Winnipeggers invited to share their vision for a green & liveable future city

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2026

What does a climate-friendly Winnipeg look like to the people who live here? A new public engagement initiative is inviting residents to answer this question.

The Climate Reality Project Canada, Green Action Centre, and partners are inviting Winnipeggers to share their experiences and ideas for the city’s future by submitting a photo, completing a short survey, or attending a community town hall. Participants can take part in just one or all three activities. The initiative is part of the People’s Climate Mandate, which aims to create an opportunity for residents to learn about the state of climate action in the city, make connections between climate and other concerns like affordability and livability, and lift up the climate concerns of everyday Winnipeggers.

Winnipeg is already feeling the impacts of climate change, from wildfire smoke to extreme heat, to spring blizzards that contribute to flooding, alongside rising costs of energy, transportation, and housing. At the same time, key solutions, such as improvement to public transit like the Primary Transit Network redesign, have faced challenges, underscoring the need for stronger, community-informed climate action.

Designed to connect those everyday experiences with the decisions being made at City Hall, this initiative encourages residents to tell their stories in their own words and images. Participants can submit photos that capture what they want to see more of in their neighbourhoods, or what isn’t working. This could include tree-lined streets, accessible community spaces during poor air quality events, well-used bike lanes, or gaps in infrastructure that are harder to document.

“The wildfires and wildfire smoke last summer was a demonstration that climate change is happening here and now,” said Hannah Muhajarine, Policy and Data Projects Manager at The Climate Reality Project Canada. “There is a real opportunity for the city to both reduce emissions and better protect residents. This project is about identifying practical solutions that improve people’s quality of life while demonstrating strong public support for ambitious climate action.”

Photo submissions and participant quotes will be featured on a dedicated project webpage and Instagram page, helping to build a collective picture of community priorities across Winnipeg.

The People’s Climate Mandate initiative will also include an in-person community town hall on June 11th, where selected photos and preliminary survey results will be shared as part of a broader conversation on community climate and environmental priorities. Participants who contribute photos or complete the survey will also be invited to attend.

The input gathered from the survey, photo submissions, and town hall will help shape a set of policy priorities. Organisers hope our leaders will take note of what Winnipeggers are calling for when it comes to climate action over the next four years.

“At Green Action Centre, we work everyday with schools, organizations and individuals who want to make a difference in their communities,” says Mel Marginet, Green Action Centre. “We hear the challenges people face, as well as their passion for a better future. This campaign is about lifting up those voices and bringing them into the conversation.”

Winnipeggers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are encouraged to participate in this non-partisan initiative. Submissions are open now through August 31st.

More information about People’s Climate Mandate, including how to participate, is available at www.climatereality.ca/peoples-climate-mandate.

About The Climate Reality Project Canada

The Climate Reality Project Canada is a non-partisan national organisation advancing practical, equitable climate solutions through public engagement and advocacy. It supports a network of trained Climate Reality Leaders and Community Climate Hubs across the country, helping people turn concern about the climate crisis into meaningful local action.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Ashley Anthony

Communication and Education Manager

The Climate Reality Project Canada

aanthony@climatereality.ca

(438) 338-8130