The Mayor’s Downtown safety strategy includes additional lights, new security cameras and more boots on the ground.
In last year’s budget briefing, Brian Bowman announced the plan to be funded by the hotel tax.
A new report to the mayor’s executive policy committee says $300,000 worth of grants will be available for businesses to improve exterior lighting.
Under the strategy the Winnipeg Police Service’s closed circuit camera system would be modernized and expanded for $150,000. The report says the WPS also wants to connect to existing city and private systems “where appropriate and lawful.”
True North Sports + Entertainment is also part of the plan.
The report recommends the purchase of mobile software for smartphones to help security and outreach workers better communicate with one another. The $24,000 software would be provided to the Downtown BIZ and True North.
The largest expenditure, $375,000, will see the expansion of the SafeWalk program, with the addition of six members for more foot patrols.
"There's a number of things in there from lighting to increased foot patrols, things that I think will make a big difference not only in actual safety but perceptions of safety,” said Mayor Brian Bowman.
The first year of the program is set to cost $641,000.
The report says this is the only first phase of the plan. It says part two will deal with the bus shelter in front of Portage Place Mall on Portage Avenue, which the police service has deemed a hot spot for crime.
EPC will vote on the plan next week.
