The Manitoba government is investing $500,000 into a 16-week summer safety plan to enhance community well-being and reduce crime in downtown Winnipeg.
The Downtown Safety Summer Action Plan, launching June 17, will focus on criminal detection and prevention, community engagement, and mental health and addictions support. The goal is to boost public confidence and ensure a safe, welcoming environment during the city’s busy summer season.
“Winnipeg’s downtown is Manitoba’s downtown, and we want to make sure everyone visiting feels safe,” said Premier Wab Kinew.
The plan is supported by an additional $50,000 from the City of Winnipeg and $25,000 from the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.
“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 Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham.
“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.”
Twelve new provincially funded police officers are also now on the ground as part of the broader public safety strategy.
Officials say the plan aims to make the city centre a place “everyone can appreciate” this summer.
