During the 2026 Winnipeg mayoral campaign, candidates Don Woodstock and Tracey Drexler unveiled a new initiative aimed at curbing the city’s growing inventory of vacant and derelict structures. The proposal would require owners of such properties to take corrective action within a thirty‑day window, creating a clear deadline for remediation.
The plan is designed to address the persistent problem of empty or deteriorating buildings that have become a concern for neighbourhoods across Winnipeg. By setting a specific time frame, the candidates argue that owners will be compelled to either repair, secure, or otherwise manage their properties, reducing blight and improving overall community safety.
Under the proposal, once a property is identified as vacant or derelict, the owner would receive notice of the required actions and be given exactly thirty days to complete them. The initiative does not specify additional steps beyond the deadline, but its primary focus is on establishing a short, enforceable period for owners to act.
Woodstock and Drexler introduced the measure as part of their broader campaign platforms, positioning it as a practical response to a visible urban issue. Both candidates highlighted the need for decisive municipal policy that balances property rights with the public interest in maintaining livable neighbourhoods.
If adopted, the thirty‑day requirement could become a standard tool for the city to manage neglected properties more efficiently. The proposal reflects the candidates’ emphasis on tangible solutions during a competitive election season, and it signals a potential shift toward stricter oversight of vacant real estate in Winnipeg.