Winnipeg, MB – Our new protocol on regulating encampments on public property is now being enforced.
“City staff will begin visiting encampments today in priority areas to help people transition into shelters and safer spaces, while cleaning up these sites on public property,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This is an important step toward promoting safety and order in our shared public spaces, and ensuring those spaces remain accessible for everyone.”
“This protocol represents a coordinated effort between City departments and our outreach partners to promote safety and compassion in how we respond to encampments,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “While our first priority is always to connect individuals with outreach teams and safer housing options, we also have an obligation to protect the health, safety, and dignity of all residents who use our parks, playgrounds, and community spaces. This balanced approach ensures people can transition into safer environments while keeping these public areas open and secure for families and residents.”
Encampments are now prohibited and enforcement prioritized in the following areas:
- Within 50 metres of the perimeter of playgrounds, pools, spray pads or outdoor recreational facilities designed for children, families or seniors
- Within 50 metres of the perimeter of schools, daycares, or adult care facilities
- Where a hazard or obstruction to vehicular or pedestrian traffic exists
- Within a median or traffic island
- Within 30 metres of a transit shelter
- Within 30 metres of bridges, docks, or piers
- Within 50 metres of a rail line or crossing
- Where life safety issues exist
We’re working closely with outreach service providers to:
- Notify people living in affected encampments of our intent to enforce and remediate the site
- Support those people with transitioning away from public property and into shelters
City staff will remediate vacated encampments as soon as possible to clear them of debris.
Contact 311 to report encampments on public property. Any independent or unauthorized actions toward people living in encampments will not be tolerated.
Implementation of the new protocol will be phased in over the coming weeks, as staff work through priority areas and coordinate with outreach partners.
Information on the new encampment protocol can be found at winnipeg.ca/encampments.