Winnipeg Storm Drain Rules and Cleaning Schedule

Utilities and Infrastructure Manitoba 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Manitoba

Winnipeg, Manitoba property owners share duties with the City to keep storm drains, gutters and private catch basins functioning during rain and melt seasons. This guide explains how the City schedules public storm sewer cleaning, what owners must do on private property, how to report blockages and which office enforces related bylaws in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It summarizes practical steps for cleaning, reporting, permits and appeals so homeowners and landlords know when to act.

Storm drain cleaning schedule & property responsibilities

The City’s Public Works organizes routine cleaning of public storm sewers and catch basins on a seasonal cycle, with increased inspections during spring thaw and heavy-rain periods. Property owners are responsible for keeping inlets, gutters, private catch basins and driveway drains on their land clear of debris, leaves and sediment. For official information about municipal maintenance timing and flood-risk advisories see the City of Winnipeg Public Works - Flood and Drainage page City of Winnipeg Public Works - Flood and Drainage[1].

Keep leaves and yard waste away from street gutters to reduce blockages.

Penalties & Enforcement

By-law enforcement for drainage, obstruction and related offences is handled by City enforcement staff and the offices that administer municipal bylaws. Specific fines, escalation and exact monetary penalties are not specified on the cited City pages and must be confirmed on the controlling bylaw text or by contacting the enforcement office directly. For general bylaw information and contacts see the City of Winnipeg bylaws and enforcement pages City of Winnipeg — Bylaws[2].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcing bylaw for amounts and ranges.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary orders: the City may issue work orders to remediate hazards or remove obstructions; court action may follow for noncompliance.
  • Enforcer & complaints: By-law Enforcement and Public Works divisions receive reports and inspect storm-related complaints.
  • Appeals: appeal and review routes depend on the specific bylaw and are not detailed on the cited pages; inquire with the enforcement office for time limits.
If the City issues a remediation order, comply promptly and seek the stated appeal route within the time limit provided.

Applications & Forms

Most routine clearing of private drains requires no City permit; however, work that alters public right-of-way, modifies a storm main connection, or involves excavation typically requires a permit. The cited City pages do not publish a specific single form for private storm-drain cleaning; contact Public Works or the permitting office for application names, fees and submission instructions.

Action steps

  • Inspect gutters and private catch basins before spring melt and after storms.
  • Arrange private cleaning or hire a licensed contractor for sediment removal on private property.
  • Report blocked public catch basins or flooding risks to 311 or the Public Works contact shown on the City site.
  • Before digging or altering connections, apply for the required permit from the City—do not work in the public right-of-way without authorization.

FAQ

Who pays for cleaning a blocked catch basin on private property?
Property owners are responsible for cleaning and maintaining private inlets and catch basins on their land; the City maintains public storm sewers and adjacent public infrastructure.
How do I report a blocked public storm drain in Winnipeg?
Report blockages to the City via 311 or the Public Works contact listed on the City’s flood and drainage page; include location and photos where possible.
Are there permits required to clear a drain that connects to the public storm sewer?
Minor maintenance on private property usually needs no permit, but work that alters the connection or the public right-of-way may require a permit—check with Public Works.

How-To

  1. Inspect the drain and take photos showing the blockage and its location.
  2. Call 311 or use the City’s online reporting tools to submit the location, description and photos.
  3. If the blockage is on private property, arrange private removal and keep receipts and photos as records.
  4. If work affects the public right-of-way or modifies a connection, contact Public Works to apply for the appropriate permit before starting.
  5. If you receive an order from the City, follow the remediation steps, pay any fines or apply for review within the appeal period stated by the enforcement notice.

Key Takeaways

  • City maintains public storm sewers; property owners maintain private inlets and gutters.
  • Report public blockages to 311 or Public Works promptly.
  • Permits may be required for work affecting the public right-of-way or connection points.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Winnipeg — Public Works: Flood and Drainage
  2. [2] City of Winnipeg — Bylaws and By-law Enforcement

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