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![\"MIKAELA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/4316553_web1_250430-Mayor-0014.jpg\")
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MIKAELA MACKENZIE \/ FREE PRESS FILES<\/p>\n
Results from a Free Press-Probe Research poll on municipal politics show that a significant number of Winnipeggers are unhappy with the people running the city now.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the real kicker: of the roughly 500 respondents, only eight per cent think the next mayor and council \u2014 whoever they might be \u2014 can do anything major to improve life in the city; 35 per cent say they might make a minor difference while 34 per cent think no matter who is elected, it won\u2019t improve life.<\/p>\n
The poll is not good news for Gillingham, even though he is the incumbent, and that is a powerful commodity. Short of some sort of scandal, or the rare arrival of a total rock star candidate, mayors who stand for re-election usually get what they want.<\/p>\n
However, not to give Gillingham a pass on the poor performance review implied by this poll, but the results arguably say more about the troubled mindset of city dwellers living through the wake of the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic than they do about the quality of the mayor\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n
The results arguably say more about the troubled mindset of city dwellers living through the wake of the worst years of the COVID-19 pandemic than they do about the quality of the mayor\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n
During the worst of the pandemic, cities experienced a lot of collateral damage. More densely populated communities suffered higher rates of infection, experienced more death, and had to work through more economic disruption and social dysfunction.<\/p>\n
The result was a significant increase in homelessness, addictions, mental health and crime, both violent and retail shoplifting. Add high inflation and affordability concerns, and there was a profound sense the quality of life in cities had tanked and it wasn\u2019t coming back.<\/p>\n
The accompanying cynicism, distrust and anger \u2014 particularly over persistent, opportunistic inflation \u2014 has made municipal electorates cranky and pessimistic.<\/p>\n
Oddly, there is evidence from other opinion surveys that some members of the public understand full well why some of the conditions in cities are so harsh: local governments in this country are being held hostage to some extent by limited sources of revenue and growing lists of needs.<\/p>\n
Winnipeg is in a particularly difficult situation, as the former Progressive Conservative government decided to significantly reduce support to municipalities before and during the worst years of the pandemic. The new NDP government has back-filled some of what was cut, but not by an amount that would make up for what the city lost.<\/p>\n
That leaves Gillingham and council in a difficult spot. Gillingham has raised property taxes in every year he has been in power. Given the fiscal situation faced by the city, it has been the right thing to do, but it has also taxed the patience of homeowners.<\/p>\n
Back to those previous surveys: in 2024, the Free Press-Probe poll found the same levels of despondency about the state of Winnipeg \u2014 rising crime, worsening infrastructure, less public safety \u2014 with nearly six in 10 respondents saying they were somewhat or very pessimistic about the future of the city.<\/p>\n
However, a few months after that survey, a separate Probe poll done for the city suggested residents understand the city is fighting a losing fiscal battle and needs more support from federal and provincial governments to make ends meet.<\/p>\n
Although that suggests a modicum of sympathy from voters, it hasn\u2019t translated into support for the mayor and council. Heading into the Oct. 28 election, Gillingham and others seeking re-election will have to contend with voters who are so discouraged they are unwilling to acknowledge small signs of progress.<\/p>\n
For example, in 2025, all police-reported crime went down by nine per cent: there was a seven per cent dip in robberies, a 24.6 per cent drop in firearm offences, a 16 per cent drop in knife-related crimes and, most significantly, homicides were down by nearly half.<\/p>\n
And yet, the most-recent Free Press-Probe Poll cites crime, violence and vandalism as the top concern of respondents.<\/p>\n
Will voter pessimism scuttle the re-election hopes of Gillingham or other councillors who are running again? It\u2019s always tough to predict the outcome of municipal elections for one reason: low voter turnout.<\/p>\n
\n\t\tWinnipeg Free Press | Newsletter\n\t<\/p>\n
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Will voter pessimism scuttle the re-election hopes of Gillingham or other councillors who are running again? It\u2019s always tough to predict the outcome of municipal elections for one reason: low voter turnout.<\/p>\n
In 2022, when Gillingham was first elected, only 37 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot. That was a particularly low turnout, but then again, the election took place when COVID-19 was still a major threat. Still, it was the lowest turnout in more than 30 years.<\/p>\n
Given the mood of voters this time, it\u2019s quite likely turnout will continue to be below historic levels.<\/p>\n
Although that may not lead to any upsets, it will still result in a mayor and council who will have to go forth with the knowledge that Winnipeggers don\u2019t have much faith in their ability to make things better.<\/p>\n
dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca<\/p>\n
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Dan Lett Dan Lett is a columnist for the Free Press, providing opinion and commentary on politics in Winnipeg and beyond. Born and raised in Toronto, Dan joined the Free Press in 1986.\u00a0 Read more about Dan<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dan\u2019s columns are built on facts and reactions, but offer his personal views through arguments and analysis. The Free Press\u2019 editing team reviews Dan\u2019s columns before they are posted online or published in print \u2014 part of the our\u00a0tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press\u2019s history and mandate<\/a>, and learn how our newsroom operates<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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