SBC

PANELS 2026

Enhancing Curbside Appeal with Joe Kornelson

Working with Additional Support with Rob MacKenzie and Eric Napier Strong

Provincial Update from the Justice Minister with Matt Wiebe and Joe Kornelson

Navigating Restaurant Crime with Kim Riddolls and Michael Paille

Businesses Working With Resources with Michael Paille, Rosetta Troia, and Karen Murison

Safety Strategies with COPP and Bear Clan

Personal Safety with Winnipeg Police Services

Strengthening Business Relationships with Michael Paille and Jamil Mahmood

Security Solutions with Robby Ahuja

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2nd Annual Retail Crime Prevention Conference: Post-Event Summary

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2nd Annual Retail Crime Prevention Conference at X-Cues! It was an incredible day of collaboration, insight, and community action. While the event has wrapped up, the momentum we built is just beginning as we continue to advocate for independent businesses against robbery, shoplifting, break-ins, vandalism, and drug awareness.

A massive thank you to our hosts at X-Cues, our dedicated expert speakers, our community partners, and most of all, the local independent business owners who took time out of their busy schedules to invest in a safer community.

2026 Panel Recap & Key Discussion Highlights

Our panel discussions brought together business owners, community advocates, resources, and policy-makers to share concrete solutions for safety and development. To view the panels, check the left hand side of this page.

Panel Discussion	Key Speakers / Feature	Focus Area
Enhancing Curbside Appeal	Joe Kornelson	Improving physical store environments to deter crime and foster welcoming spaces.
Working with Additional Support	Rob MacKenzie & Eric Napier Strong	Navigating community resources and safety collaborations effectively.
Provincial Update from the Justice Minister	Minister Matt Wiebe & Joe Kornelson	Legal and political updates regarding systemic crime prevention and policy shifts.
Navigating Restaurant Crime	Kim Riddolls & Michael Paille	Specific strategies tailored to the hospitality industry and unique retail front challenges.
Businesses Working With Resources	Michael Paille, Rosetta Troia, & Karen Murison	Coordinating with local outreach groups to resolve safety concerns collaboratively.
Safety Strategies with COPP and Bear Clan	Community Patrol Members	Direct street-level insights and community-led safety solutions.
Personal Safety with Winnipeg Police Services	WPS Representatives	Practical, immediate self-defense, de-escalation tactics, and situational awareness tips.
Strengthening Business Relationships	Michael Paille & Jamil Mahmood	Fostering stronger peer networks and collaborative neighborhood response plans.
Security Solutions	Robby Ahuja	Implementing functional, modern hardware and security technology on a budget.

3 Immediate Actions for Local Businesses

Based on our 2026 panels, here are three quick steps independent business owners can take today to improve safety:

Audit Your Visibility: As discussed in our Curbside Appeal panel, ensure windows are clear of heavy clutter and lighting is functional. Natural surveillance is a powerful deterrent.

Program Local Resources: Don’t rely solely on emergency services. Keep contact information for local outreach organizations, the Bear Clan, and community patrol groups handy for non-emergency situations.

Lean into De-escalation: The Winnipeg Police Service and our restaurant safety panelists emphasized that personal safety always trumps property. Train staff on simple verbal de-escalation tactics and spatial awareness.

Continuing the Momentum

While the conference has wrapped up, our work doesn’t stop here. The connections made and strategies shared at X-Cues will help guide the SBC as we continue to advocate for resources to combat robbery, shoplifting, break-ins, vandalism, and drug awareness.

We want to extend a massive thank you to our hosts at X-Cues, our incredible speakers, our community partners, and most importantly the local independent business owners who took a day out of their busy schedules to invest in the safety of our community.

Missed the Event? Share Your Input

We want to ensure the Sargent Business Community continues to address your exact needs.

Did you attend? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Email us with your favorite takeaway or feedback on how we can improve for next year.

What did we miss? If there is a safety topic or a specific issue your business is facing that wasn’t covered in our 2026 panels, let us know so we can address it in our upcoming monthly community meetings.

A Community United for Action

Local independent business owners, community advocates, and resource groups coming together at X-Cues to share experiences and build a stronger, safer neighborhood network.

Insights from Local Leaders & Experts

Our dedicated speakers answering questions directly from the community, providing actionable advice on everything from storefront security to navigating provincial policies.

Equipping Businesses with Actionable Tools

A look at our dedicated resource area, packed with practical safety guides, crime-prevention checklists, and outreach pamphlets. These take-home materials ensure our independent business owners have the vital contact info and strategies they need at their fingertips.

Fueled by Local Flavor

A huge thank you to our incredible local food partners who kept our attendees and speakers energized throughout the day! Delicious catering and refreshments were generously provided by neighborhood favorites De Luca’s, X-Cues, and Sorrento’s.

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