Your Role
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, your priority is to provide an additional layer of support for passengers. This includes answering wayfinding questions, helping ease the travel experience, and offering a warm, calm, and welcoming presence throughout the airport.
YWG Goldwings Gold Standards Agreement
As a volunteer, you are required to read and sign the YWG Goldwings Gold Standards Agreement.
This agreement outlines the expectations, guidelines, and standards that support your role as a volunteer. By following these guidelines, you help ensure a consistent, safe, welcoming, and positive experience for passengers, visitors, and our airport community.
The main objective for your role is to:
Welcome travelers and visitors to YWG
Provide assistance and information in a friendly, timely and courteous manner
Make passengers and visitors' time at the airport a pleasant and relaxing experience
Offer a warm and friendly impression of the airport, city and community.
If you have any questions about the YWG Goldwings Gold Standards Agreement, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Requirements
Each volunteer is required to complete a minimum of 100 volunteer hours per calendar year to remain active in the program, and must also complete 20 hours within the first three months.
Volunteer shifts are available during the following times: 5 to 9 a.m., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12 to 3 p.m., 3 to 6 p.m., 6 to 9 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. creating six time slots each day.
All shifts are three hours in length, with the exception of the morning shift, which runs from 5 to 9 a.m.
The maximum amount of volunteers per shift is four. If the shift you would like to sign up for is already full, please select another available time or date.
Shifts are available seven days a week, which allows for a great deal of flexibility. Volunteers are welcome to schedule themselves based on their own availability. You are not required to book the same shift or time each week. In fact, we encourage you to try different shifts when possible, as this gives you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and experience the airport during different times of day.
As a reminder, as a RAIC holder, you must be scheduled for a volunteer shift in order to access the holdroom. You are only permitted in the restricted area during your scheduled shift, as you must have a valid need and right to be there. This requirement is also outlined in the CASAP training video.
Conduct & Disciplinary Policy
The YWG Goldwings Volunteer Program uses a two-strike system to support accountability and uphold high service standards.
The first warning is a formal written notice that identifies a specific conduct concern, along with the corrective actions and expectations for improvement.
The second warning is a final written notice issued if there is a further breach of the YWG Goldwings Gold Standards Agreement. This serves as the volunteer’s final opportunity to correct the concern and remain in the program.
Failure to meet expectations following a second warning will result in removal from the YWG Goldwings Volunteer Program.
Volunteers who do not complete the minimum requirement of 100 volunteer hours within the calendar year may also be removed from the program.
In the event that a volunteer leaves or is removed from the program, all WAA-issued items must be returned. This includes the uniform, lanyard, name tag, and rake. The rake must be returned, as failure to do so may result in a fine.
Perks
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, you receive complimentary parking on P4 of the parkade, which is the rooftop level, or a Winnipeg Transit ticket for the day of your shift. Parking validations or transit tickets can be picked up from the InfoBooth at the start or end of your shift.
If you are driving to your shift and the parkade is in Lot Full Procedure, please speak with the security guard stationed at the entrance. Let them know that you are a scheduled volunteer, and they will allow you to enter.
During your shift, hot beverages are available for you in the YWG Goldwings Lounge. Volunteers also receive a 10 to 20 percent discount at various airport concessionaires by showing your RAIC. This includes locations such as Pizza Pizza, Starbucks, Third and Bird, Booster Juice, and more.
Another benefit of being part of the program is the opportunity to attend volunteer appreciation events throughout the year, including celebrations during National Volunteer Week and our annual thank-you dinner.
Dress Code
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, your uniform helps create a professional, welcoming, and consistent presence for passengers and visitors throughout the airport.
While on duty, volunteers are required to wear the YWG Goldwings black uniform top, along with the YWG Goldwings lanyard and magnetic name badge. The name badge should be worn on the right side of the shirt, aligned parallel to the logo. There is a mirror as you exit the volunteer lounge to ensure your name tag is in the correct position.
Volunteers may choose to wear black dress pants, dark jeans, or black jeans with their uniform. To maintain a polished appearance, jeans with rips or holes are not permitted. Sweatpants, yoga pants, leggings, and shorts are also not permitted while on duty.
Under the uniform top, volunteers may wear either a white collared shirt for a more professional look or a plain white or black T-shirt. No other shirt colours or styles are permitted.
Footwear should be comfortable, professional, secure, and neutral in colour, such as black, white, or grey. Dress shoes, boots, heels, sneakers, and loafers are all acceptable options. For safety and professionalism, flip-flops, Crocs, or any unsecured footwear are not permitted.
Following the dress code helps ensure volunteers are easily recognizable and represent the YWG Goldwings program with pride.
Personal Appearance & Grooming
Continuing with professional appearance, your uniform should always be clean, in good condition, and fit appropriately.
Hair should be neat and well-groomed. This includes facial hair, such as sideburns, moustaches, and beards.
In alignment with WAA’s dress code policy, any tattoos that may be perceived as offensive, hostile, or provocative must be covered and not visible to passengers, staff, or visitors.
In addition, clothing, accessories, or visible items that display offensive, political, or discriminatory images or messages are not permitted. This also includes anything that would violate WAA’s Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy.
Bilingual Requirement
As a Canadian airport, we are required to offer greetings in both English and French. When welcoming passengers, greet them with a warm smile and say, “Hello, Bonjour.”
If a passenger continues the conversation in French and you are unable to communicate in French, kindly let them know and escort them to the InfoBooth, where live translation support is available.
Responsibilities as a YWG Goldwings Volunteer
The main responsibilities of a YWG Goldwings volunteer:
Be reliable and arrive on time for your shift. Volunteers should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled shift, as parking stalls are limited and we want to ensure space is available for those arriving.
Before each shift, review the updated information displayed on the TV screen in the YWG Goldwings lounge.
When greeting passengers, remember to smile, make eye contact, and say, “Hello, Bonjour.”
If you are comfortable and able to do so, you are welcome to interpret or translate for passengers. When assisting travellers, listen carefully to understand what they are asking, and provide support in a proactive, professional, and respectful manner.
All volunteers are expected to follow the rules, responsibilities, and restrictions of the volunteer role. This includes following the dress code, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to the airport's safety and security regulations.
Always treat your fellow YWG Goldwings volunteers, airport staff, and passengers with kindness and respect.
Take time to learn the key locations throughout the airport. This will come with experience, and you are not expected to know everything on your first shift. Some areas may also be referred to by multiple names, so if you are ever unsure, please ask another volunteer or the Volunteer Coordinator for clarification.
When directing passengers to a location, the best approach is to walk with them whenever possible. If a passenger does not require assistance, provide directions using an open-palm gesture rather than pointing with your finger.
Activity books and crayons are available airside to hand out to children. Be thoughtful when offering them and provide them to children who appear interested and are not already engaged in another activity.
If a passenger has airline-specific questions or requires assistance with their flight, direct them to airline personnel. Airline staff are able to answer questions related to their policies, procedures, and individual flights.
When groundside, please help support safety by politely approaching and redirecting children who may be playing on escalators, climbing on the YWG sign, or attempting to climb on the baggage carousel. Passenger safety is our top priority, and these areas are not designed for play.
As additional eyes and ears throughout the airport, please report anything that could create a safety concern by calling OneCall. Help direct people away from the area until airport staff arrive.
If a passenger has left an item on the aircraft, direct them to their airline check-in counter on Level 2 for assistance.
If a passenger loses an item in the terminal, also known as the Airport Terminal Building (ATB), direct them to the InfoBooth, where Lost and Found is managed. Once passengers have exited the restricted area, also known as airside or the domestic holdroom, they cannot return by the stairs to retrieve the item themselves.
Restrictions of your Role
As volunteers working in a highly regulated airport environment, there are important rules and restrictions that must be followed to remain part of the YWG Goldwings Volunteer Program.
Your Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC), is a high-level security clearance issued through Transport Canada. Volunteers are not permitted to access airside areas when they are not scheduled and on duty. This requirement is covered in the Canadian Airports Security Awareness Program (CASAP), and failure to follow will result in immediate removal from the volunteer program. For this reason, all volunteers must be scheduled for a shift before coming in to volunteer.
The InfoBooth is not permitted to hold items for passengers while they travel. This includes items such as keys, bags, toys, or other belongings.
Volunteers are not permitted to assist passengers at airline check-in counters. This includes touching the screen, holding identification, or helping with bag tags. Because check-in involves personal information and airline-specific procedures, including making declarations, passengers must be assisted by airline staff. If a passenger asks for help, kindly decline and find an airline representative or ASP member to assist them.
Volunteers are not permitted to request passenger lists from airlines, push passengers or visitors in wheelchairs, stand together with other volunteers for extended periods of time, enter the Transborder Holdroom for U.S. Departures, or assist with baggage. This includes watching, pushing, holding, lifting, or carrying baggage.
If someone requires wheelchair assistance, please call OneCall or locate an ASP employee, as they are trained and authorized to provide support.
To maintain a professional and approachable presence, volunteers should avoid gathering in groups of three or more while on duty. When volunteers are grouped together in conversation, passengers will be less likely to approach for assistance.
Security and safety are our top priority. Because baggage contents are unknown, volunteers should not place themselves in a position where they could be exposed to risk. If a passenger needs a luggage cart, you are welcome to bring one to them. However, once baggage has been loaded onto the cart, volunteers must not push, hold, or handle it.
Airport Zones
To best assist passengers throughout the airport, it is helpful to understand the key areas, also known as airport zones.
The airport has two main levels: Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1 is the Arrivals level and includes three key zones: Groundside, International Arrivals, and CBSA.
The Groundside area on Level 1 is where volunteers may welcome passengers as they arrive, assist with wayfinding questions, answer flight information questions from greeters, and occasionally help passengers by taking photos in front of the YWG sign.
Across from this area is International Arrivals, where passengers arrive after clearing Canadian customs. In this zone, volunteers may assist with wayfinding, answer flight information questions from greeters, and help direct passengers to car rentals, transportation services, and other airport amenities.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), area is another zone where volunteers may assist during arriving international flights. This area requires additional training. If you are interested in volunteering in this space, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, who will let you know when the next training session is available.
Level 2 is the Departures level. The two main zones where volunteers may assist are Groundside and Airside. Airside may also be referred to as the restricted area, domestic holdroom, or Queen’s Court (seating area between Little Brown Jug and Prairie Bistro).
On Level 2 Groundside, volunteers greet passengers as they enter the terminal, direct them to their airline, and assist with wayfinding questions, such as the location of security screening.
Airside, or the domestic holdroom, is accessible to volunteers through the ATAP. In the domestic holdroom, passengers may need assistance finding their gate, retail locations, concessions, washrooms, or understanding the difference between boarding zones and gate numbers. This is also where volunteers will find activity books and crayons to offer to children.
InfoBooth
One of the best resources available to volunteers and passengers is the InfoBooth, located groundside on Level 1 in Arrivals, near Door 2.
The InfoBooth is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is operated by ASP, a third-party contractor, and is staffed by bilingual team members.
The InfoBooth provides a variety of helpful services and resources, including Lost and Found, tourism and general airport information, Winnipeg Transit schedules, live translation support through the CanTalk program, sensory kits, and Sunflower lanyards. Please note that sensory kits may only be distributed by airline representatives.
Sunflower lanyards help identify passengers who may have an invisible disability or require additional assistance while travelling. A solid green lanyard identifies someone who may need additional support, while a green-and-white lanyard identifies someone who has completed specialized training and can provide assistance.
If a passenger requests a Sunflower lanyard, direct them to the InfoBooth or let them know that lanyards are also available at airline check-in counters. Anyone can request a Sunflower Lanyard.
Media
Airports often attract interest from news outlets and other media, particularly during peak travel periods or major events.
Only two individuals are authorized to speak to the media on behalf of Winnipeg Airports Authority: the President and CEO, and the Director of Communications.
If you are approached by a member of the media for information or a comment, do not respond on behalf of the airport. Instead, direct them to WAA’s 24-hour media line at 204-987-1522.
Providing comments or statements to the media without authorization is a serious violation of the volunteer program and will result in immediate removal from the program.
Special Volunteer Opportunities
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, you may also have opportunities to earn additional volunteer hours by supporting special events outside your regularly scheduled shifts.
Volunteers have assisted with a WestJet activation in 2025, celebrating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hosting the West Final. The event featured a TSN anchor and the iconic Grey Cup surprising passengers as it arrived as a special piece of luggage on the baggage carousel.
An annual special event that requires volunteer support is Dreams Take Flight, a charitable organization that provides children with an unforgettable day at Disney. The flight departs Winnipeg at approximately 5 a.m. and returns around 1 a.m. the following morning.
Special events like these require the support of many volunteers to help create a welcoming, organized, and memorable experience. When opportunities become available, sign-up information will be shared with all YWG Goldwings volunteers.
Peak Travel Periods
Interesting airport and volunteer statistics, including busiest travel periods, annual passenger volumes, airport maps, and the number of volunteer hours contributed since the YWG Goldwings program began.
Monthly passenger volumes at YWG from 2019 to 2025 shows a significant decline in air travel during 2020, followed by the airport’s gradual recovery in the years that followed. Throughout that time, YWG remained fully operational—even one day in 2020 when only eight passengers travelled through the airport. Passenger volumes increased steadily in 2022, and by 2025, YWG had surpassed projected passenger levels.
August is typically the busiest month for travel at YWG. In 2025, the two busiest days were March 28th and August 1st, with more than 16,000 passengers travelling through the airport on each day.
We highly recommend scheduling volunteer shifts in August, when the terminal is especially busy, energetic, and full of opportunities to assist passengers!
Airlines
WestJet is the airport’s largest carrier, followed by Air Canada.
Bearskin Airlines and Calm Air provide important connections to northern and regional communities, while Flair Airlines and Porter Airlines offer additional domestic travel options, often at competitive fares.
For passengers travelling to the United States, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines provide direct transborder service from YWG.
Together, these carriers connect Winnipeg with communities across Canada, the United States, and beyond.
Transportation
Passengers can travel to and from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport using a variety of transportation options.
The most common option is driving and parking. YWG offers several choices, including the economy parking lots, the parkade, and Valet and Away service. Please note that Park’N Fly is operated by a separate company and is not an airport-owned parking service.
For those picking up passengers, the Cell Phone Lot is located near the entrance to the airport campus. Drivers should wait there until their passenger has collected all their luggage and is ready to be picked up at the curb. The Arrivals curb is intended for active passenger pick-up only, and not for idling.
Rental-car check-in counters are located on Level 1 of the parkade, with the rental vehicles parked throughout the same level.
Taxis and limousines are available on the inner curb outside Door 3 on Level 1, while rideshare services, including Uber, pick up passengers on the inner curb outside Door 1. These locations, along with directions to the rental-car area, are among the most common wayfinding questions volunteers receive.
Winnipeg Transit service is available on the outermost curb outside Door 3 on Level 1. Passengers requesting transit schedules or route information should first be directed to the InfoBooth.
A variety of shuttle and bus services also operate at YWG. As pick-up locations and schedules vary by provider, the InfoBooth can provide passengers with the most appropriate information.
Bicycle racks are available outside Door 1 on Level 1 for passengers and visitors who cycle to the airport. Cyclists are responsible for bringing and securing their bicycles with their own locks.
Information Displays
The airport community often uses acronyms to refer to services, systems, and information displays. As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, becoming familiar with these terms will help you better understand airport operations and provide accurate, confident assistance to passengers.
There are four main types of information displays located throughout the terminal, each designed to provide passengers with information based on where they are in their journey.
The first is the Flight Information Display, commonly referred to as a 'FID.' These displays are located throughout both the public and secure areas of the terminal and provide key flight information, including the departing or arriving city, airline, flight number, scheduled departure or arrival time, gate or baggage carousel assignment, and current flight status.
Located alongside every 'FID' is a Visual Information Display, or 'VID'. These screens are used to display important airport messages, passenger paging information, announcements, and promotional or informational graphics throughout the terminal.
Once passengers enter the departure holdrooms, they will see Gate Information Displays, known as 'GIDs'. These displays provide flight-specific details for that gate, including the destination city, departure time, airline, flight number, and current flight status.
In the arrivals area, each baggage carousel is equipped with a Baggage Information Display, or 'BID'. These displays identify the arriving city, airline, and flight number associated with the baggage being delivered to that carousel.
All Canadian airports provide bilingual information. For this reason, each display automatically alternates between English and French.
Hug Rug
Now an iconic feature of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the Hug Rug was first introduced in 2013. Originally intended for only special occasions, the rug was placed at the base of the escalator in the Arrivals Hall.
It quickly became much more than a seasonal feature. The Hug Rug created a welcoming and memorable space where families, friends, and loved ones could reconnect after a journey, making it a cherished part of the airport experience.
Due to its popularity, a second Hug Rug was introduced in the International Arrivals area in 2023, along with a special holiday-themed design to celebrate the festive season.
In 2025, when Winnipeg hosted the Grey Cup, a unique Grey Cup Hug Rug was created to welcome thousands of visitors and festival attendees to our city.
The Hug Rug has become a symbol of warmth, connection, and the joy of reunions at YWG. If you’re ever having a difficult day or just need a reminder of the positive impact we can have on others, spending a few minutes near the Hug Rug is sure to bring a smile and brighten your day.
St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program
Through a partnership with St. John Ambulance, these specially trained therapy dog teams help create a welcoming, calming, and friendly environment for passengers, visitors, and campus staff.
The therapy dogs can be easily identified by their red co-branded YWG and St. John Ambulance leash and bandana, while their handlers wear a black and red St. John Ambulance shirt.
The role of the Therapy Dog Program is to help reduce stress and provide comfort to passengers, visitors, and campus staff who may be feeling nervous, anxious, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a friendly interaction during their time at the airport.
The Therapy Dog schedule is displayed on the weekly schedule screen located in the YWG Goldwings Lounge. Each therapy dog and their handler, known together as a team, volunteer for a 1.5-hour shift. Teams may access the domestic holdroom area and are present throughout the month on scheduled dates.
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, you are welcome to say hello and enjoy a quick visit with the therapy dogs. However, please remember that both you and the therapy dog team have important roles to fulfill. To ensure they can continue assisting as many passengers and staff as possible, please limit your interaction to approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Security
Here we will see the airport's security services, partner organizations, regulations, programs, and safety procedures.
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, it is important to understand your role within a highly regulated airport environment, including the security measures in place and the appropriate actions to take during an emergency.
You may recognize many of the topics and terminology covered in this section from the Canadian Airport Security Awareness Program training (CASAP).
Security Services
There are several security services that work together at YWG to ensure the airport remains safe, secure, and compliant with all applicable regulations. As a volunteer, you are not expected to memorize every organization, but having a general understanding of their roles will help you better understand how the airport operates.
Transport Canada is the federal government agency responsible for regulating Canada's transportation system. It establishes and enforces the legislation, regulations, and security requirements that Winnipeg Airports Authority must follow to maintain a safe and secure airport environment.
The Airport Operations Centre, commonly referred to as the AOC, is the airport's operational hub. The AOC monitors daily airport operations, co-ordinates responses to operational events, manages aircraft gate and apron assignments, and answers several key phone lines, including OneCall, the Emergency Line, and the Info Line.
The Emergency Operations Centre, or EOC, serves as the airport's central command centre during emergencies. When a significant incident occurs, the EOC co-ordinates emergency response activities, resources, and communication.
Logixx is YWG's contracted security provider. They provide 24-hour security coverage throughout the terminal, on the airfield, and across all groundside areas.
Law enforcement responsibilities at YWG are shared between two agencies. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, have jurisdiction within the terminal's secure areas and the airside areas, while the Winnipeg Police Service has jurisdiction over the public groundside areas. These agencies work closely together and coordinate their responses whenever an incident requires police involvement.
The newest safety partner at YWG is Community-Oriented Mediation, Prevention and Safety Support, better known as COMPASS. Operated in partnership with Persons Community Solutions, COMPASS provides an alternative, community-based approach to supporting individuals in the groundside areas of the airport. Team members use compassion, de-escalation, and their lived experiences to help resolve conflicts, provide assistance, and contribute to a safe and welcoming environment for everyone at YWG.
Security Organizations
Several organizations work together at YWG to help ensure the safety, security, and efficient movement of passengers throughout their journey.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), is responsible for screening passengers and their carry-on baggage at designated checkpoints in Canadian airports. At YWG, CATSA screening is located on Level 2 – Departures, near Door 3. Before entering the secure departures area, all passengers and their carry-on belongings must be screened by CATSA.
The Canada Border Services Agency, also known as CBSA, is responsible for processing passengers arriving in Canada on international and transborder flights, ensuring they meet Canada's customs and immigration requirements before entering the country and collecting their checked baggage. This is a restricted area that is only accessible to authorized individuals with a valid operational need. Volunteers wanting to volunteer in the CBSA area must first complete a separate in-person training session coordinated by the Volunteer Coordinator.
The United States Customs and Border Protection, also known as USCBP, conducts U.S. customs, immigration, and agriculture inspections for passengers departing YWG on flights to the United States. Because YWG offers U.S. preclearance, passengers complete these inspections before boarding their flight, allowing them to arrive in the United States as domestic travellers. The U.S. preclearance area is located on Level 2 – Departures, between the airline check-in counters, and is accessed by crossing the enclosed bridge after security screening.
Access to Restricted Areas
Access to restricted areas is limited to individuals who hold a valid Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC).
To enter a restricted area, you must have both the need and the right to be there. For YWG Goldwings volunteers, the restricted area referred to in this training is the Domestic Holdroom. You may only access this area while you are scheduled for your volunteer shift and performing your assigned duties. Volunteers are not permitted to enter restricted areas when they are off duty or not scheduled. This is why it is essential that all volunteers are scheduled before reporting for a shift.
Access to restricted areas within the terminal is through the Anti-Tailgating Portals (ATAPs). Please note that volunteers, staff, and all RAIC holders must use the ATAPS to enter restricted areas and are not permitted to access these areas through the passenger screening checkpoint.
To enter an ATAP, touch and hold your RAIC against the grey card reader located outside the door. When the indicator light turns green, open the door and enter the portal. Allow the first door to close completely behind you before proceeding. Only one person is permitted inside the portal at a time.
Once both doors are securely closed, you will need to verify your identity by using one of the biometric options: either the iris scanner or the fingerprint scanner. Instructions are posted beside each device to guide you through the process if needed.
After your identity has been successfully verified and your security clearance is confirmed, the second door will unlock, allowing you to enter the restricted area.
When exiting the Domestic Holdroom, biometric verification is not required. Simply follow the same exit path used by passengers by taking the stairs, escalator, or elevator.
Using your RAIC and the Anti-Tailgating Portal may feel unfamiliar the first few times. If you are ever unsure or have questions, let the security officer stationed outside the ATAPs on Level 2 know that you are new. They will be happy to assist you and help ensure you are comfortable with the process.
Airport Operational Phone Lines
When you receive your volunteer uniform, lanyard, and name tag, you will also receive a reference card that includes the OneCall and Emergency Line phone numbers. Attach this card to your lanyard so the numbers are always readily available during each shift. Let's review when each number should be used.
The OneCall number is 204-987-9798 . Contact OneCall whenever you observe a non-emergency maintenance, facility, or security concern, including:
Unattended baggage
Non-hazardous spills
Dirty floors or walls
Damaged furniture, windows, or doors
Escalator or elevator issues
Washrooms requiring attention (be sure to note the washroom number located at the bottom of the sign outside the entrance)
Burnt-out lighting
Suspicious activity
And inoperable parking stations
The Emergency Line number is 204-987-9797. Call this number immediately to report any emergency or situation requiring an urgent response, including:
An aircraft collision or an imminent risk of aircraft collision
A person requiring medical assistance
Fire or smoke
A major structural collapse or hoist crane incident
Contact with a utility service
Large foreign object debris that is on, or could enter the airfield
Hazardous material spills or releases
Any accident
And any other serious hazard to people, property, or the environment
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, you are an important part of maintaining a safe and welcoming airport. Because you are out in the terminal assisting passengers, you are often among the first to notice when something requires attention.
By reporting concerns promptly using the appropriate phone number, the Airport Operations Centre can quickly dispatch the appropriate team to respond. Thank you for helping keep Winnipeg Richardson International Airport safe for our passengers, visitors, staff, and fellow volunteers. When reporting an issue to OneCall, such as a spill or washroom that requires cleaning, please include photos whenever possible. This helps provide a clear understanding of the concern and allows the appropriate team to address, repair, or clean the area more efficiently.
Security Program - See Something, Say Something
See Something, Say Something is a security awareness program that encourages everyone at the airport to report suspicious behaviour, unattended items, or situations that could pose a risk to the safety and security of passengers, staff, and the airport.
As a YWG Goldwings volunteer, you are encouraged to remain observant throughout your shift. If you notice anything that doesn't seem right or could potentially cause harm, report it immediately by calling OneCall at 204-987-9798.
Examples of situations that should be reported include:
Smoke or the smell of smoke
Security or fire doors that have been propped open
Unattended baggage
Improper use or storage of flammable liquids
Damaged or missing firefighting equipment
Suspicious behaviour or activity
You are not expected to investigate or intervene. Your role is to observe, report, and allow the appropriate airport personnel to respond. If you are ever unsure whether a situation should be reported, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Our Security team would much rather investigate a concern and determine that there is no risk than have a potential issue go unreported. By speaking up when something doesn't seem right, you play an important role in helping keep Winnipeg Richardson International Airport safe and secure for everyone.
Building Alarm System
Your role and responsibilities in the event of a terminal evacuation.
There are two stages to the evacuation process.
Stage 1 is an initial notification phase. During this stage, there will be no audible alarm in the terminal. The Airport Operations Centre, or AOC, will receive notification of an incident, and designated personnel will begin assessing and responding to the situation.
Stage 2 involves a full terminal evacuation. An audible alarm will sound throughout the terminal, indicating that everyone must evacuate the building.
There is a map that identifies the required exit routes and the designated meeting points for your safety. As a volunteer, your priority is to safely evacuate the terminal and proceed to the Designated Meeting Place, or DMP, assigned based on your location at the time of the evacuation. If you don't know the correct DMP, please ask a Security guard and they will direct you to the correct location.
While evacuating, assist by calmly directing passengers and others nearby. Clearly announce, “The building is being evacuated,” and encourage everyone to leave the area. If someone refuses to evacuate, do not attempt to negotiate or physically intervene. Continue to the Designated Meeting Place and report the individual to the appropriate personnel upon arrival.
Once you reach the DMP, check in and provide any relevant information, including the location and details of anyone who did not evacuate. Security will follow up and assist in ensuring everyone can exit the terminal safely.
Your role is to remain calm, provide guidance, and help support a safe and orderly evacuation.
Safe Walk & Camera Program
YWG is proud to offer two security programs designed to help campus staff and volunteers feel safe and supported while travelling between the terminal and their vehicles.
The first program is called Safe Walk. This service requires approximately 15 minutes’ notice and provides a security escort to accompany you either to your vehicle or to the terminal.
To request a Safe Walk when arriving for your shift, call OneCall at 204-987-9798. Provide your vehicle parking location and a description of yourself and your vehicle. Remain inside your vehicle and wait for security personnel to arrive and escort you safely to the terminal.
To request a Safe Walk when completing your shift, call OneCall at 204-987-9798 and proceed to the InfoBooth inside the terminal. Security personnel will meet you there and escort you to your vehicle.
If you do not require a physical escort but would like additional reassurance while walking to or from your vehicle, you can request the Camera Watch Program. Through this service, an Airport Operations Centre, or AOC, operator will monitor your journey using security cameras to help ensure your safety.
To request the Camera Watch Program, call OneCall at 204-987-9798. You will be asked to provide the route to your vehicle and a description of your clothing so the operator can accurately follow your movement on camera.
These programs are available to support your safety and provide peace of mind while travelling throughout the airport campus. Please use them whenever you feel additional assistance or reassurance is needed.