Climate groups want more environmental action from next Winnipeg city council
Posted September 2, 2026 4:49 pm.
With Winnipeg’s municipal election exactly eight weeks away, climate groups in the city are sharing their key priorities for the next batch of elected officials.
The “People’s Climate Mandate” outlines 10 recommendations on environmental policy ranging from better transit to extreme heat regulations.
The climate groups made their voices heard at a rally Wednesday outside city hall.
“We call on all candidates in the Winnipeg election to commit to implementing the 10 policy priorities in the People’s Climate Mandate should they be elected,” said Hannah Muhajarine, the campaigns manager for Climate Reality Project Canada.
“We are at a vital moment for climate and for Winnipeg.”
The groups say the mandate is a result of input from more than 200 residents and 24 organizations.
Recommendations include funding for Winnipeg’s climate action plan, an extreme heat policy, improvements to transit system, a pedestrian and cycling network, protection of greenspaces and more.
The extreme heat policy is a key feature of the mandate, with the groups urging candidates to look into examples of other cities across Canada, should they be elected.
Ann Loewen with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment says it is crucial for the well-being of Winnipeggers.
“We need maximum indoor heat by-laws,” Loewen said. “The same way we have for cold weather. And communities need support in developing the systematic plans to check on the vulnerable.”
The groups say this municipal election takes Winnipeg to 2030 – an important deadline for cutting emissions.
At the same time, they acknowledge that climate action must go hand in hand with addressing other issues like addictions, homelessness and staggering cost of living.
“Our goal is to bring in the climate as part of solution,” said Muhajarine. “It’s not about the trade-offs in between emissions reductions, climate action and these other important things that people need.”
Voters head to the polls Oct. 28.
