Mayor Gillingham outlines plan for mental health crisis response team

Mayor Scott Gillingham has outlined framework for a mental health crisis response team in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg’s mayor wants to establish an emergency response service dedicated to mental-health crises and wellbeing checks.

On Tuesday, Mayor Scott Gillingham briefly outlined framework for the Winnipeg Community Crisis Response Service (WCCRS) in a news release. The release stated the WCCRS would focus on 911 calls that often don’t require police, fire, or paramedic responses to “reduce strain on emergency services while improving outcomes for residents in crisis.”

“Winnipeg needs a more appropriate response to mental-health emergencies, and a fourth service will make our city safer while giving people the care they need,” Gillingham wrote. “This is an important step toward a modern crisis-response system that reduces pressure on police and strengthens the supports available to residents.”

According to the release, the Winnipeg Police Service received more than 21,000 requests for wellbeing checks in 2024.

The proposed WCCRS – a team of trained, trauma-informed responders – would handle most of those calls. The release suggests police would be able to focus on other public safety demands like violent crime instead.

“The WCCRS would be a citywide, community-led, non-police response model designed to complement existing emergency services,” the release stated. “Development of the proposal will include exploring how dedicated crisis responders could work alongside community partners, health-system supports, and the City’s 911 operations.”

Gillingham has submitted a motion to Executive Policy Committee to develop a proposal with Dr. Maria Cotroneo and Pensa Consulting Inc.

The release noted Dr. Cotroneo has previously worked for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Government of Manitoba.

According to the motion, the consultation process will cost approximately $228,000.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Gillingham told reporters there’s no concrete timeline on when the response service could be rolled out.

“I don’t have a date yet… but it’s important that we look at this. Other cities are doing this,” he said. “We want to get people the help that they need in mental health calls, and we want to alleviate some of the calls that police, fire and paramedics”

The mayor said a detailed proposal would be shared with City Council once development work is completed.

The Executive Policy Committee is expected to discuss the motion at its Dec. 9 meeting.