Changes loom for several city-run services in Winnipeg if work at Canada Post grinds to a halt

The City of Winnipeg is advising residents of alternative options to access several city-run servicesthat could be disrupted by the end of this week in the event ofa work stoppage at Canada Post.

Workers at the crown corporation could be in a legal strike position as soon as Friday, exactly one year after talks on a new contract between Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) the union representing employees and Canada Postbegan.

CUPW president Jan Simpson said in a statement the union hasn't decided if a job action will take place immediately on Friday, adding that it "will depend on Canada Post's actions at the bargaining table in the days to come."

But the city said in a news release Tuesday that several departments could be affected if work at the Crown corporationgrinds to a halt and it is advising residents and businesses of alternatives so they can continue making payments, account for items already mailed in, and getinformation.

Utility bills and taxes

For customers who are mailed utility bills, the city says these can be paid online, through telephone bankingor in person at one of the city's 311 counters, adding that the amounts owed must still be paid by the due date to avoid late payment charges.

The city said residents paying property and business taxes can still do it online, at a bank and credit union, through a tax instalment payment plan or in person at 510 Main St. or 170 Goulet St. during business hours.

For customers who are mailed natural gas bills, delivery may be delayed. Customers can pay their bills onlineor sign up foran online account if they don't already have one, a news release from Manitoba Hydro said.

Manitoba Hydro customers without internet access can call the automated billing line at 1-204-289-7278 to find out their bill amount and due date.

Parking tickets, fire and police

Residents owning fines related to parking tickets and offence notices will also still be required to pay them, regardless of disruption in Canada Post's delivery service. The city says outstanding fines can be paidonline, by telephone through 311 and in person at the Winnipeg Parking Authority (495 Portage Ave.), or at510 Main Stor 170 Goulet St. during business hours.

Cheques or money orders for fines can still be deposited at drop boxes at the Winnipeg Parking Authority and the Millennium Library parkade (251 Donald St.).

The city said Winnipeggers who use Canada Post for correspondence with the Winnipeg Police should drop the correspondence off at the security desk of the police headquarters (245 Smith St.) in the event of a strike.

Meanwhile for payments to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, the city is recommending residents to make them online, in-person at510 Main Stor 170 Goulet Stduring office hours, or by phone using a credit card.

Animal services

For animal services, including applying for or renewing a pet licence, the city said residents should do so online or in person at the Animal Servicesbuilding (1057 Logan Ave.) during business hours.

The city said a work stoppage could also lead to a delay in the delivery of mailed cheques for December licence renewals,as well as of mailed licence tags.

Meanwhile thecity said that pet owners who don't receive a December licence renewal notice should call 311 and leave an email address to receive it.

Library services

Residents who receive library notices by mail are advised to use the My Account online service to review request lists and items on hold and renew items borrowed. The city said that to switch notifications from mail to phone or online; patrons should visit or call any of the city's 20 library branches.

Licences and corporate finance

Residentsneeding to apply orrenew a business licence should do so in person at the Licensing & Bylaw Enforcement offices (395 Main St.) during business hours, via phone thorough 311 orusingBusiness Licensing Onlinesite.

The city said payments to vendors and suppliers of goods and services will still be made in the event of a strike, with cheques available forpick-up at the Corporate Finance-Treasury office at 510 Main st., or by setting up adirect deposit thorough311.

The city is directingresidentsto its 311 linefor more information on how other servicesthat normally use Canada Post will operate in the event of a strike.