Winnipeg looking at new response model for mental health calls

WFPS Chief Ryan Sneath (from left) Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Dr. Maria Cotroneo with Pensa Consulting and Winnipeg Police Chief Gene Bowers discuss a proposed mental health call response plan at Winnipeg City Hall on July 28, 2026. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)

The City of Winnipeg is exploring a fourth emergency response system to deal with mental health situations.

A new study recommends a community crisis dispatch model be developed to divert calls away from police, fire, and paramedics.

The hope is around 10,000 calls a year could be rerouted.

The Winnipeg Police Service says it deals with 20,000 well-being checks a year.

Mayor Scott Gillingham says he will bring a motion forward to council in September to move forward with the new model.

The study says this could cost close to $6 million annually and envisions the province being involved as a partner.

Gillingham says the province is reviewing the study.