Manitoba

Winnipeg streets pile up with leaves after city cancels fall sweep

The City of Winnipeg cancelled the fall street sweeping program to save about $800,000, now some residents are worried about the impact when spring arrives and clumps of leaves are clogging the drains.

On another leaf-related note, city crews are behind schedule collecting yard waste from homeowners

The City of Winnipeg is leaving the leaves on its streets this fall to save money. (CBC)

All those leaves and branches piling up in Winnipeg streets this fall won't be going anywhere until spring.

The City of Winnipeg cancelled the fall street sweeping program to save about $800,000.

Ken Fowler, who lives in River Heights, worries the mushy mess will clog drains and sewer pipes.

"These leaves are going to get wet, they are going to turn into a mass of leafy ice, which is only going to be more trouble to pick up," he said.

"There is going to be trouble in the spring thaw, and the leaves are going to clog up the drains. [Then] there is going to be significant property damage and who's going to be responsible for that?"

Yard waste collection delays

On another leaf-related note, city crews are behind schedule in picking up yard waste put out by homeowners.

A delay of one to two days is expected this week due to the large volume of waste being out out by Winnipeggers, the city stated in a news release.

Crews are just finishing up last week's collection in parts of St. Charles, Fort Garry, Fort Richmond and St. Vital, and may be working as late at 10 p.m. to get caught up.

People are advised to place their yard waste out on their regular collection day and to leave it out until it gets picked up.