An enduring public health focus for the city
Washing hands, physically distancing, exercising, getting out into the fresh air, increased spaces to do so safely, grocery shopping with a purpose, decorating our windows to lift up spirits and boost each other’s mental health. During this pandemic we may have formed a common language of public health, but have we also built a more enduring public policy focus?
In no particular order, here are my picks for what public health priorities were worked on during the pandemic that we should continue advocating for after.
Food is Medicine: Last year, city hall garden beds included traditional medicines. Prior to the pandemic, the multi-year budget was completed to provide funding for Winnipeg’s Food Council. During the pandemic food security organizations from School Divisions to Winnipeg Harvest had to pivot dramatically to maintain services that feed people. This included need equipment such as PPE, and creating new safer distribution systems allowing for safety and distance. In many cases a whole new crop of volunteers were needed.
In a further move to support food resilience more holistically, city hall campus will also be participating in Growing-A-Row for Harvest moving from ornamental to edible food.
Improved shelter space and tools to end homelessness: More than 60 agencies work together to serve Winnipeg’s homeless-serving sector. Prior to the pandemic these agencies were stretched to the max. During the pandemic, working together with governments, Winnipeg’s homeless serving sector acquired and got the permits necessary for additional space including appropriate spaces for those living with addictions and fleeing domestic violence.
Recognizing they were running on empty prior to the pandemic, it is critical that needed space is maintained and enhanced.
This includes continued work on the calls to justice of MMIWG inquiry ensuring all governments come together to respond to the critical need of a low barrier shelter for women and girls and gender-diverse peoples. (MMIWG Calls to Justice 4.7)
Tightly knit relationship with territorial leaders: Prior to the pandemic, I had strong relationships with local Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and Chiefs.
During the pandemic, these calls and meetings have been more frequent with more focused work.
I think many organizations, on the ground feel this change. There is considerable success to report with federal dollars flowing to organizations that have had to pivot swiftly to continue to deliver services like RAY, 1JustSleep, Rossbrook House and West Central Women’s Resource Centre and more.
Continued and more focused joint-work is needed.
Promoting and growing healthy food: As in previous years, our fully sub-scribed city allotments are underway with the power of Winnipeg gardeners. During the pandemic we have increased access to municipal land for local food freeing up needed green space in two important manners: Gardeners in Fort Rouge East Fort Garry have signed important and historic leases to grow food. The city has lent city space so farmers can connect safely including new community service locations for farm fresh food hubs.
The city also intends to support gardeners by giving away compost. With the city putting out the tender for curbside compost-pick-up we are headed in the right and more sustainable direction!
Active Transit Routes: Prior to the pandemic work was underway to consult with residents on the Woseley to Downtown Walk/Bike Project. Walkable neighbours came into focus during the pandemic with more people looking critically at the built infrastructure and perhaps in a different manner than ever before.
During the pandemic we have increased active transit routes with over 22 Kilometers of active transport corridors. Following the pandemic, work continues on the Wolseley to downtown walk bike project strengthened by feedback of residents.