New data shows the number of homeless encampments in Winnipeg could be on the decline. The stats came from a presentation to councillors last Friday. The city said in September 2025 there were 100 encampments and 700 people living in them. Those figures dropped to 72 encampments and 245 people in July this year. The report also said 260 people have been housed, with 85 per cent still in those houses. The province’s Your Way Home strategy focuses on housing people and providing health services, while the city pays for outreach services and does enforcement. Under a bylaw, encampments are banned near playgrounds, recreation centres, bridges and railways. Mayor Scott Gillingham said the numbers show progress is being made. “The partnership between the city and the province is showing results. There’s fewer people that are homeless in Winnipeg,” said Gillingham. But Coun. Sherri Rollins said the numbers don’t reflect the reality in her ward. She noted people are moving back into encampments and they still exist near places where kids play, including daycares. She feels the city needs to put more resources towards the issue. “My residents can visually see the new construction on the riverbank, the failed so-called 50-metre rule when there is no housing,” said Rollins. The city acknowledges challenges do remain, like residents’ frustration with the speed of response in removing escapements, available shelter space, and housing. “The lack of housing remains the choke point to the progress and the speed of the progress that we want to see,” said Gillingham.
