A City of Winnipeg initiative aimed at accelerating responses to derelict and fire-damaged properties may soon become a permanent fixture. The unsafe conditions response team, launched as a pilot project last year, has significantly reduced response times from several weeks to just one day for initial inspections and within seven business days for follow-up with property owners.
Previously, city bylaw officers were overwhelmed, leading to chronic delays in addressing resident complaints. Now, thanks to a coordinated team of bylaw officers and building inspectors drawn from existing departments, 79 problematic properties have been referred for remediation—with nearly half already completed, according to a city report.
However, the program’s future hinges on funding and staffing. As it currently relies on staff who may be reassigned, city officials are recommending council approve $130,500 to fund three temporary full-time positions through 2025. An additional $1.1 million is being proposed in next year’s budget to support the team over a four-year term starting in 2026.
The move has strong backing from community leaders and council members. Darrell Warren, president of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association—an area hard hit by vacant building fires—praised the effort for bringing long-overdue urgency to complaints.
“Anything that speeds the process up would be a bonus,” Warren said, noting how delays have historically eroded trust in the city’s ability to act.
Coun. Evan Duncan, chair of the property and development committee, echoed the sentiment, highlighting a “dramatic uptick in timeliness and effectiveness” since the team began work in November 2024.
Mayor Scott Gillingham also voiced his support in a news release, adding momentum to the proposal ahead of the June 11 committee meeting, where it will be discussed.
Swifteradio.com
