Manitoba government implementing plan to improve safety in downtown Winnipeg

The Manitoba government announced a new action plan to help improve safety in downtown Winnipeg.

Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement at a news conference on Tuesday, saying the province is providing nearly $1.5 million in 2024-2025 to support three initiatives that together form the downtown safety action plan.

“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 premier said.

“When someone is dealing with addictions, we have to respond with compassion and an approach that is grounded in health care and so we are bringing that forward here today.”

The initiatives include $435,672 to increase the visibility of the Downtown Community Safety Partnership; $100,000 for improved mental health training for downtown partners who offer mental health services; and $1,063,000 for the creation of a sobering centre in N’Dinawemak- Our Relatives’ Place.

The province noted that some of the funding for these initiatives is being provided by the Mayor of Winnipeg’s office and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.

“Today we’re putting the two approaches together -- of strong community, compassionate outreach with health care resources backing that up, alongside the direct action that we know needs to be taken to keep Winnipeggers and Manitobans safe during this drug challenge that we’re all living through,” Kinew said.

The province added that this action plan builds on the feedback it received at a public safety summit. The plan forms the basis of a comprehensive safety strategy, which is under development.