Full Breakdown
Winnipeg Residents Report Rising Fear of Crime Ahead of Municipal Election
By Drooid · · How we work
Survey Findings and Demographics
An online poll of 687 Winnipeg adults, commissioned by Abacus Data for CBC News, found that 43 percent say they go out less because of crime concerns, while 68 percent feel less safe than they did four years ago. The sentiment is strongest among women, older residents, parents of young children, non-racialized respondents and Canadian-born citizens. The same poll showed that more than 40 percent of participants across the city limit their outings for the same reason.
Official Responses and Police Data
The Winnipeg Police Service reported that overall crime severity fell by ? 9 percent in 2025 and violent-crime severity dropped ? 11 percent. Shoplifting reports declined ? 5 percent, yet property-crime incidents rose slightly, and thefts from vehicles increased 13 percent. Hate-motivated crimes surged 154 percent. In its biennial citizen survey, the police noted a modest decline in perceived safety: 44 percent felt safe walking alone downtown during the day, down from 49 percent the previous year, and only 8 percent felt safe walking alone at night.
Public Sentiment and Impact on Daily Life
Residents such as 62-year-old Annette Dandonneau (Norwood) say they now avoid nighttime outings, limit use of Winnipeg Transit, and forgo social activities like evening cribbage groups because of safety worries. Young adult Lenex Redhead echoed the concern, describing the city as “hard to keep safe nowadays.” Candidates for mayor are being asked to present long-term crime-reduction strategies rather than short-term fixes, reflecting voter demand for substantive change.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You never know what can happen and how people are, and [whether] they are under the influence or not, or just trying to cause issues.” — Mary Agnes Welch, vice-president of Abacus Data “You never know what can happen and how people are, and [whether] they are under the influence or not, or just trying to cause issues.” — Mary Agnes Welch, a vice-president of Abacus Data
Why It Matters
The gap between declining crime statistics and rising public anxiety suggests a perception gap that could influence the upcoming municipal election. Voter priorities appear to be shifting toward public-safety policies, and candidates’ proposals on crime prevention may become a decisive factor in determining Winnipeg’s next mayor.