Building a Culture of Safety in Downtown Winnipeg

Released: January 2, 2025 at 12:34 p.m.

With the new year upon us, Winnipeg’s downtown is bustling with activity. As more workers return to their offices, visitors attend events, and residents enjoy the city’s amenities, creating a safe and welcoming environment is more important than ever.

Together with our community partners, the Winnipeg Police Service is committed to fostering a culture of safety, ensuring downtown remains a vibrant hub for living, working, and visiting.
 

The Downtown Safety Strategy

The Downtown Safety Strategy focuses on visible presence and community engagement, addressing the needs of the Sports, Hospitality, and Entertainment District (SHED) and surrounding areas. Through partnerships with downtown businesses and organizations, this strategy aims to:

  • Provide proactive patrols by police and cadets.
  • Build relationships through community engagement.
  • Reduce crime and enhance public safety.

Inspector Helen Peters, who champions partnerships to build safer communities, discusses these efforts in an interview with CTV Morning Live.

Helen Peters on CTV morning

 

Downtown Foot Patrol

A key part of our community response downtown is the work of our Downtown Foot Patrol. These are the officers you may have seen on your way to and from work or special events downtown. They are out of the patrol cars and on the streets ready to assist when needed.

Between January 1 and September 30, 2024, these officers can be credit with:

  • 6,414 hours of foot patrols in the downtown zone.
  • Attendance at 213 special events in downtown/SHED.
  • 1,075 hours of patrols in Winnipeg Transit corridors.
  • Diversion of 134 individuals to social support services.

New funding announced in the fall of 2024 will add 12 foot patrol officers to further boost visible and proactive community safety efforts.

Members of the Foot Patrol share insights about their role in this CTV Morning Live interview.

Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP)

Since 2020, the DCSP has played a pivotal role in enhancing downtown safety and well-being. This collaboration among government, public safety, and community organizations operates 24/7 to:

  • Provide frontline assistance and referrals through the CONNECT team.
  • Offer outreach services, social assessments, and first aid via MAC24/7.
  • Deliver long-term support with housing, addiction treatment, and mental health resources through the COAR team.

In 2024, the DCSP achieved significant milestones:

  • 5,437 calls for assistance responded to.
  • 126 medical interventions conducted.
  • 4,384 safe transports provided.
  • 50 individuals permanently housed.

Executive Director Greg Burnett highlights the DCSP’s ongoing efforts to make downtown stronger, safer, and more inclusive. 

Greg Burnett on CTV morning

 

Community Safety Officers

The Community Safety Team is dedicated to protecting public safety while supporting vulnerable residents. Trained in trauma-informed approaches, Safety Officers:

  • Assist individuals experiencing homelessness, addictions, and mental health challenges.
  • Patrol downtown transit systems, offering high-visibility support.
  • Employ skills in mediation, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention.

Bob Chrismas, Community Safety Team Lead, City of Winnipeg shares success stories from the Community Safety Officer program in this CTV Morning Live interview.

Bob Chrismas on CTV morning

 

The Role of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ works daily to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. In 2024, their efforts included:

  • Cleaning 6,880 bus shacks.
  • Removing 7,686 needles.
  • Collecting nearly 1 million litres of litter.
  • Eliminating 5,171 graffiti tags.

Through their Downtown Safety Action Plan, funded with $430,000, they’ve enhanced visible safety measures and continued to provide Courtesy Safe Walks 24/7. Call 204-958-7233 for assistance.

Ken Berg,  Director of Operations for the Downtown BIZ discusses their efforts to create a culture of safety downtown with CTV Morning Live.

 

Ken Berg on CTV morning

 

How You Can Help

A culture of safety begins with everyone. You can contribute by:

  • Staying vigilant and reducing the risk of crime.
  • Reporting incidents when they occur.
  • Supporting community safety initiatives.

By working together, we can ensure downtown Winnipeg remains a safe and thriving destination for all.

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