Promoting safety in our neighbourhoods
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/09/2021 (623 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Living in a vibrant and safe community is important to all of us. We all have a role in promoting and supporting the security of our neighbourhoods. I know many of you have joined neighbourhood watch groups, stay consistently vigilant in reporting suspicious activity and build strong relationships with your neighbours.
As your city councillor, I regularly meet with the police inspector responsible for this part of the city. We discuss potential solutions to the concerns my office receives from residents across Old Kildonan.
Over the years, I’ve hosted safety forums with the Winnipeg Police Service including, most recently, a virtual safety forum for Castlebury Meadows. Members of the Police Service’s community relations unit provided a comprehensive presentation about securing your home. This was full of valuable reminders about the importance of closing garage doors and ensuring the area around the home has sufficient lighting.
“A well-lit house is a deterrent for criminals,” said Const. Garnie McIntyre, one of the WPS presenters.
Community members raised important questions throughout the evening. The police also shared local crime statistics, commenting on the overall safety of the neighbourhood and noting how great it was to see Please Slow Down Signs as a reminder for drivers to avoid speeding. These signs continue to be available at my community office.
I’ve heard your concerns about speeding in residential areas and the police are committed to ensuring roadways are safe and motorists are held accountable for aggressive driving, including racing.
Motorists found racing their vehicles on Winnipeg roadways can have their vehicles seized on the spot and impounded for seven days. They will also be issued a serious offence notice, meaning they will have to explain to Manitoba Public Insurance why they should keep their licenses and a provincial offence notice for racing/careless driving will be issued, which could amount to fines in excess of $600.
Not only is racing dangerous to those who participate, it is also dangerous to other motorists and pedestrians. Furthermore, the strain racing puts on the vehicles ultimately creates excessive noise which impacts the quality of life of residents in the area. We urge all motorists to drive respectfully and to think about their impact on the community around them.
I am planning more safety forums in the coming months. If you’re an organization or neighbourhood association that would like to partner in hosting a forum, please reach out to my office by emailing devi@winnipeg.ca or phoning 204-986-5264. We can connect with the police to bring in speakers on a variety of safety topics.
Devi Sharma
Old Kildonan ward report
Devi Sharma is the city councillor for Old Kildonan.