Winnipeg reports decline in encampment numbers amid councillor criticism

The City of Winnipeg reported a significant decrease in the number of people living in encampments over the past year. According to data presented to city council, 245 people were living in 72 encampments as of late July, a notable drop from approximately 700 people in 100 encampments recorded in September 2025.

Mayor Scott Gillingham noted progress, stating the number of people in encampments is less than half of what it was last year. The city also reported that over 260 individuals were housed directly from encampments through the provincial ‘Your Way Home’ strategy, with an 85 per cent retention rate.

Despite these figures, some city councillors expressed skepticism regarding the city's response and data accuracy. Councillor Sherri Rollins argued that current tracking fails to account for people sleeping in locations like bus shelters and claimed the $200,000 program funding is inadequate. Councillor Cindy Gilroy suggested that housing alone does not address underlying addiction and mental health issues, calling for designated encampment sites to better target support services.