For many municipal candidates, policy comes first. For Govind Thawani, frustration came first.
Speaking with Graham McDonald on Winnipeg Votes 2026 on U Multicultural Channel, the St. Norbert-Seine River candidate repeatedly returned to a concern he believes affects nearly every household in the city: affordability.
“People are hard-pressed to pay their water bill, pay their property taxes,” Thawani said. He argued that rising living costs are putting pressure on families and changing how residents view their future in Winnipeg.
A businessman with decades of experience in construction and development, Thawani entered the race after years of watching municipal decisions he believes have contributed to growing debt and higher costs for residents. He spoke in detailed terms about procurement practices, infrastructure spending, permit processes, and municipal finances, drawing on experiences from his own work in the industry.
One of the most emotional moments of the interview came when discussing homelessness.
“There’s 5,000 people living under bridges and tents in vacant lots throughout the city,” he said. “For a city like ours, that is just obscene and outrageous.”
Rather than focusing only on emergency responses, Thawani proposed creating more opportunities for paid work and training. He described a model where homeless residents could take part in city projects while gaining income, confidence, and practical skills.
The candidate also highlighted public safety, transit service, and the long-discussed St. Norbert bypass. He called for community-based policing, more accessible city services, and improvements to bus connections in the southern part of Winnipeg.
Looking ahead, Thawani said his first priority would be bringing forward a motion related to water rates. He also pointed to environmental initiatives, including a proposal to plant 100,000 trees near the Brady Landfill area.
Whether discussing housing, taxes, transit, or homelessness, Thawani’s message remained consistent: city government should focus on reducing costs, improving services, and restoring public confidence in local institutions.
Disclaimer: As part of U Multicultural’s 2026 Winnipeg Municipal Election Coverage, candidates were invited to share messages with our audience. The views expressed in this article are the candidate’s own, and this article does not constitute an endorsement by U Multicultural.
Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural Journalism