The City of Winnipeg is sharing that as COVID-19 continues to be a concern, they are taking measures to help residents during the pandemic.

Mayor Brain Bowman held a press conference today discussing bus ridership, taxes, as well as other city-related topics.

"As Winnipeggers, we will get through the global COVID-19 pandemic by supporting each other," Bowman says.

Busses

Mayor Bowman is asking residents to only board busses if they are using it for "essential trips" such as going to work or collecting groceries.

"It is very important that our residents only use transit for essential trips," he says.

Winnipeg Transit busses all are equipped with safety shields. The shields were initially installed to protect drivers from violent passengers, but have proven to be useful regarding COVID-19.

The city asks for transit users to maintains a distance of two meters apart and not to board a bus if it appears too full. Bowman adds that the number of people on a bus is not currently a concern as ridership is down across the city.

Bowman adds that it has been noticed that people are riding the bus as a way to get out of the house and discourages residents from using transit in this way.

Tax Relief

The city asking businesses to continue to pay taxes if they can to support services the city is still providing during the pandemic.

Bowman says that paying taxes is important for keeping up with the city's essential services such as garbage removal and water management.

While Bowman is encouraging residents to pay taxes if possible, he says that the city is providing immediate relief to businesses and homeowners who cannot pay their taxes during the pandemic.

The city is waiving penalties on unpaid 2020 property and business taxes for up to three months after the original due date, waiving enrolment fees for the Tax Instalment Payment Program until September 30, and late fees in the TIPP program may be waived.

Bowman clarified that Winnipeggers are expected to pay their taxes and the new program is only for those who cannot.

Flood Prevention

The city says the weather is "creating additional pressures" as they work to practice physical distancing while protecting residents from flood damage. The city asks that if a resident is sick to not volunteer to sandbag properties.

City Hall Changes

A special council meeting will be taking place tomorrow at City Hall. Those wanting to register as a delegate must do so using 311 or email cityclerks@winnipeg.ca as the city is limiting the number of people in the building.

The city notes that the current public health order does not apply to the operations of federal, provincial, or municipal governments and the city is eligible to hold their special meeting. In order to protect those attending, the city will be enforcing physical distancing and limiting the people in the building. Those wanting to follow the meeting can do so online.