Winnipeg north end crime, drug crackdown nets over 600 arrests

Winnipeg police said Thursday they arrested over 600 people, including over 400 in a targeted operation in the city’s north end.

The initiative called Project Revive ran from May to late September and came about as a response to safety concerns in Point Douglas and William Whyte neighbourhoods.

Pamela Warren, a long-time resident of the William Whyte, who says crime has decreased in the area since police increased enforcement.

“We had a drug house right across the street from us that was very problematic,” Warren said. “You can’t imagine it. It’s something you see in the movies, and we lived right across the street from it.”

“They actually got this house raided and shut it down,” Warren added. “The neighbours on either side were so relived because there was so much trouble overflowing into the yards.”

Police say the city overall experienced a reduction in violent crime last year with a total of 423 people arrested as part of the Project Revive.

Another 202 others were also arrested on outstanding warrants while conducting enforcement. Firearms, ammunition and large amounts of drugs were also seized.

Despite the city-wide decline, William Whyte and Point Douglas recorded increases in crime.

Inspector Elton Hall, north district divisional commander at WPS, said, “I will be honest, we weren’t impressed with (an increase in) lawlessness and disorder in both neighbourhoods.”

Hall called for a more systemic approach to dealing with homelessness and addictions.
He added that the district which current has 16 officers needs more police officers.

“These challenges can’t be addressed by law enforcement alone,” Hall said. “Simply put, I do not have the manpower or the officers to address all of these issues.”

Project Revive ran in collaboration with outreach and neighbourhood groups, including, 12 community agencies and 24 encampments, WPS said.

Darrel Warren, president, William Whyte Neighbourhood Association, which was one of the groups to participate in the project, issued a warning.

“I just want to say to all the criminals that are doing these crimes – you better find another address!” Warren said.

“Because I’m telling you this today as a resident, long-time resident, that what you do will not be tolerated here in the north end or the Point Douglas area.”