The recent shooting near the University of Winnipeg is a stark and deeply concerning reminder of the safety challenges facing our city. Every resident, business owner, student, and family deserves to feel safe whether walking down Sargent Avenue, waiting for a bus, or heading to school or work. Community safety is not just a political talking point, it is a foundational requirement for a thriving city and local economy.

As election discussions highlight the urgent need for leadership and accountability at City Hall, local business owners and community members are dealing with these realities on the ground every day. Safety cannot be treated as a partisan issue or reduced to campaign slogans. It requires practical, sustained, and collaborative action across the board.

To create lasting safety in the West End, Downtown, and across Winnipeg, we need a balanced approach. That means combining a visible, accountable public safety presence with active community support. We need proactive police presence and targeted foot or bike patrols along high-density commercial corridors and transit hubs, paired with strong coordination and funding for neighborhood patrols and Business Improvement Zones actively walking the streets. At the same time, we must address root causes by directing real resources toward addiction services, mental health outreach, housing stability, and emergency support services. For our local businesses, implementing practical environmental strategies like better street lighting, commercial security grants, and active street-level engagement helps ensure our shopping corridors remain welcoming.

Regardless of who represents our wards at City Hall after the election on October 28, the responsibility to advocate for our neighborhoods continues. Strong communities are built when local business leaders, residents, law enforcement, and civic leaders work directly together toward common goals.

We remain committed to standing up for the West End, supporting our local business community, and pushing for transparent, effective safety solutions for all Winnipeggers. Remember to keep reporting all incidents so city resources go where they are needed most, stay connected with local neighborhood safety initiatives, and review each candidate’s specific commitments to neighborhood safety before casting your ballot.

Original Facebook post by Harold Brazil:

ANOTHER SHOOTING IN DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG.

CBC News is reporting that a man in his 20s was shot near the University of Winnipeg and taken to hospital in critical condition.

People should not be afraid to go downtown.

They should not be afraid to take a bus.

Students should not be afraid to go to school.

Families should feel safe in their own city.

We need a new attitude at City Hall.

I want to get into City Hall and fight for safer neighbourhoods, better services and real accountability. I want to fight for my son, for your family and for a better Winnipeg.

In Mynarski, we’ve had the same councillor for 16 years.

On October 28, we have a choice.

Four more years of the same approach, or give me the opportunity to get into City Hall and fight for us.

I’m ready to fight for our neighbourhoods.

LET’S MAKE CHANGE TOGETHER.

Source/photos: CBC News

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QfuiuiHYi