Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham has announced the launch of the Performing Arts Wayfinder Program, a new initiative that will provide dedicated courtesy walks and enhanced safety patrols around Downtown performing arts venues throughout the 2026-27 season.
Funded through the Office of the Mayor, the program will be delivered in partnership with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) and will support patrons, performers and staff attending performances and rehearsals by the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
"Winnipeg's performing arts organizations help bring our downtown to life," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "They bring people together, support our local economy, and help make Winnipeg a great place to live and visit. This partnership is a practical way to help people feel safe and supported when they're coming to and from performances."
Beginning in September 2026 and running through June 2027, a dedicated DCSP Wayfinder team will provide visible patrols around the Centennial Concert Hall and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, including nearby parking lots. Courtesy walks to and from vehicles will be available before and after performances through the DCSP app or by approaching Wayfinders stationed outside participating venues.
"Downtown is at its best when people feel welcome, connected, and confident exploring everything our city has to offer,” said Greg Burnett, executive director of the Downtown Community Safety Partnership. “We are excited to expand the DCSP Wayfinder Program through this partnership with the City of Winnipeg and our performing arts organizations, providing a visible, compassionate community presence that supports patrons, performers and staff throughout the season. Whether someone needs a courtesy walk, directions, assistance accessing services, or simply a friendly face, our DCSP Wayfinders will be there to help make every visit to downtown a positive experience."
The program will also provide patrols during rehearsals based on a shared calendar developed with participating performing arts organizations. When there are no scheduled performances or rehearsals, Wayfinders will continue patrolling the surrounding downtown area as operationally appropriate.
“On behalf of all the musicians and staff of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Mayor’s Office for the time, effort and care that has been put into creating the Performing Arts Wayfinder Program,” said Chris Fensom, Co-Chair of WSO Members’ Committee and Principal Trumpet of the WSO. “We believe that this program will increase the safety and security of our WSO musicians and staff, our cherished Arts partners and our devoted audience members, without whom we could not do what we do here in this community.”
DCSP will collect data throughout the program to evaluate the program's effectiveness and identify opportunities for future improvements.