In plain sight, but out of mind

Just steps from Winnipeg's city hall, two pressing issues constantly unfold. The first, a $205.00 annual subscription fee (including GST) for a service that renews at $233.00 (also with GST) every 52 weeks and offers a 10% discount on the regular price of $259.35. This offer is available to both new and returning subscribers, and they have the option to cancel at any time.

Despite the close proximity to two major crises - homelessness and toxic drug use - that have become a part of Main Street, these challenges have largely slipped from the minds of civic leaders. Marion Willis, executive director of St. Boniface Street Links, notes a deterioration of the situation under the current Mayor Scott Gillingham and council, citing insufficient support for outreach services and a reluctance to shoulder greater responsibility for addressing homelessness.

Willis emphasizes that over the last four years, conditions have not improved but rather worsened. The Mayor and city council have received little attention on the campaign trail despite the high visibility of these crises. During interviews with five key stakeholders, the Free Press discovered their demand for more than just promises of additional housing.

They are seeking substantial investments in outreach, a new approach to managing encampments and public drug use, and a larger municipal role in tackling these crises that have shown little sign of improvement. Willis hopes that the election on October 28 will bring new voices to challenge the status quo and drive a more coordinated response to these pressing issues.