Winnipeg, Manitoba – Downtown Winnipeg may
soon feel safer and present a friendlier image under a program that
will put special constables on downtown street patrol. The Winnipeg
Partnership Agreement is contributing $1,005,000 towards the Downtown
Winnipeg BIZ Outreach Patrol, a four-year pilot project.
Scott Smith, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and
Trade, Rod Bruinooge, MP for Winnipeg South, on behalf of Carol
Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic
Diversification Canada, and Mayor Sam Katz, made the announcement
today.
“The Outreach Patrol project will focus on building relationships
with at-risk individuals and will connect them with the appropriate
programs and services,” said Smith. “Safety is our main
priority – for these individuals and for those who live, work
in and visit downtown Winnipeg.”
“Canada’s new government is committed to ensuring Canadians
are safe in their homes and in their cities,” said Bruinooge.
”The Outreach Patrol is an excellent example of the intervention
and enforcement programs we believe are essential to creating a
safer community.”
“This project will make downtown Winnipeg a better place
to live, work and visit,” said Katz. “We are pleased
to support a project that builds on other safety initiatives in
the downtown, including the Downtown Watch Program and the Aboriginal
Ambassador Program.”
The Outreach Patrol will engage in prevention, intervention and
enforcement strategies in dealing with intoxicated and disorderly
persons. The Winnipeg Police Service and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ
will provide training, which is scheduled to begin in October. It
will include cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and CPR
and First Aid. Outreach Patrol members will also receive information
on appropriate referral services and shelters for homeless and at-risk
individuals.
The funds announced today are under Component III – Downtown
Renewal of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. This component program
supports projects that encourage downtown living and stimulate strategic
economic and cultural initiatives in the downtown.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004 and represents
a five-year, $75-million commitment by the governments of Canada,
Manitoba and Winnipeg to strengthen our neighbourhoods, promote
economic development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy
Winnipeg’s economic and social opportunities. Interested parties
are encouraged to consult the Web site www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca
for program details.
Federal funding for these projects is included in the fiscal framework.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department
responsible for administering this agreement.
For additional information, contact:
Jacquie Sippola
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (204) 983-0280
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services
Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
Brad Salyn
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-4003
