Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
On March 14, 2025, Mayor Scott Gillingham delivered his third State of the City Address to a sold-out crowd of 1,200 business leaders at the RBC Convention Centre. At the beginning of his term, he called for a unified plan that brought together governments and community groups to tackle homelessness, and it’s here Your Way Home: Manitoba’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, led by the Province of Manitoba with support from the City. He also laid the groundwork to transform public transit and reshape housing policy, with impacts expected as soon as this summer. Mayor Gillingham focused his speech around two central themes – the economy and crime/safety. Within those themes, he explored some specific key issues for business:
- Safety
Mayor Gillingham said more must be done to tackle safety concerns in Winnipeg. He announced several actions his office is already taking including:
- hiring a Senior Advisor on Public Safety;
- launching a Safe Winnipeg Initiative to unite front-line services, community groups and businesses; and,
- plans to push for bail reform during the next federal election.
Our take: We’re glad to see the actions being taken to improve safety, with more needed. Addressing this issue is a priority for our members to foster both economic and community growth.
2. Affordable Housing
At last year’s State of the City Address, Mayor Gillingham challenged the public service to approve 8,000 new units. The City states it has passed this goal with 14,000 new housing units approved in 2024.
Our take: We are pleased to see the progress the City has made, but it’s important to recognize Winnipeg will continue to grow, and our housing supply must keep pace – that means removing red tape and streamlining the approval process. This requires more AI and automation, like Edmonton has launched recently (https://storeys.com/edmonton-auto-review-development-permits/)
In our Affordable Housing Policy Position, we advocate for the City to improve the permitting process so Winnipeg’s housing infrastructure and overall development can support growth for years to come. Read the full position here.
3. Infrastructure Upgrades
Mayor Gillingham said – as he hoisted up an example to show our members – you can expect to see new transit signs popping up in your neighbourhood ahead of our city’s new modernized transit system launching this summer. He also noted that other projects key for efficient people and goods movement, such as the Arlington Bridge replacement, Louise Bridge rehabilitation plan, and the Route 90 and Chief Peguis Trail extensions, are moving forward after some have experienced years of delay. Lastly, he spoke to the new North End Treatment Plant, for which the City has secured $300 million in provincial and federal funding for project 2 and is actively working to fund project 3.
Our take: Efficient movement of people and goods is crucial for a healthy Winnipeg and our economy, especially in the heart of our community, downtown. We outline several recommendations in our Downtown Policy Position to support transportation through parking, transit, and road safety. Read the full position here
Mayor Gillingham Connects with High School Students
Students from Glenlawn Collegiate, Gordon Bell High School, and Louis Riel School Division joined a roundtable discussion with Mayor Gillingham after attending the State of The City Address.
Mayor Gillingham answered questions on all kinds of topics important to the students, including whether he was involved in student council, how the City is creating job opportunities for young people, and how the City is supporting vulnerable populations. One student asked, “How do you know the decision you are making is the right one?” Mayor Gillingham explained he thinks about what decision Winnipeggers 20 years from now would need him to make.
Civic Leaders Dinner
Wednesday, April 23
All the topics and positions covered at State of The City directly affect you as a Winnipeg business leader. Now, we’re inviting you to be part of the conversation with the City at our upcoming Civic Leaders Dinner on April 23.
Join us at the RBC Convention Centre for an evening of conversation where you can speak directly with Mayor Gillingham, City of Winnipeg councillors, and the City’s senior management team about issues important to you. Register here.
