December 21, 2010 - Due to overnight snowfall in Winnipeg, a truck plowing operation was initiated this morning on the city's Priority II streets. This includes all bus routes and collector streets. Plowing will continue throughout the day and this evening until completed.

A salting operation on main routes, which commenced Monday evening at 7:00 p.m., has improved traction on roadway. Salting of main routes will continue as required. Sanding of Priority II and III streets is also underway and will continue around-the-clock to improve road conditions.

Plowing of sidewalks on main routes, bus routes and collector streets is also underway and will continue this week.

Motorists are reminded to drive to road conditions and to use extreme caution when driving near any plowing or salting/sanding equipment.

About 130 pieces of equipment will be used for this clean-up operation which is estimated to cost approximately $250,000.

The annual Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban remains in effect until March 1, 2011. Motorists should be aware that vehicles must be moved by 2:00 a.m. from streets designated as snow routes.

Citizens may call 775-SNOW (775-7669), 311, or go to www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks for more information. Individuals may also sign-up online for the City of Winnipeg's e-mail notification process regarding parking bans.

Plowing operations commenced in accordance with the Council-approved Snow Cleaning and Ice Control Policy, which can be found online at www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Snow_Clearing_Policy/default.asp

December 21, 2010 - The City of Winnipeg Public Works Department, Parks and Open Space Division would like to remind the public about outdoor activities available at City parks and facilities during the holiday season.

The City offers a number of skating ponds, neighbourhood pleasure rinks, toboggan slides and hills, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails.

"Tobogganing Recent snowfall has resulted in prime conditions for City toboggan hills and slides! City toboggan hills and slides are available during regular park hours, daily from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Toboggan Hill Locations
Civic Park, 901 Kimberley Avenue
Victoria Jason Park (Crocus Park), 255 Redonda Street Harbourview View Recreation Complex, 1867 Springfield Road
Kilcona Park, 1229 Springfield Road, McIvor and Lagimodiere parking lot
Westview Park, 1 Midland Street

Winter Slide Locations
Crescent Drive Park, 781 Crescent Drive
Kildonan Park, 2021 Main Street
Bunn's Creek Park, 365 McIvor Avenue
St. Vital Park, 190 River Road
Fraser's Grove Park, 85 Fraser's Grove
Waterfront Drive, Waterfront Drive and George Street
Central Park, 400 Cumberland - new this year!

For more information on City tobogganing sites visit http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksandFields/Parks/TobogganHills.asp

Skating
City of Winnipeg skating sites offer fun for the whole family! Skating hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., unless otherwise posted.

The duck ponds at Kildonan Park, St. Vital Park and Harbourview Recreation Complex will open on December 23. All duck pond sites have washroom and changing facilities as well as festive music. The Harbourview Recreation Complex restaurant is also open with tasty treats and hot chocolate for sale.

For a complete listing of City skating sites visit http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksandFields/Parks/PleasureRinks.asp

Cross-Country Skiing
The early snowfall provided a fantastic base for City skiing trails! Skiing trails are available at the Harbourview Recreation Complex, Kildonan Park and Golf Course, La Barriere Park, St. Vital Park and the Windsor Park Golf Course.

New this year will be a 1.4 km ski trail at the Living Prairie Museum (snowshoeing also available) and a trail for skijoring and kick sledding at La Barriere Park. Skijoring and kick sledding are great ways to enjoy your outdoor skiing experience with your dog.

For a complete listing of City skiing sites and hours of operation visit http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksandFields/Parks/xcountryski.asp

Citizens are asked to please be mindful of staff and equipment working on the ice and trails.

For a complete listing of the City's parks and recreational facilities as well as maps and schedule information, please visit http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksandFields/