On September 16, 2026, Winnipeg mayoral hopefuls Tracey Drexler and Scott Gillingham outlined proposals aimed at strengthening public safety across the city. Both candidates highlighted two principal initiatives: the creation of a two‑tier transit police model and the expansion of hiring for municipal police officers and firefighters.
The two‑tier transit police model would establish a dedicated unit focused on the city’s transit system while maintaining coordination with the broader municipal police force. Proponents argue that a specialized team could respond more quickly to incidents on buses, light rail, and stations, and work in tandem with existing law‑enforcement resources to address safety concerns specific to transit environments.
In addition to the transit policing plan, each candidate called for increased recruitment of police officers and firefighters. The proposals call for a boost in staffing levels to address current gaps and to enhance the capacity of emergency‑service agencies to meet the needs of Winnipeg’s growing population. Both candidates said that expanding the workforce would improve response times, reduce overtime burdens, and support community‑focused policing and fire‑prevention efforts.
Safety has become a central theme in the mayoral race, with candidates positioning their staffing strategies as key components of a broader public‑safety agenda. By focusing on transit policing and emergency‑service hiring, Drexler and Gillingham aim to address concerns raised by residents about crime, traffic safety, and fire protection throughout Winnipeg.
The proposals were presented at a public forum held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the candidates answered questions from attendees about implementation timelines, funding sources, and expected outcomes. While specific budget details were not disclosed, both candidates indicated that the initiatives would be pursued in collaboration with the city council and provincial partners to ensure fiscal responsibility while enhancing safety services.