The mayor of Winnipeg wants to reduce "aggressive panhandling."

Mayor Brian Bowman told reporters following today’s State of the City address that to achieve that will require thoughtful discussions with a number of stakeholders.

“Some of the things that I’m hoping we can do is we can talk to not just police but also front-line agencies who are working with individuals who are engaging in aggressive panhandling, especially at intersections. I’m concerned about their safety. I also think there’s more we can do to help – everything from environmental design to public education,” said Bowman.

Bowman also announced a pilot project this spring that will use data provided by residents through the WAZE app and 311, as well as traffic cameras, to more quickly identify potholes and prioritize repairs. He also committed to an overhaul of 311’s existing online service to make it more user friendly on more platforms.

He also said he’s committed to the electrification of Winnipeg Transit’s fleet. He says the question of how will be raised with the federal and provincial governments.

“How effective we are at electrifying the fleet and moving to a fully electric fleet will depend on the strength of that partnership and the support of the provincial and federal governments,” said Bowman.

The province has already frozen city funding at 2016 levels, and transit is not exempt from a carbon tax coming into effect this September.

Municipal relations minister Jeff Wharton says the city has an operating basket to direct towards their priorities. He says there is continued discussion about electric buses, and he thinks it’s the right and responsible thing to do.

Some of Bowman’s other announcements today, at his last State of the City before the election later this year, included:

  • An electronic tracking of how each council member votes on various issues
  • A commitment to explore how traffic cameras can help strengthen public safety
  • Working towards eliminating Winnipeg’s business tax
  • Bringing forward a motion tasking the public service to develop a “buy-local” procurement policy for civic contracts valued at less than $100,000

Bowman said the Winnipeg Police Service will be establishing a formal Illicit Drug Strategy. He says the strategy will focus on increased enforcement, education, and intervention.

“By focusing on these three pillars, police and partner agencies will be better positioned to: education people before they use illegal drugs, intervene with those currently using, and enforce the laws on those perpetuating the problem,” he said during his speech.

He also mentioned $3.5-million earmarked this year to enhance outreach services, expand foot patrols, and for better lighting downtown, complementing the police Centreline strategy.

Each year, partial proceeds from the State of the City address go to a charity picked by the mayor. This year the charity is the Bruce Oake Memorial Fund.