Manitoba wants safety improvements in downtown Winnipeg

September 27, 2019, 5:45 am

The Manitoba government has asked the Manitoba Police Commission to consult with the City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and private-sector stakeholders to provide recommendations on how to improve safety in downtown Winnipeg, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“No Manitoban should feel unsafe taking their family to a Jets game or walking to their car at night,” said Cullen.

“I am asking the Manitoba Police Commission to report back with a concise set of recommendations for actions and initiatives to reduce crime and ensure all Manitobans feel safe in downtown Winnipeg.”

The minister noted that while some progress on crime has been made, WPS data shows violent crime in downtown Winnipeg increased by 10 per cent last year, a 36 per cent increase over the five-year average.

Property crime is also up by 22 per cent in the area, a 47 per cent increase over the five-year average.

A WPS survey from 2017 showed 84 per cent of Winnipeggers would feel unsafe walking downtown alone at night including 90 per cent of women.

The commission has been asked to provide an initial report to government by Nov.17, which will include recommendations for action and advice on the role of government, including regulatory roles, respective provincial, municipal and private funding responsibilities, and program monitoring to strengthen safety in downtown Winnipeg.

The Manitoba Police Commission provides civilian input on police services and the conduct of police officers, which can include providing advice to the minister, consulting with the public, providing support to municipal police boards and overseeing the civilian monitor program, which observes independent investigations of police officers.