Winnipeg residents head to the polls in two weeks to the day, and some mayoral candidates are sharing how they’ll improve certain city services if elected. On Wednesday morning, Don Woodstock unveiled his strategy to support animal shelters in the city. “We have over 100,000 stray and feral cats roaming our streets, alleys, and riverbanks,” Woodstock said outside Winnipeg Animal Services headquarters. “Our shelters are overflowing, and our city is facing a serious shortage of veterinarians and technicians. Under my administration, we are putting an end to this crisis once and for all.” Woodstock said, if elected, he would double existing funding for the Winnipeg Humane Society’s spay and neuter assistance program, improve access to grants for other not-for-profit animal rescue organizations, and launch a recruitment push to attract more veterinarians and technicians to the city. He also promised to upgrade the existing Animal Services facility on Logan Avenue and build additional animal care centres in Transcona and south Winnipeg. Woodstock said he’d fund his animal control strategy by accessing tri-level government infrastructure grants and selling naming rights to corporations for the new facilities. He also said he’d host a telethon to raise money. “As your mayor, I would be front and centre,” Woodstock vowed. “I have even contacted some of the private businesspeople already and have commitment from them.” Meantime, Scott Gillingham promised to expand evening hours at the upcoming Mike O’Shaughnessy Library if he’s re-elected. The library, housed inside Garden City Shopping Centre, is expected to open in early 2027. “Parents are working, kids have school and sports and other activities, and sometimes the hours when families really need these library services don’t line up with the hours that the library is open. We want to change that, and Garden City is the perfect place to start.” Gillingham vowed the library would stay open until 9 p.m. on weekdays to align with the shopping mall’s hours. According to the city, closing hours at library branches around the city currently range between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. depending on the day. Gillingham said the pilot project – which he dubbed ‘Homework Libraries’ – would give students a quiet place to study and complete assignments. “I’ve got a record as mayor of investing in the services that people depend upon and rely upon, and I think I’m the only one in this campaign right now, the only candidate talking about not only protecting all city services, but investing in city services,” Gillingham said. He estimated the pilot project would cost less than $1 million and would be expanded to four other public library branches if it is deemed successful. Kevin Klein turned his attention to Winnipeg Transit on Wednesday, and pledged seniors will only need a toonie to take the bus if he’s elected. In a news release, Klein promised to reduce the transit fare for seniors from the current price of $2.95. “Every senior I talk to is watching every dollar,” Klein said in the release. “A clear $2 fare means they can get to the doctor, pick up a prescription, or visit family without calculating the cost of the ride first. That’s practical help for people on fixed incomes.” According to the City of Winnipeg’s website, paper ticket and e-cash fares for seniors cost $1.55 per ride. Klein said lost transit revenue would be covered by “shifting existing funds and tightening how the city spends” instead of raising taxes and fees. Klein added the toonie fare plan is part of his broader strategy to improve Winnipeg Transit services if he’s elected. The Winnipeg municipal election takes place on Oct. 28.
