ManitobaThe City of Winnipeg got one step closer Monday to introducing tighter rules on homeless encampments in the Manitoba capital. Motion to go to executive policy committee before final voteGavin Axelrod · CBC News · Posted: Sep 08, 2025 8:01 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour agoA file photo shows a roadside encampment in Winnipeg in July. On Monday, council’s community services committee approved a motion that lays out where encampments aren’t permitted and what enforcement would look like. (Justin Fraser/CBC)The City of Winnipeg got one step closer Monday to introducing tighter rules on homeless encampments in the Manitoba capital.Council’s community services committee unanimously approved an amended motion that lays out where encampments aren’t permitted and what enforcement would look like. The motion still has to go to the executive policy committee before a final vote. “I think it’s a step to give clear direction on where we’re going to allow an encampment [and] when we’re not going to allow an encampment,” Coun. Cindy Gilroy said Monday. Back in July, Gilroy authored the original motion to prohibit encampments at playgrounds, spray pads, community gardens, pools and community centre spaces designed for kids and their families. She also introduced the amended motion, which was approved Monday by the committee.Prohibited areas definedThe motion calls for encampments to be prohibited in the following areas: Within 50 metres of playgrounds, pools, spray pads or outdoor recreational facilities designed for children, families or seniors. Within 50 metres of schools, daycares or adult care facilities. Where a hazard or obstruction to traffic exists. Within a median or traffic island. Within 30 metres of a transit shelter, bridges, docks or piers. Within 50 metres of a rail line or crossing. And where life safety issues exist. “Enforcement is to be focused during the day, recognizing that there may be times where people have to shelter overnight,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said Monday.Mayor Scott Gillingham says the motion strikes a ‘balanced approach’ to the issue of homeless encampments in the city. (Tyson Koschik/CBC)The motion calls for enforcement on all other city properties and spaces between “one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.” The city would also “work with outreach service providers to give reasonable notice of the intended enforcement to encampment residents and notify them of shelter options.” City bylaw officers “with additional training to ensure safety and consistency” will handle the enforcement, according to a City of Winnipeg news release. Sites will be remediated to remove debris as quickly as possible, the news release said. Mayor says motion strikes ‘balanced approach’Gillingham said Monday the motion is “important, but it’s not an answer for the housing challenge we have.””This really strikes a balanced approach to try to say that there are certain limits that should be no-go zones for encampments,” Gillingham said.In a statement to CBC News, Housing Minister Bernadette Smith said the provincial government is reviewing the motion and continues to “collaborate with our partners at the city on enforcement.” The Manitoba government has been adding to public housing stock to address homelessness. As part of the province’s Your Way Home strategy launched earlier this year, the units are being offered to people living in encampments.A spokesperson for the minister said Monday that 77 people have been moved into housing since the strategy began. CBC News also reached out to Main Street Project, the organization that has the exclusive contract for homelessness outreach in Winnipeg, but a spokesperson said it needed “more information on this situation.” In a statement to CBC News, End Homelessness Winnipeg said it will be engaging with Winnipeg’s mayor and civic leadership to ensure “our shared efforts remain focused on compassionate and effective responses to homelessness.” “We understand the concern many community members feel about the presence of encampments and the importance of safe, accessible public spaces,” the statement said. “At the same time, it is critical to recognize that those living in encampments are community members who have faced significant trauma, poverty and a severe shortage of affordable housing.” The organization said it remains committed to working with all levels of government and community partners to “advance solutions that reduce homelessness while ensuring compassion and safety for all Winnipeggers.”
Winnipeg one step closer to tighter rules governing homeless encampments
