The Downtown Biz is adding 10 new ambassadors to patrol downtown Winnipeg.
"No matter what time, day or night, we'd like all Winnipeggers or visitors to feel safe in our downtown," said Dave Stone from the Downtown Biz safety committee.
"We need more people on the street to deal with the challenges and social issues that we have," said Ricky Joyal from the Downtown Biz.
On Tuesday, the organization announced the addition of new staff, aimed primarily at patrolling downtown when evening events are on, such as for concerts and sporting events.
Once Jets' games start up in the fall, it's expected 15,000 people per game night will be headed downtown. It's also expected 13.5 million people will be venturing downtown each year.
Most Winnipeggers who spoke with CTV News on Tuesday said they were pleased with the addition of patrols in the downtown, with many hoping it would also attract more business development.
But some Winnipeggers said they would like to have the 10 extra staff to patrol throughout the week, and not just on concert and game days.
"I think they should be on all the time," said Desire Paulsen. One of her friends was attacked during a short walk downtown.
According to the online service CrimeStat, during the last seven days there have been seven robberies, two thefts and one sexual assault in Winnipeg's downtown.
The Downtown Biz said crime in the area is decreasing, with less than 5 per cent of all crimes in the city happening in the downtown.
Costs for funding the new 10 downtown ambassadors will cost $200,000 a year.
The Downtown Biz is covering the cost, but so far has only made a one-year commitment.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
