Winnipeg is the most dangerous city in Canada when it comes to violent crime. That is not hyperbole or fearmongering—it is the finding of a new study released last week by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan public policy think-tank.
According to the report, Winnipeg's violent crime rate stood at 675 crimes per 100,000 people, more than double the national average of 262. Violent crimes, including murder, robbery, and assault with a weapon, are increasingly common in our city. While politicians often dance around the issue, the reality is clear to anyone paying attention: Winnipeg has a crime problem, and it is choking the growth and prosperity of our city.
How Crime Stifles Business and Investment
The numbers from the Fraser Institute reveal how we compare to other major Canadian cities. Calgary ranked 11th in violent crime among urban areas, Vancouver was 16th, Montreal 18th, and Toronto 24th. Yet, here we are, leading the pack for all the wrong reasons. Property crime statistics are no better. Vancouver ranked highest among major cities for property crimes, but Winnipeg residents know too well the reality of theft, break-ins, and vehicle crime on their own doorsteps.
Crime is not an isolated issue. It affects every aspect of life in Winnipeg. Business leaders know it, residents know it, and tourists who read the headlines know it. Crime deters investment, drives away businesses, and causes people to leave for safer cities. This is not a narrative being spun to score political points. It is a reality backed by economic data and the lived experiences of Winnipeggers.
Business owners are spending more on security systems, guards, and insurance. Small businesses, often run by families who have poured their savings into their dreams, are the hardest hit. When their windows are smashed for the third time in a year or their inventory is cleaned out yet again, they start to question whether it is worth staying. Many are deciding not to stay. Some leave for safer provinces. Others shut down entirely. The loss of these businesses means fewer jobs and a weaker economy.
The Hit on Property Values
Homeowners also feel the weight of crime. Property values decline when crime is high. Potential buyers are hesitant to move into areas with regular break-ins and violent incidents. Long-time residents find it difficult to sell their homes. The tax base erodes, and the funds that should be going to improving infrastructure and community services are instead directed toward dealing with the symptoms of crime. Everyone pays the price.
Tourism Takes a Blow
Tourism is another casualty. Winnipeg has much to offer, from the Forks to Assiniboine Park, but a quick search online reveals reports of assaults, theft, and public disorder. Tourists look elsewhere. Conferences and events opt for cities with safer reputations. The hit to our hospitality sector is real, with hotels, restaurants, and attractions losing potential business.
Public Services Overstretched
Public services bear the burden as well. Police are stretched thin. Emergency responders handle more violent incidents. Healthcare providers treat more victims of crime. These resources could be better used to improve our city, but instead, they are stuck plugging the holes left by a failing approach to public safety.
The most corrosive effect of crime, however, is on the social fabric. Communities become less connected. Neighbours are hesitant to talk to one another. Parents keep their children indoors. Public spaces that should be vibrant gathering places are avoided. When people feel unsafe, they disengage. This leads to isolation and further decline.
Soft-on-Crime Policies Fuel the Problem
The roots of Winnipeg's crime problem are complex, but let’s be honest about what has contributed to this crisis. Years of soft-on-crime policies, driven by far-left ideology, have eroded law and order. The idea that criminals are victims of society while law-abiding citizens bear the blame is absurd. Yet this mindset dominates City Hall and beyond. The rights of offenders are prioritized over the safety of families and business owners. Compassion has its place, but it cannot replace consequences.
Winnipeg’s Weak Approach on Crime
Mayor Scott Gillingham and his administration talk about safety, but their actions suggest otherwise. The decision to deploy transit safety officers was more about appeasing progressive activists than addressing crime. These officers are unarmed and unable to intervene in violent situations. The result? Transit remains unsafe, and ridership continues to drop. People avoid buses not because of inconvenience but out of fear.
Recently, Gillingham proudly told people about adding what could be one more police patrol car in relation to his highest property tax hike in decades. Given that we have had the same number of patrol cars for over twenty years, this gesture is symbolic, not a solution. Token moves do not deter crime. It is deterred by visible, consistent enforcement and a clear message that lawlessness will not be tolerated.
The people of Winnipeg deserve more than photo-ops and press releases. We need bold action. We need more police officers on the ground. We need prosecutors who will push for maximum sentences. We need a judicial system that prioritizes public safety over leniency. We need provincial and federal leaders who support law enforcement instead of tying their hands.
The evidence is there. Cities that get tough on crime see results. New York City, once notorious for crime, transformed through proactive policing and firm sentencing policies. Crime rates dropped, businesses returned, and the city thrived. Closer to home, Calgary has taken steps to strengthen its police presence and support law enforcement. The results speak for themselves. Calgary ranks lower than Winnipeg in violent crime despite being a larger city.
The Future of Winnipeg
Critics will say that cracking down on crime is regressive. They are wrong. Safe cities are prosperous cities. They attract investment, foster innovation, and improve quality of life. Flowery speeches about inclusivity do not sway business executives to consider expanding to Winnipeg. They want to know their employees will be safe walking to work. Families considering moving here want to know their children can play outside without fear.
This is not about politics. It is about common sense and the future of our city. As a proud Manitoban and Canadian, I want Winnipeg to succeed. That requires admitting what is not working and choosing a better path. We cannot wait for another report highlighting our failures. The time to act is now.
We need leadership that understands security is the foundation of growth. Without it, everything else crumbles. Let’s send a message to criminals: Winnipeg is not your playground. Let’s send a message to businesses: Winnipeg is open for business and safe for investment. Let’s send a message to families: Winnipeg is a place where you can build a future without fear.
We can turn this city around. We just need the will to do it.