Winnipeg’s west district neighbourhood is getting an extra police cruiser for each patrol shift, the first Winnipeg Police Service patrol expansion since 1994.
“Demand has outstripped our capability and our capacity,” said Max Waddell, Winnipeg Police Service divisional commander of west district.
Get breaking National news
The west district area comprises 46 per cent of Winnipeg’s land, including St. James, River Heights, Westwood and strips along Pembina Highway.
Victor Mondaca, a long-time west end resident, is concerned that additional enforcement, along with new encampment rules and an open drug-use crackdown, will move vulnerable people into the shadows.
Winnipeg’s bylaw for encampments prevents people from camping within 30 to 50 metres of several areas. The Winnipeg Police Service started its 10-day open drug-use crackdown this week in targeted areas, such as downtown and Point Douglas.
Watch the video above for the full story.
About time.