Keeping our neighbourhoods safe together

We all share the priority of having a safe and vibrant community. I know many residents have expressed their interest in starting neighbourhood watch programs to increase safety and build more supportive environments that promote this goal. I’m pleased to have helped launch new patrol groups throughout my time as your city councillor, and I’d like to provide an update on a few of these.

In September, the Aurora at North Point neighbourhood came together, in collaboration with the Winnipeg Police Service and 204 Neighbourhood Watch, to have a patrol in the community. I was pleased to participate and see first-hand the desire and enthusiasm of the residents showing interest in community safety. Community safety is a goal for Winnipeggers of all ages, and it was great to see families out with their kids, who could learn about what we can do to make our neighbourhoods safer.

Leila Castro, along with volunteers of 204 Neighbourhood Watch, came to support area residents in launching this patrol. The members of 204 brought supplies such as safety vests, gloves, and shared their experience on creating a successful patrol group. Les Latinecz, an Aurora resident who spearheaded the patrol said: “Patrolling is always good to keep crime low and ensure people aren’t feeling frightened.”

The Winnipeg Police also provided key information on how to stay vigilant, recognize suspicious activity, and report it to police immediately. I was incredibly happy to support this new patrol group as it embarked on the path of increasing community safety.

Most recently, in November, the Elwick Village Resource Centre held a community safety meeting with area residents. Along with the Bear Clan Patrol northwest chapter, I was happy to be one of the guest speakers. It was a very productive evening with residents chatting openly with Winnipeg Police and other stakeholders about both concerns and solutions to area issues. Their first community patrol will be happening soon.

Across the Old Kildonan ward, there are many neighbourhood watch groups and I want to thank those volunteers who have dedicated countless hours of their personal time to these initiatives. Your efforts are appreciated so much. These are an integral part of the strategy to make our communities safer.

Please reach out to my office if you are interested in starting a neighbourhood watch group or want to join an existing one.

Finally, as the holiday season is here, I’d like to wish you all the very best of the season! From my family to yours, I hope this is a time of joy, rest, recharging, and making happy memories.

Devi Sharma
Old Kildonan ward report

Devi Sharma is the city councillor for Old Kildonan.

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