Mayor Scott Gillingham is backing new steps to tackle unsafe and fire-damaged buildings in Winnipeg, as City Council receives the first progress report on the pilot project for the Unsafe Conditions Response Team (UCRT).
“Unsafe buildings don’t just affect one address, they affect the whole neighbourhood,” said Gillingham. “This new team is helping us act faster, clean up unsafe conditions, and hold property owners accountable.”
The UCRT was launched in late 2024 as a pilot project within the City’s Planning, Property and Development department. It focuses on rapidly responding to sites impacted by fires, structural neglect, or incomplete demolitions — often in coordination with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, inspectors, and public complaints made through 311.
Since its launch, the UCRT has:
- Conducted more than 430 inspections at unsafe or fire-damaged properties, and 46 follow-up inspections to address safety fencing issues.
- Issued 20 by-law violation notices and 9 formal orders to remediate unsafe conditions.
- Referred 79 properties for City-led remediation when owners failed to comply.
- Accelerated response times from weeks to just 1–2 business days.
The City’s Public Service is now recommending three new temporary full-time positions to support the UCRT through the end of 2025, with future funding referred to the 2026 budget process. The report recommending these changes will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development on June 11th.
“The team has already made a meaningful difference,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chair of Property and Development. “We’re seeing faster cleanup of dangerous sites and better protection for residents and first responders. That’s a win for safety and a win for neighbourhood livability.”
Duncan added that continued investment in the UCRT will help the City address long-standing issues with derelict and neglected properties, many of which pose ongoing risks to the community.
For more information: https://bit.ly/UnsafeConditionsResponseTeam