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www.hayatformayor.com

If Winnipegger’s Elected 🗳️ Umar Hayat as Mayor of Winnipeg I will Launches 250-Camera Safe City Network and 24/7 Drone Patrols to Reduce Crime, Build Public Trust

HayatForMayor announced Winnipeg will have most comprehensive public safety technology expansion to date: the installation of 250 new Safe City CCTV cameras and the deployment of 24/7 drone patrol units across high-priority neighborhoods. The initiative aims to deter crime, accelerate emergency response, and strengthen trust between residents and law enforcement.

Key Components of the Safe City Project:

•  250 New CCTV Cameras: High-definition cameras with license plate recognition will be installed at transit hubs, commercial corridors, parks, and intersections identified through crime data and community feedback. All footage will be encrypted and retained under strict 30-day limits in compliance with Manitoba  Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

•  24/7 Drone Support Program: Winnipeg Police Service will operate a fleet of UAVs for rapid response, missing persons searches, and real-time situational awareness during major events. Drones will not be used for routine surveillance and will operate under Transport Canada regulations with public flight logs posted monthly.

•  Transparency & Accountability Measures: 

 ○  A public dashboard will show camera locations, drone deployment stats, and monthly crime trend data

 ○  A new Community Oversight Board will audit use-of-data policies quarterly

 ○  Clear signage will mark all CCTV-monitored public areas

Statement from  Hayat:  

“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving city. These 250 cameras and our drone program are not about watching Winnipegger’s  – they’re about protecting them. By combining smart technology with strict privacy safeguards and community oversight, we’re making our streets safer while setting a new standard for transparency. When residents see faster response times, solved cases, and clear rules about how tech is used, that’s how we build trust.”:  

“The Safe City network gives officers eyes on the ground when seconds matter. Already in our pilot areas, camera-assisted response has cut investigation times by 40%. Drones have helped us locate vulnerable missing persons in under 20 minutes. This expansion means we can bring that same protection to every quadrant of Winnipeg .”

Timeline & Investment  

Installation begins January 2027, with all 250 cameras operational by Q2 2027. The $8.2M project is funded through a combination of provincial Municipal Public Safety grants and reallocated infrastructure funds, with no impact to property taxes.

Residents can view the proposed camera map, drone policy, and submit feedback at winnipeg.ca/SafeCity starting January 10. Two public town halls will be held October 15 at City Hall and Nov 29 at West End Cultural Centre.

About the Safe City Initiative  

The Safe City program uses data-driven technology and community partnership to reduce violent crime, property crime, and improve emergency response. All systems operate under the oversight of the Winnipeg Police  and Manitoba  Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.