Winnipeg, MB – Mayor Scott Gillingham is taking the next step toward creating a fourth emergency response service in Winnipeg focused on mental-health crises, advancing work on what would become the Winnipeg Community Crisis Response Service (WCCRS).
The proposed service is designed to respond to the growing number of 911 calls involving mental-health crises that often do not require police, fire, or paramedic intervention. By aligning the right response with the right call, the City aims to reduce strain on emergency services while improving outcomes for residents in crisis.
Wellbeing checks are currently the number one call for service for the Winnipeg Police Service, with more than 21,000 last year. A dedicated mental-health crisis team would allow many of those calls to be handled by trained, trauma-informed responders — freeing up police to focus on violent crime, property crime, and other public-safety priorities that require their expertise.
Gillingham is bringing forward a motion to Executive Policy Committee that would allow his office to work with Pensa Consulting Inc., led by Dr. Maria Cotroneo, to develop a detailed proposal for City Council’s consideration. Dr. Cotroneo brings extensive public sector experience, having held senior roles with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Government of Manitoba. Her expertise spans mental health, community health and wellness, and the intersection of social and legal systems in Manitoba.
“Winnipeg needs a more appropriate response to mental-health emergencies, and a fourth service will make our city safer while giving people the care they need,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This is an important step toward a modern crisis-response system that reduces pressure on police and strengthens the supports available to residents.”
The WCCRS would be a citywide, community-led, non-police response model designed to complement existing emergency services. Development of the proposal will include exploring how dedicated crisis responders could work alongside community partners, health-system supports, and the City’s 911 operations.
A detailed proposal would be brought forward to Council once the development work is complete.