Don Woodstock (HANDOUT / CHRISD.CA COMPOSITE)
Winnipeg mayoral candidate Don Woodstock is proposing a sweeping overhaul of how the city’s community centres are funded, operated, and supported.
Woodstock — a security company owner and former transit driver — unveiled an eight-point plan on Friday at Sinclair Park Community Centre as his first official platform announcement.
“This is about putting responsibility back where it belongs — with City Hall,” Woodstock said. “Volunteers should be focused on building communities and supporting programs, not managing infrastructure on behalf of the city.”
The plan also calls for water and sewage costs at community centres to be folded directly into the city’s operating budget, rather than billed back to local organizations. Woodstock argues the current arrangement makes little sense given the city already owns the buildings, water system, and sewage infrastructure. A broader review of hydro and heating costs is also proposed, with some centres currently facing annual hydro bills exceeding $100,000.
Additional planks call for transitioning key operational roles into paid positions, moving toward seven-day-a-week year-round operations, and expanding sports infrastructure.
“More sports, less crime is not just a slogan,” Woodstock added. “It is a long-term investment in safer neighbourhoods and stronger communities.”
Woodstock previously ran for mayor in 2018 and 2022.
Winnipeg voters go to the polls on October 28.
