WINNIPEG -- The Government of Manitoba announced a $5 million investment into a downtown Winnipeg safety initiative on Friday afternoon.
Justice Minister Cliff Cullen said the money will help the city focus on improving the health, well-being, and safety of downtown Winnipeg.
"Whether you live, work or play Downtown, we want to make sure everyone feels safe in the heart of Winnipeg, and the Downtown Safety Partnership expands on a community model that focuses on relationship building, respect, and partnership," said Cullen.
The provincial investment will allow Winnipeg's Downtown Safety Partnership (DSP) to transition into a permanent, not-for-profit organization.
Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman said the investment will help realize city council's plan for a safer downtown.
"Since 2017, council has been working on new strategies for downtown safety that reduces demand for police service by way of investment in the city's multi-year downtown safety strategy."
With the investment, the DSP aims to expand the presence of downtown community outreach and safety teams and extend outreach hours to allow a 24-7 presence in key areas.
It will also launch a new community service team consisting of community support workers who can address situations that do not require a police or paramedic response.
Bowman said the initiatives will free up police to enforce the law, arrest criminals, and solve crimes.
"We really need to find ways to be more efficient in how police and how other emergency resources are allocated and dispatched," said Bowman.
The DSP is also establishing a 24-7 Downtown Safety Communications Centre that will facilitate real-time information sharing among downtown safety partners and support existing downtown agencies.
"Today's funding helps us build an expanded, permanent, community-centred outreach presence that provides the right resources and support at the right time," said Kate Fenske, CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. "This model builds on past successes and puts renewed focus on proactively addressing community needs, so everyone Downtown feels safe and welcome."
Downtown Winnipeg Biz started the Watch program in 1995 and now runs the Community Homeless Assistance Team (CHAT).
"Safety means more than the absence of crime," said Fenske. "It means members of the community, all members, have access to health and supports when they need it."
Downtown Winnipeg Biz is in partnership with Main Street Project and Siloam Mission to guide people needing assistance downtown to the appropriate resources.
Further operational details about the Downtown Safety Partnership will be announced in the coming weeks, the minister noted.
