The Manitoba government is investing $1.1 million to strengthen community safety in several major centres across Manitoba, including Winkler and Morden.
The funding that included $100,000 each for Morden and Winkler was announced last week as part of the province’s “Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns” public safety strategy. The funds are meant to support community partnerships that improve safety and upgrades to municipal buildings such as security cameras, alarm systems, and improved lighting, repairs to damaged windows, doors or locks, and measures to address vandalism and graffiti.
It was an unexpected bonus for the cities here, so Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens said they are uncertain at this time exactly how the community will be making use of the funds
“This was surprise dollars that showed up for us, so we weren’t anticipating it,” he said. “It’s nice for the province to recognize that there are concerns in some of our larger communities in this area … and there’s maybe some responsibility on their part to be involved in some of these public safety areas. It was certainly encouraging for us.
“Our communities are changing, and it’s important for us to recognize it, and it’s nice to see the province recognizes it as well.”
Morden Mayor Nancy Penner said their council was also uncertain how the funding might be put to use, but wonders if they could perhaps do something for and with the downtown businesses.
“We are going to look at this funding and see how we could leverage those dollars … maybe it could be cost-shared,” she said.
“We haven’t had the opportunity yet to consult with the chamber, but I know that is one discussion that will be happening. How can we collaborate with the business community, probably down Stephen Street, to start?” Penner said. “Public safety is huge for our community, and even with downtown businesses, retail safety is important.”
“Public safety is a top priority for this government,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe in announcing the funds. “We’re working with municipalities to keep people and communities safe, cracking down on drug dealers and getting weapons off our streets while also tackling the root causes of crime.”
“We know that each municipality in Manitoba has unique needs, and we want to make sure they have the resources they need to keep their communities safe,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “Our municipal partners deserve to have a provincial government that supports and empowers them in making their communities safer.”
