downtown WINNIPEG BIZ
DISCOVER + YOUR GUIDE TO DOWNTOWN
DID YOU KNOW?
POLL OF THE WEEK
What are you most excited about that's happening downtown this winter?
Jets Hockey Games
Santa Claus Parade
Festival of Trees and Lights
All of the above
None of the above
POLL OF THE WEEK

 
 
 

Addressing downtown safety calls for a comprehensive approach that covers the many facets of the issue. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s approach includes programs, communication and advocating.

What is the Downtown BIZ doing about Safety?
 

  • Downtown Watch Program - 25 ambassadors walk downtown streets (10 new watch ambassadors were hired in 2011 to help address saftey for those on a survey who had said they felt less safe at night)
  • Downtown Watch Volunteer Program – 130 volunteer ambassadors add to the street presence of paid ambassadors
  • Downtown Watch Overnight Program – two Watch ambassadors as part of a mobile surveillance unit, with a focus on deterring vandalism
  • Community Outreach Patrol Program – nine trained ambassadors enforce the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act (IPDA) on downtown streets and hand out granola bars and water to street people
  • 10 Bike Patrol ambassadors (May - October)
  • Mission: Off the Streets Team (MOST) – employment program for homeless people to give them work experience through litter pick-up and transition them into a healthier environment
  • Advocating for video cameras downtown
  • Advocating for more police foot patrols downtown
  • Advocating for a comprehensive solution to downtown safety
  • Creating a Downtown Safety Network
  • Safety Presentations – the BIZ does more than 50 presentations a year with practical safety tips to downtown workers, residents, students and community groups
  • Vandalism prevention tips – the BIZ contacts downtown retailers with tips on how they can minimize vandalism to their stores and property
  • Winnipeg Police Service Horse Patrol - the BIZ supports the WPS Horse Patrol, who attend events in the summer

The Downtown Watch Program
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 also participate in community events and act as additional “eyes and ears” for the Winnipeg Police Service. All ambassadors are equipped with two-way radios and are trained in non-confrontational mediation techniques, problem solving and customer service.

Sixteen ambassadors regularly patrol downtown’s streets, with an additional 10 Bike Patrol members in the summer. The Watch provide over 700 SafeWalks each year. They also partner with community and corporate groups on projects such as auto theft prevention education and Citizens on Patrol.

The award-winning Downtown Watch program is an initiative of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, which enhances downtown safety, cleanliness, image, parking, and transportation, while also running events and promoting the heart of our city.

Volunteer Watch Program
Over 130 volunteers boost the presence on the street and gain valuable work experience—not to mention a shot at full-time employment, as paid ambassadors are hired from volunteers. Volunteers include students from high schools, Red River College and the Law Enforcement Academy.

Interested in joining this dynamic team?

Downtown Watch Alumni
Volunteers and staff gain excellent experience, skills and training for a career in law enforcement or customer service. Many former Watch ambassadors are now serving with the Winnipeg Police Service and police services in other cities, Provincial and Federal Corrections, RCMP, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Border Patrol, and Parks Canada.

Downtown Watch Overnight Patrol
Two ambassadors keep an eye on downtown overnight from their van. The patrols, working in close contact with the Winnipeg Police Service, deter property vandalism, theft and break-ins in the city centre.

Community Outreach Patrol
Nine trained 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. Funded by the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement, the Community Outreach Patrol Program addresses the public’s concerns when confronted by aggressive panhandlers and intoxicated people, as well as the safety of intoxicated people themselves. The team works closely with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, who has stated wait times have been drastically reduced from an average of about 55 minutes to 10 minutes. Outreach Patrol members are hired from Downtown Watch staff.

Safety Presentations
Learn how you can be safer in our city, with tips from the Downtown Watch. We are happy to present tips and facts to your workplace or community group. Call us at 958-4640 to set up a safety presentation.

 

  • 92% of downtown businesses say the Watch program is effective – 2007 Downtown BIZ member survey
  • 77% of downtown businesses say the Watch increases the public’s sense of safety – 2007 Downtown BIZ member survey
  • Call us for a SafeWalk: 958-4627