Home / Crime and Justice / Winnipeg's North End Fights Back Against Rising Crime
Winnipeg's North End Fights Back Against Rising Crime
2 Oct
Summary
- Community members voiced safety fears due to increasing crime and drug use.
- Police Chief Gene Bowers engaged with residents to address local concerns.
- A new anonymous tip line, the William Whyte Powerline, was launched to report crime.
Residents of Winnipeg's William Whyte neighborhood convened to confront rising crime and drug use plaguing their community. Darrell Warren, president of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association, highlighted escalating issues, noting that residents no longer feel safe walking on Selkirk Avenue due to widespread drug intoxication. The meeting featured a panel including Winnipeg Police Service Chief Gene Bowers and representatives from various police units.
Chief Bowers emphasized the importance of direct community feedback in allocating police resources and understanding local issues. He acknowledged that crime rates are declining city-wide, with the exception of William Whyte. To combat this, the neighborhood association, with support from Crime Stoppers, launched the William Whyte Powerline in 2025. This anonymous tip line aims to empower residents to report crime without fear of identification.
Participants engaged in a question-and-answer session, seeking assurances and information on police strategies. Long-time resident Sylvia Kowalchuk underscored the deep-rooted nature of addiction and mental health challenges. All five city council candidates for the Mynarski ward also attended, gaining insight into the community's pressing concerns.
