded to take the following steps to protect their homes and property: 1. To ensure maximum protection against basement flooding, arrange for a licensed plumber to install a sewer line backup valve and a sump pit with pump in the basement 2. Inspect backup valves and sump pump drainage systems to make sure they are functioning properly 3. Ensure drainage is directed away from the home by extending downspouts away from the basement walls and ensuring the earth is built up around the house Property owners are reminded it is against the law to drain sump pump water into the basement floor drain or any other part of the house plumbing system, as it can overtax the sewer system placing their basement and those of their neighbours at risk of flooding and damage. Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Winnipeg on Facebook and Twitter (#WpgFlood) for flood updates, and more flood information is available online at winnipeg.ca/flooding. Thin ice safety Due to warming temperatures, residents are advised that thin ice conditions are present on Winnipeg waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, streams, creeks, retention ponds and rivers. Parents are urged to speak to their children about the dangers of waterways. The ice surfaces are thin and fragile, and falling into ice-cold water can be deadly. The public is also reminded that while the Winnipeg Police Service’s River Patrol Unit places “Danger - Thin Ice” signage at specific locations including outfalls, retention ponds, and other potentially dangerous areas, ALL ice should be considered unsafe even if warning signage is not present.