Running programs that create a safe downtown for you, your family, your customers and your staff.

Safety has remained the number one issue for downtown businesses, and the BIZ works hard to establish new programs to respond to the concern.

The Downtown Watch ambassadors, who patrol downtown dressed in red and black, offer SafeWalks to help people who live, work and visit downtown Winnipeg feel more comfortable.

The BIZ is also puts Watch patrols on downtown streets overnight. The patrols, trained by the Winnipeg Police Service, deter property vandalism, theft and break-ins in the city centre.

Outreach Patrol members enforce the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act (IPDA) and form relationships with people on the street to refer them to jobs, shelters, spiritual healing, counselling and other services. Download the Community Outreach Resource Guide.

The Change for the Better – Offers an alternative to giving to panhandlers while also raising funds to support downtown social agencies.

The Watch are also involved in community events and special projects, like conducting 10,000 vehicle safety audits annually for Manitoba Public Insurance and tracking information about individuals who regularly cause disturbances downtown for the Winnipeg Police Service.

• 16 Downtown Watch ambassadors
• 130 Downtown Watch volunteers, up 160% from 2004
• 9 NEW Community Outreach Patrols
• 10 minute average wait times responding to intoxicated people, down by 55 minutes
• 10 Bike Patrol ambassadors
• Over 700 SafeWalks in 2007, over double from the year before
• 92% of BIZ members say the Watch program is effective
• 77% of BIZ members say the Watch increases the public’s sense of safety
• $9,200 raised for the Change for the Better, supporting downtown social agencies
• 110 Change for the Better boxes, up from 68 in 2004
• 10,000 MPI safety audits to discourage vehicle vandalism and thefts
• 24 safety presentations to workplaces and community groups

The BIZ’s safety programs rely on strong partnerships. Thank you to Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, Human Resources Skills Development Canada, MLCC, Workers Compensation Board, Winnipeg Partnership Agreement, Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedics Service, and many more.

We’re here to help!
Click here to view the DSN website.

Easily recognized in red and black, Downtown Watch ambassadors have been walking the streets year round since 1995. This goodwill team patrols downtown, offering directions, tourist info, first aid, and assistance wherever needed. They act as the additional “eyes and ears” for the Winnipeg Police Service. If you need or you see someone who needs assistance, call us at 958-4627.

Call us for a SafeWalk! 958-4627
Tuesday – Saturday: 24 hours
Sunday - Monday: 7:30am-11:30pm

We’re happy to walk you to your car or bus stop. Just ask!