City suspending some in-home inspections due to COVID concerns

Many in-home visits and inspections are on pause for the foreseeable future, including water meter readings.

Homeowners and people responsible for commercial properties will be getting calls from the City of Winnipeg over the next couple of days to reschedule inspections or find an alternative option.

"Due to the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases in the community, the City of Winnipeg is suspending in-home, non-emergency inspections, effective today, until further notice," the City says in a statement.

Changes include:

• Assessment & Taxation inspections will be done by photos or via phone
• Planning, Property & Development inspections of occupied dwellings will be done virtually. Unoccupied homes and urgent situation inspections will continue.
• Water and Waste's emergency utility services will continue in-person visits. Water meter reading and inspections, and water meter returns, removals, and replacements are on hold. Residents must submit their own water meter readings.
• Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service's Smoke Alarm For Every Family program will not be installing smoke alarms.

All suspensions will continue until further notice.