Every child in Winnipeg deserves a safe, clean place to play. In many inner-city communities, public parks are the only green space families can access. That is why they must be safe.
During a recent meeting with daycares in the Central Park and University of Winnipeg area, I heard serious concerns about the state of our parks. Children were playing near discarded needles and weapons, including knives and even machetes. This is completely unacceptable.
In response, I brought a motion to City Council, seconded by Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers, calling on the City to develop a policy that prioritizes cleanups in parks, tot lots, and playgrounds located in high-need areas, particularly those near daycares and schools. These spaces must receive faster and more frequent safety checks from city staff.
Currently, some parks may only be checked once per day. For certain high-traffic areas, that is not enough. We need to assess whether more regular visits are needed to keep children safe.
I also see an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with community organizations and even the Province. Advocates like Mitch Bourbonniere already walk our streets and help clean up unsafe items in parks. But these efforts need support — equipment like safe-disposal gloves can cost over one hundred dollars.
In suburban areas, many families have private yards where their children can play. In the inner city, our parks are those yards. That makes their safety all the more critical.
This is not just about maintenance — it is about protecting our children and making sure our policies meet the real needs of our communities. I will continue to advocate for stronger standards and faster responses when it comes to public safety in our parks.
— Cindy Gilroy
Councillor, Daniel McIntyre Ward
Explore more updates at www.cindygilroy.ca
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