What We’re Missing When We Only Complain About Winnipeg

We spend a lot of time talking about what’s wrong with Winnipeg, and some of that is justified. Crime is up. The streets need work. Property taxes are climbing. We have real problems, and ignoring them would be irresponsible. But let me be just as blunt about something we don’t say nearly enough: Winnipeg is still a great place to live.

I’ve spent years in government and business, hearing from thousands of Winnipeggers. Most conversations start with frustration—about safety, about city services, about what isn’t working. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find something just as real: pride. People care about this city. They want to see it thrive. And many already know what others are just starting to remember—we’ve got a lot going for us.

Let’s talk about that.

Winnipeg is one of the most affordable major cities in Canada. While the average home price in Toronto sits around $1.1 million, and in Vancouver it’s nearing $1.2 million, Winnipeg’s average remains under $400,000. That’s not just a number—it’s the difference between owning a home or renting for life. It’s the difference between building equity for your family or watching it disappear in someone else’s investment.

And for all the talk of harsh winters, let’s be honest: we’re also one of the sunniest cities in the country. According to Environment Canada, Winnipeg ranks second in Canada for the most hours of sunshine per year—just behind Calgary. That’s not a small thing. Sunlight improves mental health. It helps people stay active, get outside, and stay connected with their community. Winnipeg delivers that, even in February.

We’re also a city that punches above its weight in culture. We’re home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the largest and oldest Fringe Theatre Festival in North America. Sports? We’ve got the Jets and the Bombers, with fans who stick with them through thick and thin. And if you want green space, this city delivers—more than 1,000 parks, riverside trails, and the Assiniboine Park Zoo that draws families year-round.

This isn’t just about civic pride. There’s evidence to show that communities that focus on their strengths are better equipped to solve problems. Research from psychologist Barbara Fredrickson at the University of North Carolina shows that positive emotions actually broaden our thinking. Her "broaden-and-build" theory finds that when people focus on what’s working, they become more resilient and better problem-solvers. That applies to individuals—and to cities.

A city that only sees its flaws loses its ambition. It stops believing that change is possible. That’s where we are at risk in Winnipeg. We’ve spent so long talking about what’s broken, we’re forgetting what still works. We need to change the tone—not to sugar-coat reality, but to remind ourselves why fixing this place is worth the fight.

We need to celebrate our local businesses. The small shops that stayed open during COVID. The family-owned restaurants that serve five generations of customers. The entrepreneurs building companies here, not in Calgary or Toronto. They aren’t just driving our economy—they’re anchoring our communities. Let’s give them credit.

We also need to talk about the people who make this city better—teachers, police officers, nurses, volunteers. You can find them every day, working in silence, keeping things together. These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re the fabric of the city.

I’m not suggesting we ignore the serious issues. We need to hold governments accountable. We need better infrastructure, safer neighbourhoods, and more fiscal responsibility. But we also need hope. We need to believe that Winnipeg is still a place worth fighting for. You don’t inspire people to act by feeding them despair. You inspire them by showing what’s possible.

I’ve heard people say, “Why bother? Nothing ever changes here.” That attitude is poison. It’s what leads people to check out, to give up, to move away. But if we shift the focus—even just a little—to what’s going right, we can change the momentum. Cities thrive when people feel invested. That starts with believing in the city itself.

According to a 2023 study by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, people who feel a strong sense of community and optimism about their surroundings are more likely to get involved in civic life. That includes volunteering, voting, starting businesses, and helping neighbours. The more we talk about the good, the more good we create.

So here’s my challenge to all of us: Don’t be afraid to talk about what makes Winnipeg great. Don’t be cynical about success. If someone opens a business, celebrate it. If a kid wins a science fair or a hockey title, amplify it. If your neighbour helps shovel a sidewalk, say so.

This isn’t about boosterism. It’s about balance. It’s about calling out what’s broken, yes—but also standing up for what’s worth preserving. Winnipeg is more than its problems. It’s a city with real potential, real heart, and real people doing the work every day.

You’ve heard enough criticism. You know the issues. Now let’s start talking solutions—and let’s fuel that with pride, not just pessimism. I believe in Winnipeg. I know I’m not alone.

And in this courtroom of public opinion, I rest my case.