Report recommends exclusive downtown parking for Winnipeg police to settle long standing grievance

Winnipeg police officers could soon have exclusive access to parking at the Millennium Library Parkade, after a new report to the city recommends police be offered secure parking on the bottom floor.

"I think this is a win-win for not only the city, but our members," said Moe Sabourin, the president of the Winnipeg Police Association.

The report, which was a late add to the mayor's executive policy committee meeting Wednesday, recommends police officers have exclusive access to the 264 parking spots on the bottom level of the parkade, which is next to the downtown station.

The report notes this would settle a long-standing grievance by the police union, that alleges the city and police have breached their duties by not providing safe parking for officers downtown.

"Our members are targeted, they experience edged weapon attacks, firearm attacks, threats, sabotage to their vehicles and it's all because of their employment," Sabourin said.

If the report is approved by council, the plan would only go forward if there was enough buy in from police personnel within three months.

If demand was higher than expected, more spaces could be made available.

Spots would cost $275 a month, and would be split between two members. The commitment would have to be one year minimum.

"It is fair market value that officers would be paying, it's not free parking, but it is a matter of securing the area," said Coun. Markus Chambers.

There would still be a cost to the city, as the parkade would require $200,000 worth of upgrades to make the necessary security changes.

The report also notes the city would lose $95,000 a year because it would miss out on the extra parking cash for special events, like Winnipeg Jets games and concerts.

It would also mean fewer parking spaces downtown, which is a concern for Coun. Sherri Rollins.

"Cause downtown and the nighttime economy and those arts and cultural spaces are what people feel makes downtown safer, the vitality," said Rollins.

If uptake is too low for the spaces, the grievance would end, but if council votes down the proposal, the grievance will remain in place.