Scott Gillingham is asking Winnipeg voters for a second term as mayor, and in this special Winnipeg Votes 2026 interview on U Multicultural Channel, host Graham McDonald pressed him on the issues residents discuss every day: affordability, housing, homelessness, public safety, taxes, and transit.
Gillingham defended his record by pointing to population growth, job creation, and housing development. “Winnipeg is growing,” he said, noting that the city has added roughly 80,000 residents and more than 50,000 jobs during his term. He argued that strong working relationships with provincial and federal governments have helped unlock progress on housing and infrastructure projects.
Affordability quickly became a central theme. Many residents have seen rising property taxes, utility costs, and service fees. Gillingham acknowledged those concerns, saying, “Life is more expensive for everybody.” At the same time, he argued the city faced rising labour, equipment, and service delivery costs, making additional revenue necessary to maintain operations and balance budgets.
Housing was another major focus. The mayor highlighted record housing starts and said Winnipeg is leading the country in housing growth. He emphasized that some approved developments include affordable units and described plans to use additional public land, including city-owned properties, to accelerate construction.
The conversation also explored homelessness and encampments. Gillingham pointed to partnerships with community organizations and the province, arguing that a coordinated strategy is beginning to reduce encampments while connecting vulnerable residents with housing and support services.
One of the most detailed discussions centered on a proposed community crisis response model. The initiative would redirect certain mental health-related 911 calls to specialized crisis teams instead of police, firefighters, or paramedics. “We have an obligation as a city to get the right response to someone in crisis,” Gillingham said.
The interview concluded with a discussion about Winnipeg’s controversial transit overhaul, future growth, and the challenges of building a city prepared for the next generation.
👉 Watch the full interview and share your thoughts in the comments. What issue will matter most to you when you vote in Winnipeg’s 2026 municipal election?
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