Q: What is spring cleanup?

A: Spring cleanup for public works usually comprises of 2 parts Road Sweeping and Boulevard Sweeping. Spring clean-up activities involve removing the build-up of street debris that collects during the winter months.

Q: How long does spring cleanup take?

A: Spring cleanup can take four to five weeks depending on weather conditions.

Street sweeping - starts when the roads are clear of snow and the overnight temperatures remain above freezing.

All streets should be cleaned in the 4-5 week period. Sweeping on regional (P1) streets usually takes place at night, while daytime sweeping focuses on collector (P2) and residential (P3) streets.

Boulevards – Sweeping boulevards begins when there are no frozen or wet boulevard surfaces or approximately a week or two after street sweeping begins.

Clean-up of boulevards in residential areas is limited to areas with excessive sand (2 full wheel barrows or more). This is frequently seen on corners where snow from the street has been deposited.

If your boulevard has an unusually large amount of debris call 311 to request an inspection.

Q: Does the city sweep back lanes?

A: Paved back lanes are swept once a year. The program begins after streets are swept in spring.

Neighbourhood Compatibility

Large houses have recently been built in the neighbourhood including one on Montrose Street in River Heights. The houses towers over the next door houses and is set farther forward than most houses on the block.

I held a meeting on September 5, 2012 to discuss in-fill houses, answer questions, and to hear what the neighbourhood had to say.

I have since prepared a motion concerning this issue and continue to work on your behalf. Please view the Q&A below in response to questions heard at the meeting.

Q: Is the city councillor notified when plans are submitted for a new home?

Yes and No, plans are submitted to Community Committee for approval only as long as the home does not require a variance, which is a modification of a provision of a zoning by-law, or a re-zoning or subdivision.

If the home complies with existing zoning the councillor is not notified of plans for a home.

Q: Why could I not see these plans before the house was approved?

So long as a property-owner complies with the City of Winnipeg Zoning By-law, the plans for the property are protected by privacy legislation.

Q: What is been done so similarly large home are in context with the neighbourhood?

The issue of the set back that allowed a house on Montrose Ave to be built closer to the sidewalk than others on the block has been dealt with through a motion requiring the if two set backs are permitted the one that matches the existing houses will be used.

The other issue of height and masses of homes relative to the neighbours homes is part of the over-all by-law review presently been conducted by the City of Winnipeg.

Q: The distance of the new home on Montrose was a distance of 3 feet from the edge of the yard. How is this possible without a variance?

A residential single-family detached home zoned as large or medium, such as the zoning on Montrose, must have a side yard setback minimum of 4 feet. However, various projections are allowed that may extend to 1 or 2 feet form the property line, depending on the projection.

Q: Could we set up design guidelines for the neighbourhood?

There are a number of options to help influence in-fill homes including Plan Development Over-lays and design guidelines and ensuring the Zoning By-law is adjusted appropriately to allow some flexibility while ensuring homes are somewhat consistent with the character of the neighbourhood. All these approaches are in the process of review.

Q: What can we do to aide John to ensure this doesn’t happen again?

I am always open to hearing new suggestions for improvements in the neighbourhood and the city. Public support at committee and council meetings gives weight to issues discussed on the agenda. You can also talk to other councillors, or residents of other wards, to make our council decision-making a more engaging and collaborative process.

Requirements for public notice (posting) are outlined in both the City of Winnipeg Charter and the City of Winnipeg Development Procedures By-law:

Board of Adjustment - Variances / Conditional Uses

· posted on site a minimum 14 days prior to the public hearing

Community Committee - Rezonings / Zoning Agreement Amendments / Secondary Plan By-laws / etc.

· posted on site a minimum 14 days prior to the public hearing and,

· advertise in two newspapers minimum 14 days before the public hearing

The information on DMIS is typically published the Thursday before the Public Hearing. http://winnipeg.ca/clkdmis/

The City is required to send those registered at a public hearing a letter regarding the decision made and if there is an appeal hearing date, however the City not required to mail out letters to give notice of an upcoming public hearing.

Public Open Houses / Public Consultation by a Developer is optional however we often recommend it for large scale projects.

Please let us know if you have suggestions on how communication can be improved and our office will continue advocate for improvements.

Q: Can I ask for a review of the ticket?

A: You can request a review of your ticket by the Winnipeg Parking Authority on line by going to http://theparkingstore.winnipeg.ca/theparkingstore/contestTicket/requestReview.stm and filling out the on line form, or come into the Parking Store at 495 Portage Avenue the next business day after you get the ticket and speak to someone in person.

Q: What if I want to challenge the ticket?

A: If you would like to challenge your ticket using the court process you may contest the ticket by appearing at Provincial Court. Before you do, you must have your ticket reviewed by the Winnipeg Parking Authority. You can do this with the on line process noted above, in person, through 311 or at 311@Winnipeg.ca.

Once this is done, you may file a plea of Not Guilty, or Guilty with an Explanation with Provincial Court, and your case will be heard by a magistrate or Judge.

Q: Where can I get information about parking regulations?

A: Parking rules and regulations are outlined in Provincial Legislation and City of Winnipeg By-Laws: The Manitoba Highway Traffic Act The Manitoba Summary Convictions Act City of Winnipeg Traffic By-Law No. 1573/77 City of Winnipeg Parking Meter By-Law No. 6547/95 City of Winnipeg Disabled Persons Parking By-Law No. 7171/98 City of Winnipeg Voluntary Payment of Fines By-Law No. 789/74

1. Slow your speed as you approach the intersection.
2. Stop in advance of the sidewalk if pedestrians are crossing.
3. Yield to vehicles that arrive first at the intersection. Yield to vehicles on the right if arriving at the same time.
4. Keep to the right and travel around the traffic circle in a counterclockwise direction.

Q: How will I know if there are any parking restrictions on the street I am parking on?

A: In Winnipeg there are a number of winter parking bans that residents should be aware of. Information about all winter parking bans can be found at the following helpful links:

Website – http://www.knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca

Brochure – http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Parkingbans/Documents/knowyourzone_en.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions – http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Parkingbans/Documents/FAQ.pdf

The two main winter parking bans that people should be familiar with are:

a) The Annual Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban which applies to streets designated as snow routes and is put in place annually from December 1 to March 1 and prohibits parking between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. nightly. Every street designated as a Snow Route has Snow Route signs posted within 150 metres of one another and at least one sign on every block. This parking ban is put in place in order to allow for better snow clearing operations on regional and collector streets across the city.

b) The Residential Parking Ban, which applies to residential streets when the City makes the decision to plow residential streets due to large accumulations of snow. All residential streets are assigned to a snow zone (which is identified by a letter of the alphabet). Residential streets will maintain the same snow zone letter of the alphabet for the entire winter season.

When a residential snow clearing operation is required, the City will announce the schedule for clearing of streets by snow zone letters. Residential streets in snow zones will be cleared in 12 hour shifts between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Under normal conditions, clearing of snow from residential streets will be completed within five 12-hour shifts, but it may take longer depending on plowing conditions. To find out when the residential parking ban will apply to a residential street you would like to park on, you can contact 311 or visit the City of Winnipeg webpage http://www.knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca

The City will make a public announcement through the media when a Residential Parking Ban is declared.

More answers to questions on Winter Parking Bans is also available here: http://www.orlikow.ca/faq/

Q: Why are residents being ticketed when there is no snow fall?

A:In the winter, it is essential that priority streets are kept clear of snow to ensure the fast, safe movement of emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire and police). These priority streets are designated as Snow Routes. The City’s Winter Parking Ban By-law (76/2011) prohibits parking between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from December 1st to March 1st every year on streets designated as Snow Routes. This ensures that if weather conditions suddenly change and it suddenly snows heavily, crews can start working immediately on the main roads and not have to worry about many vehicles parked on a street. Maneuvering around parked cars slows down the process considerably. Keeping these priority streets free of parked vehicles overnight ensures crews can plow quickly and cover a larger area in a shorter period of time, should it suddenly snow heavily.

Q: Why doesn’t the City give a warning to drivers parked on snow routes, instead of a fine?

A: The Winnipeg Parking Authority (WPA) did not enforce it for the first week of December. This time was used as an opportunity to educate the public through warning tickets and the distribution of an informational pamphlet. Since that time enforcement has remained consistent, to act as a deterrent. Not enforcing could introduce some level of complacency from the public and may result in residents fighting tickets on the premise that enforcement was not carried out in full accordance or consistently with the By-law. When a snow fall does occur, it is essential that the city complete operations in a timely manner in order to make the streets safer and to effectively and efficiently use our public resources.

Q: Where is a non-resident supposed to park when all the available parking is marked as a snow route?

A: The City advises that with regards to parking on Winnipeg streets in the winter, vehicle owners/drivers are responsible for finding a place to park their vehicle, and to find a street to park on, which doesn’t have a winter parking ban currently in place. The City provides information about which streets have winter parking bans in place, at: http://cms00asa1.winnipeg.ca/

On this web page an individual can type in a street address and see what streets currently have a Winter Parking Ban in effect including the Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban. The map also shows surrounding residential streets where there is no Parking Ban in effect and people can choose to park there. The City of Winnipeg also operates many surface parking lots throughout the city where vehicles may be parked overnight for a fee.

Q: What can I do to challenge a ticket?

A: If you would like to challenge a ticket, it is your right to take a ticket to Provincial Court at 373 Broadway between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. You may plead either ‘not guilty’ or ‘guilty with an explanation’.

In order to appear at Provincial Court you must 1) have the ticket stamped at the Parking Store (495 Portage Ave), and 2) appear within 15 days of the ticket being issued. The province provides no options to contest a ticket by phone.

Q: I would like to challenge a ticket, but I have difficulty taking the time out of my day due to other commitments. What options do I have?

A: Under provincial law, the City of Winnipeg must have a ticket stamped in order for the ticket-holder to challenge a ticket before a public hearing. If as a ticket-holder, you are unable to have it stamped, you may have somebody else get it stamped on your behalf so long as you provide a signed letter giving permission to do so. This permission must come from the registered owner of the vehicle.

The purpose of having the ticket stamped is for review before it goes forward. For example, if there was in fact a license plate or date error, this would allow The Parking Authority to catch this before it went to the Provincial Courts.

Q: What can I do if I the ticket was given in error?

A: If the ticket was given in error, you may have the ticket reviewed by the Winnipeg Parking Authority. This can be done online at:

http://theparkingstore.winnipeg.ca/theparkingstore/ A review is limited to a determination of whether or not there were errors in the issuance of the ticket. The review must be requested within 15 days of the ticket being issued. The ticket is reviewable if you think the patrol officer recorded the wrong: location, date, make of vehicle, violation, or license plate. Anything else requires an attendance at Provincial Court.

Q: What was the purpose of changing the residential snow plowing system?

A: Having the residential streets clear of parked cars allows for better snow clearing operations in terms of improved public safety, safety of equipment operators, and higher quality of snow clearing. In addition, the City realizes better use of public funds by not having to replow the streets once the cars have been removed. Under the former ban, parking was restricted for a six hour period while snow clearing operations continued on a 24-hour basis.

Q: Is the city taking any feedback on the Winter Parking Ban?

A: You can give feedback or suggestions to City staff by contacting 311, which can be passed on to the department for consideration at your request. Please feel free to provide any policy suggestions or concerns to my attention at 986-5236 and I can look into this on your behalf.

Q: Can I have the Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban changed on my Street?

A: The City has found that one of the keys to having our citizens be respectful of the Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban is clear and consistent regulation. Therefore the Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban must be applied in a similar manner on all city streets that are designated as Snow Routes. If any exceptions are made, it tends to quickly make the ban much more confusing to the public and ultimately less effective in limiting the parked cars impacting on the City’s snow clearing operations.

If you feel there is good reason that a street or a portion thereof should not be designated as a Snow Route, you can bring this to my attention and I will follow up with the City administration, making sure that either I or the administration will get back to you regarding this concern.

Recently Winnipeg Police Services have been ticketing drivers for speeding on Grant just past Nathaniel. An article in the Winnipeg Free Press raised questions about the location and equipment in use. Following are answers to many of the questions constituents have been calling with.

Q: How can I have been going over 50 kms when I just turned the corner?

A: Although the radar equipment may be stationed close to the intersection, the vehicles speed is checked at a spot generally 100 Meters or more away from the corner. This is the length of a city block away from the Nathaniel corner.

Q: What is the maximum range police traffic radar can measure speed?

A: Radar range varies widely with radar, target (size/shape), and weather conditions. Maximum detection range can be as little as 100 feet, or greater than 1 mile

Q: The radar vehicle was to the side of the road, how can it possibly be getting an accurate reading.

A: The radar has a range in which the beam goes out. The best measurements are direct but there is a range. In this particular instance people are concerned that since the radar was at an angle, the reading were registering people speeding inaccurately. While there is a “Cosine effect” that result in less accuracy as the distance from the radar increases, the result is registering a lower speed than is actually traveled at the time. When the error occurs it is in favour of the driver. The Cosine Effect refers to the angle of the target vehicle in relation to the patrol vehicle where the radar is mounted. The traffic radar should be operated as parallel as possible to the targets, although it is hardly possible to do perfectly. When the angle between the radar beam and target becomes too significant, the relative speed will be less than the true speed producing a lesser speed reading than what the vehicle is actually traveling. Thus, the Cosine Effect is always in the favor of the motorist. The greater the angle the lesser the speed will be recorded compared to the actual speed of the moving target. http://www.radarguns.com/radar-and-cosine-effect.html

Q: How accurate and how often are the Intersection Safety Camera and Mobile Photo Radar camera systems tested?

A: The systems are approved by the Provincial Government of Manitoba Minister of Justice under the Highway Traffic Act Regulation 220/2000. The systems are tested regularly. For more information on the Image Capturing Enforcement Regulation 220/2002 of the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act, http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/pdf/h060-220.02.pdf

Challenging the Ticket

Q: How do I dispute/challenge/contest this offence notice/ticket?

A: The information is provided on the front and back of your offence notice/ticket. If you have lost or misplaced a portion of your offence notice/ticket containing the instructions you can view a copy of a blank offence notice/ticket by using the "visit this site" link below and then the link entitled http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/pdf/photoTicket.pdf (PDF 40Kb). For further information you can contact or attend the Provincial Court Office at 373 Broadway in Winnipeg (telephone: 945-3156), or any Regional Provincial Court Office. All Provincial Court Offices are open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). For more information visit the following site http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index .

Q: Where can I dispute/challenge/contest an offence notice/ticket after it has been paid?

A: Contact or attend the Provincial Court Office at 373 Broadway in Winnipeg (telephone: 945-3156), or any Regional Provincial Court Office. All Provincial Court Offices are open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). For more information visit the following sitehttp://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index

Q: I received a photo enforcement offence notice/ticket that I don’t agree with. Who can I contact to further discuss this matter?

A: Once an offence notice/ticket is issued by the City, it becomes a Provincial Court matter. Options are listed on the front and back of the offence notice/ticket as to how you may dispose of or contest the offence notice/ticket.

Contact or attend the Provincial Court Office at 373 Broadway in Winnipeg (telephone: 945-3156), or any Regional Provincial Court Office. All Provincial Court Offices are open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). For more information visit the following site http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index

As these enquiries relate to potential pending court cases, the Winnipeg Police Service is not in a position to comment. Unless there are special circumstances, such as the vehicle being reported stolen at the time of offence, it would be inappropriate for the Winnipeg Police Service to intervene in any way.

More information:

For more information and FAQ’ please go to City of Winnipeg, Photo Enforcement FAQ’s http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/safestreets/faqs.stm#20

Traffic radar http://www.radarguns.com/radar-and-cosine-effect.html

Fines and traffic tickets Province of MB, http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index

Manitoba Highway Traffic Act, http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/pdf/h060-220.02.pdf

Dog licensing is very common in most major cities and municipalities in Canada. A dog license protects your dog and helps provide the essential service of animal control. This includes transporting, housing, and caring for stray dogs and attempting to reunite them, to attending house fires or car accidents and helping removed dogs, to providing an adoption program to get unclaimed dogs adopted instead of euthanized.

The code on a dog license tag provides a wealth of information to us regarding pet info, owner info with multiple phone numbers, and veterinary info. Dogs wearing licenses are almost always quickly reunited with their owners by Animal Services and 311.

Dogs impounded wearing a dog license are given a “free ride home” once a year where all impound and boarding fees are waived.

Our Animal Service Officers receive over 10,500 calls a year dealing with everything from stray dogs chasing children on school grounds, to barking dog complaints, to cases involving dogs which accidently got loose and need to be picked up.

Why is the city licensing dogs now?

Dog licensing has been mandatory in Winnipeg for over a hundred years. Beginning Sept 1st, 2011 the city will be strictly enforcing it by modeling the dog licensing program on that of the City of Calgary, which has a 90% compliance rate. Winnipeg has a 40% compliance rate. With fewer dogs licensed, fewer dogs are returned home to their owners. After Sept 1st, unlicensed dogs will be subject to a fine of $250.

Where do I license my dog?

• Online: https://payment.csfm.com/payments/winnipeg/form/index.php
• Any veterinary clinic
• Most pet stores
• Most animal shelters
• Winnipeg Animal Services: 1057 Logan Ave

How much does licensing cost?

It will cost $27 for spayed or neutered dogs and $62 for others.

How often does the license need to be renewed?

The license needs to be renewed every year. You can buy a two year license, which includes a ten per cent discount for the second year.

Where does the money I pay you for my dog license go?

100% of dog license fees stay with the Animal Services Agency to help offset the Agency costs. Your license fee allows Animal Services Agency to:

• Feed and shelter your dog if it becomes lost until it can be re-united with you
• Transport lost dogs that require emergency care to a veterinarian
• Educate the public about responsible pet ownership
• Help neighbours resolve their problems related to dogs
• Return lost dogs to their owners
• Reduces funding from taxes for the above and other animal related services designed to protect the public’s health and safety
• Operate a Dog Adoption Program

In 2010 alone the shelter received just nearly 1700 dogs. While in care, all dogs are well fed and receive water, shelter, bedding space.

What are the benefits to buying a dog license?

The Richardson International Airport, The City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba have various by-laws and processes to ensure that noise from planes landing and taking off is addressed.

If you are concerned about the amount of the noise caused by planes in your neighbourhood then please call the Winnipeg Airport Authority at 987-9403 or contact our office.