Question 1

What is the job of a Winnipeg City Councillor?

Accepted Answer

To make decisions that will benefit all citizens in the municipality of the City of Winnipeg. Not just my ward, but the whole city. This takes time and lots of conversations with the other Councilors and community groups.

Question 2

What is 311?

Accepted Answer

311 is the intake and information sharing centre for the public to access City of Winnipeg services. For any concern, please start with 311 and get the reference number of your concern so it can be tracked. All you have to do is dial 311. Councillors have to use 311 too for any concerns people have, so it's best if you can get your information logged in so that I can then follow up on things if you're not happy with the results. 311 is also an online resource where you can learn a lot about the City of Winnipeg.   Police Non-Emergency is 204-986-6222
Emergency is 911.

Question 3

How can I find out who my councillor is?

Accepted Answer

The site that provides Winnipeg civic information related to an address is here: http://cms00asa1.winnipeg.ca/

Question 4

How can I make my voice heard on an issue that council is dealing with?

Accepted Answer

You can contact city councillors and the mayor by phone, fax or email to let them know your opinion. Letters to the editor of the Free Press, Winnipeg Sun and Canstar Communications (Lance, Metro) can be effective. If you wish to speak to an issue in person at a council committee meeting, contact 311 to find out when council is talking about that topic and to be added to the list of speakers. If you're not happy with the results of your efforts, you are welcome to call my office, 204-986-5951.

Question 5

Tips for dealing with the City of Winnipeg

Accepted Answer

Sometimes accessing large, impersonal systems and bureaucracies can leave individuals and community groups feeling alone and powerless. In the process of getting what you want you may talk to a lot of people and you want to be as clear as possible with all of them about your situation. In order to influence people who have authority to make decisions here are some tips for working your way through it.   Keep good records: Everyone's memory is unreliable, so when someone asks "what happened" you need to be able to tell the story and back it up with facts as much as possible. When there are disagreements, you will make a stronger case if you have written down what happened. Keeping detailed and accurate records of the who, what, where, when and why of each interaction is one way to help you be successful in your interactions with the City of Winnipeg.   Communication: The ability to make yourself heard and to listen to what other people are saying will increase the chances of getting what you want. No matter how upset you are or how badly you feel you have been treated, there are a few things to keep in mind. You have the right to be safe from physical and verbal abuse and so does the person you are talking to. If you direct your anger at the person, it can make them uncomfortable and communication will stop. Understand that sometimes it can be difficult for workers to get the information you want as well. Do your best to give credit where credit is due and use a reasonable tone of voice / attitude to allow people to hear you.   There are more great tips and a workbook you might use in the AdvoKit - use what works for you and ignore the rest. No matter what the outcome is or how hard it was, you will know that you had the courage to try and the courage to speak up for yourself. This makes you and your world a little bit better than they were!

Question 6

How do I get a pothole fixed?

Accepted Answer

Contact 311 with the details of the pothole. It especially helps to provide the exact location, measurements of the size of the pothole and if you email, you can also send pictures, all of this will help City of Winnipeg staff to determine where to fit the repair in the queue of work. Reporting potholes is also one of the ways that street renewal programs are determined. You can dial 311 or email 311@winnipeg.ca to report the pothole. You will get a reference number and can then track it online or by calling. If you're not happy with the results of your efforts, you are welcome to call my office, 204-986-5951.

Question 7

Winter Parking Bans - Know Your Zone

Accepted Answer

To avoid getting your car towed or stuck during snow clearing, you can find out more about winter parking bans and what zone you're in to know when your streets will be cleared. You can sign up to get email or social media notifications as well - a great way to be reminded about snow clearing and other things the City is doing in your neighbourhood. If you're not happy with the results of your efforts, you are welcome to call my office, 204-986-5951.

Question 8

How do I find out if a street or back lane is going to be redone?

Accepted Answer

There are many streets that are considered in such poor shape that they must be replaced. Unfortunately, there are only a few residential streets and back lanes done per year. Please note that only those back lanes and streets that are rated poor are considered candidates for replacements.   (link to be updated) to see how your street is rated.
(link to be updated) to see how your back lane is rated.   Contact me at 204-986-5951 or email me at cgilroy@winnipeg.ca to find out which ones will be done next year.

Question 9

How do I get a replacement garbage or recycling bin?

Accepted Answer

Make your report / request by contacting 311 by phone or email 311@winnipeg.ca. You can get more information on recycling, garbage and yard waste collection or general information about the water and waste department. If you're not happy with the results of your efforts, you are welcome to call my office, 204-986-5951.

Question 10

My garbage was missed, how do I get my garbage picked up?"

Accepted Answer

Make your report / request by contacting 311 by phone or email 311@winnipeg.ca. You can get more information on recycling, garbage and yard waste collection or general information about the water and waste department. If you're not happy with the results of your efforts, you are welcome to call my office, 204-986-5951.

Question 11

How do I find out when my area will be sprayed for bugs?

Accepted Answer

Information about Mosquito Control, Cankerworms, Dutch Elm Disease, wasps and other issues relating to bugs can be found at http://winnipeg.ca/cms/bugline/