City should explore police use of Winnipeg traffic cameras, mayor says

Mayor Brian Bowman, a former privacy lawyer, wants the Winnipeg Police Service to explore the potential expansion of its utilization of surveillance cameras.

During his annual state of the city speech, Bowman said Friday he wantsthe City of Winnipeg to explore how traffic-management cameras can assist the police with public safety.

The mayor said the city will do thisin consultation with privacy experts and the provincial ombudsman.

"We'll explore how we can possibly leverage the centre's traffic cameras to strengthen public safety," the mayor said during a noon-hour speech at the RBC Convention Centre, also vowing to use the cameras to identify potholes.

Bowman also used his speechto pledge to eliminate the city's business tax andelectrify Winnipeg Transit buses, along with promising "a complete overhaul" of the city's 311 service, electronictracking of all council votes and institutinga "buy local" procurement policy for city contracts valued at less than $100,000.

'Support local businesses'

The latter promise is reminiscent of one by former NDP MP and MLA Judy Wasylycia-Leis during her mayoral campaign against Sam Katz in 2010.

"I think more can be done to support local businesses," the mayor said, speaking to an audience dominated by Winnipeg businesspeople.

Drawing attention to the relatively small rise in city spending this year, a move facilitated by collective bargaining deals council regarded as favourable, Bowman promised to lead a new national committee that will allow cities to share information in pursuit of "more sustainable labour agreements."

He also took the opportunity to reflect on his first four years as mayor.

"When I took office, city hall was a mess," the mayor said. "Winnipeg cannot afford another Winnipeg police headquarters scandal, ever again."

• Mayor's cabinet calls for public inquiry in wake of Winnipeg police HQ 'secret commission'

Bowman dispensed with any suspenseregarding his electoral intentions later this year by announcing Thursday he will seek a second term.

The mayor arrived at RBC Convention Centre Friday morning via TappCar, the Edmonton-based ride-hailing company that began operating in Winnipeg on March 2.

• Bowman welcomes Uber, promises to reduce red tape at state of the city speech

Bowman used his 2017 state of the city speech to pledge to work toward bringing ride-hailing services such as Uber to the city. Uberand fellow U.S.-based service Lyft have declined to operate in Manitoba due to public-insurance requirements for drivers to purchase coverage based on time bands in advance.

The mayor also found himself on Friday addressing the absence ofTransconaCoun. Russ Wyatt, who left city hall in January to undergo addictions treatment at aGimli-areadetoxification centre.

• Absence from council explained: Wyatt being treated for addictions

"I want to wish him and his family all the very best with his recovery," Bowman said.