The City of Winnipeg moved closer to implementing stricter rules on homeless encampments, with the community services committee approving an amended motion on Monday. This motion, still awaiting a final vote from the executive policy committee, outlines areas where encampments will be prohibited and how enforcement will be carried out. Councillor Cindy Gilroy, who introduced the original motion in July, emphasized the need for clear direction on where encampments can and cannot be located.
Under the new guidelines, encampments will be banned in specific areas such as within 50 meters of playgrounds, schools, daycare centers, or outdoor recreational spaces for families, as well as near hazards like traffic obstructions, transit shelters, and rail crossings. Enforcement will be focused during the daytime, with additional outreach to notify encampment residents of available shelter options and enforcement plans. Bylaw officers, specially trained for safety and consistency, will handle enforcement, and any debris from removed encampments will be cleaned up quickly.
Mayor Scott Gillingham called the motion a “balanced approach” but noted that it does not solve the broader housing challenge. The Manitoba government is working to address homelessness by increasing public housing through the Your Way Home strategy, which has already helped 77 people find housing. End Homelessness Winnipeg expressed a commitment to working collaboratively on solutions that balance compassion with the need for safe public spaces.
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