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Winnipeg police say extensive damage was caused after two people deliberately triggered flooding inside police headquarters over the weekend, though operations have now fully resumed.
In an update on Wednesday, the Winnipeg Police Service said water damage at its headquarters at 266 Graham Avenue extended from the fourth floor down to the basement, affecting the main floor and lower levels of the building. The flooding occurred Saturday evening after emergency water supply valves were intentionally opened in an adjoining tower.
City of Winnipeg and WPS officials have been assessing the damage and have begun remediation work immediately according to the statement. Electrical systems have been declared safe, lighting has been restored, and standing water has been removed. Air quality and humidity testing in affected areas returned acceptable results, police said.
“All impacted WPS units have returned to headquarters and continue their operations at normal capacity,” the WPS said, adding that no safety incidents were reported.
Police confirmed uniform operations were not compromised by the incident. Station Duty in-person reporting at 245 Smith Street, which was temporarily closed, has reopened for regular hours.
Authorities say the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated and that they are working with the City of Winnipeg to increase preventative measures within the tower.
The flooding happened at approximately 6 p.m. on February 14. While early information suggested a possible watermain break or burst pipes, investigators later determined two individuals had opened several emergency water supply valves in upper stairwells. The resulting surge in water pressure forced water into stairwells and parts of police headquarters.
Officers located two suspects in the 200 block of Graham Avenue shortly after 11 p.m. that night. A 51-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman are each charged with six counts of mischief over $5,000 and were released on undertakings.
