June 13, 2025
Manitoba Government Invests $500,000 for Downtown Safety Summer Action Plan in Winnipeg
– – –Twelve New Winnipeg Police Service Officers Added to Downtown Patrols: Kinew
Watch news conference
The Manitoba government is providing $500,000 to the Downtown Community Safety Partnership to implement an action plan that will enhance safety and community well-being in downtown Winnipeg throughout the summer, Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.
“Winnipeg’s downtown is Manitoba’s downtown, and we want to make sure everyone visiting feels safe,” said Kinew. “Our government is tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime, and we have to put both of those kinds of responses together if we really want to make downtown safer for the long term."
The Manitoba government is working in partnership with the mayor of Winnipeg’s office, which is contributing $50,000, and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, contributing $25,000, to ensure Winnipeg’s downtown is a welcoming place for everyone, noted the premier.
“For Manitobans enjoying a festival with loved ones or getting to work early in the morning, your safety is important,” said Wiebe. “This is why our government is committed to making Winnipeg’s downtown a safer place and we are pleased to continue supporting the Downtown Community Safety Partnership and its important work in helping keep Manitobans safe and healthy.”
The 16-week Downtown Safety Summer Action Plan will launch on June 17 and focus on three primary areas to improve downtown safety:
- criminal detection and prevention
- community safety and engagement
- mental health and addictions supports
“Downtown is buzzing with new developments, big crowds at Sea Bears and Goldeyes games, summer festivals and Portage and Main reopening in a few weeks,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg. “To keep that momentum going, we’ve got to make sure people feel safe. Investing in the Summer Action Plan will put more patrols on the street, connect more people to support and make downtown safer for everyone.”
“Communication and collaboration between government, organization and community is key to addressing challenges and moving our downtown forward,” said Kate Fenske, CEO, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “We commend partners from the province and city for taking quick action to increase visible presence on our streets this summer to help improve public safety and the well-being of our community.”
“The vision of a safer and healthier downtown gets closer when we have even more caring eyes and ears on its streets,” said Greg Burnett, executive director, Downtown Community Safety Partnership. “Our gratitude goes out to the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Justice, the City of Winnipeg and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ for providing funds to make summer a season everyone can appreciate – especially in our great city centre.”
This investment aligns with the Manitoba government’s public safety strategy, which includes initiatives to address crime and the roots and causes of crime, noted the minister. Twelve new provincially funded police officers have started patrolling downtown Winnipeg to ensure Manitobans feel safe enjoying Winnipeg’s downtown and all it has to offer, added Wiebe.
For more information on Manitoba’s Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy, visit https://gov.mb.ca/justice/pubs/publicsafety_strategy.pdf.
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