Winnipeg mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham has pledged to establish long-term staffing targets for police officers and firefighters, aiming to improve the ratio of emergency responders to the city’s growing population. If re-elected, Gillingham proposes a strategic plan to ensure adequate resources for the city’s expansion, which has seen an increase of approximately 80,000 residents in the past four years.
Strategic Staffing Plan for a Growing City
Gillingham intends to ask city council to set new staffing targets in the upcoming year. The plan involves a gradual increase in the number of positions to match the per capita staffing levels seen in 2016. This initiative aims to address the demands of a larger population by ensuring that the city’s emergency services are adequately staffed. The proposed targets would elevate the ratio of police officers from the current approximately 170 per 100,000 population to about 196 per 100,000. Similarly, the number of firefighters per 100,000 population would increase from the present 112 to approximately 120.
Based on Winnipeg’s current population of around 850,000, these targets would translate into an increase in the police force from about 1,443 officers to 1,666. The firefighter complement would rise from approximately 975 to 1,020. It’s noted that these figures are preliminary and may not encompass specialized roles that might not require proportional increases based on population growth alone. Gillingham emphasized that the implementation would be phased in over five to 10 years, ensuring the changes are made thoughtfully, methodically, and at an affordable rate.
Addressing Emergency Medical Services
In addition to police and fire services, Gillingham also committed to seeking provincial funding for eight additional ambulances and 120 more paramedics. This request aligns with long-standing needs identified by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS). The expansion of emergency medical services is seen as crucial to meeting the healthcare demands of the growing urban center.
Union Response and Other Candidates’ Proposals
The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) welcomed Gillingham’s pledge. Nick Kasper, president of the UFFW, stated that the commitment acknowledges the challenges faced by the service due to population growth and increasing service demands. He highlighted that the union has been advocating for years for staffing resources to keep pace with these changes, and Gillingham’s proposal represents a significant step towards a measurable, long-term solution.
Other mayoral candidates have also put forth their visions for the city’s public safety and services. Don Woodstock proposed hiring 100 additional firefighters and 50 more paramedics within two years, arguing it’s essential to reduce the reliance on overtime. Woodstock also suggested adding specialized equipment, enhancing mental health support for WFPS staff, and building new fire-paramedic stations in rapidly developing areas. He believes these measures could save the city approximately $10 million annually, which is currently spent on overtime.
However, Kasper from the UFFW noted that the estimated annual cost for 100 new firefighters is around $13.3 million, suggesting that one year of overtime savings might not fully cover the proposed staffing increase. Woodstock’s platform also includes a call for provincial funding to support the addition of paramedics.
Focus on Transit Safety
Mayoral candidate Tracey Drexler has focused her platform on improving Winnipeg Transit. She plans to declare security an emergency and expedite the transition from partial to full driver safety shields. Drexler also aims to introduce dedicated Transit police officers and “peaceful greeters” to enhance safety for transit operators and passengers. She expressed concern that operators are currently working in fear and emphasized their right to return home safely. The proposed greeters would assist with fare collection and monitoring, while Transit constables would handle security incidents, including detentions and arrests. Drexler has not yet provided specific numbers for new positions or cost estimates for her transit proposals.
Election Timeline and Candidate Nominations
The nomination period for the mayoral election began on Wednesday, with candidates needing to collect signatures from at least 250 registered voters by the following Tuesday to appear on the ballot. Chris Clacio was the first candidate to complete this process. Several other individuals have registered to run for mayor, including Mike Vogiatzakis, Umar Hayat, Mazher Alam, Joshua Pagdato, Johnny Calderon, Noah Redden, Brad Gross, and Gagandeep Bawa. Zac Uminski, who had registered, withdrew his candidacy on Wednesday. Mayoral election day is scheduled for October 28.
Kevin Klein, another mayoral candidate, indicated that his first platform announcement would be made later in the week, stating that he believes there is ample time to present his vision for Winnipeg and enact sensible changes.
Conclusion
As Winnipeg heads towards a mayoral election, candidates are presenting distinct approaches to managing the city’s growth and ensuring public safety. Scott Gillingham’s focus on increasing police and firefighter staffing levels through strategic, long-term planning addresses a key concern for a rapidly expanding population. The proposals from other candidates, including Don Woodstock’s emphasis on immediate staffing increases and overtime reduction, and Tracey Drexler’s focus on transit safety, highlight the diverse priorities within the mayoral race. The coming weeks will likely see further policy announcements as candidates vie for voter support.
