Sinkhole opens in Winnipeg neighbourhood

First Nations leadership is responding to what it calls gaps in the province’s northern infrastructure and wildfire evacuation response.

A large watermain break on an Elmwood Street caused a gaping sinkhole to open up.

A city spokesperson told CTV News in an email the watermain break was reported at around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning on Washington Avenue.

It also damaged nearby infrastructure, including a catch basin.

Repairs are underway, the city said, though they are expected to continue into Thursday.

Water service had to be shut off to a small number of properties. The city said a temporary water tank has been brought in for residents to use in the meantime.

A sprawling sinkhole also opened up in the aftermath of the break.

The city said this happens when soil beneath the road is washed away, often due to a watermain break or other underground infrastructure failure.

“When enough soil is removed, the surface eventually collapses. These events are uncommon and occur far less frequently than typical surface level road issues,” the spokesperson said.