1. What would you do to make transit service in Winnipeg more functional, reliable and safe for its users? What plans do you have, if any, to reduce car dependency in the city?
Winnipeg Transit needs to be reliable, affordable and safe before we can expect people to choose it over their cars.
I would focus on restoring service where routes have been cut or weakened, improving frequency and reliability, and making transit safer for passengers and drivers. We need better late-night service and better connections between neighbourhoods.
One of my major proposals is free public transit. I support permanent free transit for seniors 60+ and youth under 20, and I would also introduce a six-month free-transit program to help residents who are struggling with the cost of transportation.
I also want to work with transit operators and users to develop stronger safety measures, including better security, cameras where appropriate, and a stronger response to violence and disorder on buses and at transit stations.
To reduce car dependency, Winnipeg needs to make transit, walking and cycling realistic alternatives—not simply tell people to drive less. That means reliable buses, safer sidewalks, better active transportation connections and better planning around transit corridors.
2. What do you think the city should be doing to ease the housing and homelessness crisis? What specifically would you change about the city’s current approaches?
Winnipeg cannot solve homelessness by simply moving people from one location to another.
We need a coordinated approach that connects housing, food, mental-health support, addiction treatment, employment and public safety.
I support building 5,000 affordable homes and using underutilized City-owned land for affordable housing, including innovative options such as container-based micro-suites where appropriate.
I would also support stronger rent affordability measures, including my proposal for a four-year rent freeze for 15,000+ rent-stabilized tenants, while working with other levels of government and housing providers to increase the supply of affordable housing.
For people experiencing homelessness, the City should focus on getting people into stable housing with the supports they need rather than relying primarily on emergency responses.
At the same time, public spaces belong to everyone. We must protect vulnerable people while also ensuring parks, sidewalks, businesses and neighbourhoods remain safe and accessible.
3. Public disorder has become a major concern among surveyed voters. How should the city best deal with it? The police budget is a major expense for the city, are people getting value for money?
Public safety is my top priority.
Winnipeggers should not have to accept crime, violence, drug dealing and repeat offending as normal. I support a strong police service and believe officers need the resources and tools necessary to respond effectively.
However, taxpayers also deserve accountability. The question should not simply be whether the police budget is large—it should be whether residents are receiving measurable results from that investment.
As Mayor, I would establish clear public-safety performance measures, including response times, repeat offending, violent crime trends and neighbourhood-level safety indicators.
I would also push for stronger cooperation between the City, Winnipeg Police Service, provincial government and federal government. The City cannot change provincial and federal criminal laws by itself, but the Mayor can be a strong advocate for tougher action against drug traffickers, repeat violent offenders and organized crime.
I also support expanding technology such as CCTV cameras and drones in appropriate locations, while respecting privacy and legal requirements.
My goal is simple: Winnipeg should become one of Canada’s safest cities.
4. While poverty and addictions are largely another government’s responsibility, are there ways that you see that the City of Winnipeg could be doing more to solve these issues?
Yes.
The City cannot solve poverty and addiction alone, but that does not mean City Hall should say, “It is somebody else’s responsibility.”
The City controls important services and has a major role in housing, transit, public spaces, emergency response, community development and economic development.
I believe we need a more practical approach that combines compassion with accountability.
People struggling with addiction need access to treatment, mental-health support, nutritious food and stable housing. At the same time, drug dealers and organized criminals who profit from addiction should face strong enforcement.
I would also work to expand partnerships with community organizations and other governments so that vulnerable residents can get connected to the appropriate services.
We need to stop treating homelessness, addiction and public disorder as completely separate problems. They are connected, and our response should be connected as well.
5. Voters are concerned about the rising cost of living and affordability. What do you see are ways the City of Winnipeg could make life less expensive for residents?
Winnipeggers are paying more for housing, food, transportation, utilities and basic necessities. City Hall must recognize that affordability is not an abstract issue—it affects whether families can make it to the end of the month.
My affordability plan includes:
- Free transit for seniors 60+ and youth under 20
- A six-month free-transit program to provide immediate relief
- A $360 property-tax rebate for eligible residents
- A $20-per-month water and sewer rebate
- Building 5,000 affordable homes
- A four-year rent freeze for 15,000+ rent-stabilized tenants
- Supporting affordable child care and better wages for child-care workers
- Exploring city-owned grocery stores in each borough to increase access to affordable food
- Supporting local businesses and ensuring more City contracts create jobs for Winnipeggers
But we also have to be responsible with taxpayers’ money.
Every major City expenditure should be reviewed based on whether it delivers value and improves residents’ lives. We need to reduce unnecessary spending, improve procurement and prioritize core services such as roads, sidewalks, transit, public safety, parks and infrastructure.
Winnipeg residents should not have to choose between affordability and quality municipal services. With better priorities, accountability and responsible management, I believe we can work toward both.
Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in Winnipeg Better’s election coverage. I appreciate the work student journalists are doing to help Winnipeg voters make informed decisions on October 28.
Sincerely,
Umar Hayat