The Downtown BIZ runs several programs to create a safe downtown for you, your family, your customers and your staff.

To contact the BIZ's safety teams, call 958-4627 or 958-SAFE (7233).

 

    Downtown Watch Ambassadors / Volunteers and SafeWalks     

 

 

Easily recognized in red and black, twenty-two Downtown Watch ambassadors patrol downtown and offer SafeWalks, directions, first aid and assistance to help people who live, work and visit downtown Winnipeg feel more comfortable. Over 180 volunteers and 10 Bike Patrols (in the summer) increase the street presence.
For more info

 

Click here to read our volunteer Newsletter

     

 

 

Overnight Watch Patrol

The BIZ also puts Watch patrols on downtown streets overnight. The patrols, trained by the Winnipeg Police Service, deter property vandalism, theft and break-ins in the city centre.
For more info

     

 

 

    Outreach Patrol Program

 

 

Ten trained Outreach Patrol members enforce the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act (IPDA) and form relationships with people on the street to refer them to jobs, shelters, spiritual healing, counselling and other services. The team moves intoxicated people into a safer environment.
For more info

Click here for our Outreach Presentation to downtown stakeholders                                

                  

Please read our Outreach Update!

 

 

      Portage Avenue Alive Project

This new, comprehensive safety strategy focusing on decreasing negative loitering on Portage Avenue is gaining steam!  The plan-based on a successful summer 2010 pilot project-includes removing public loitering spaces like benches, adding controlled patio seating, increasing "positive" loitering with sidewalk entertainment, increasing the Watch and Clean Team services, and working with the Police.

Download the PowerPoint Presentation

Print off the Portage Avenue Alive Events Summary Pamphlet                  

             

 

 

     Change for the Better & Mission: Off the Streets Team (MOST)

The Change for the Better program offers an alternative to giving to panhandlers while also raising funds to support homeless employment programs. One such program is the Mission: Off the Streets Team (MOST), a partnership between the BIZ and Siloam Mission where street people are hired to clean downtown, at the same time gaining work experience and social skills.
For more info

Click here to watch the "Change for the Better" video

                                    

 

Safety Presentations

Learn how you can be safer in our city with tips from the Downtown Watch. We are happy to present safety facts and tips to your workplace or community group. Please call us at 958-4627.