Urgent Safety Concerns Emerge Near Elmwood Elementary School

URGENT UPDATE: Safety concerns have escalated near Elmwood Elementary School in Winnipeg, prompting alarm among parents and staff. Just less than 100 metres from the school’s entrance, disturbing scenes of abandoned bike parts and garbage have raised red flags about suspicious activity occurring at a nearby residential property.

Reports confirm that school staff have witnessed frequent vehicle activity, including trucks loaded with scrap metal and bicycles, leading to fears of potential illegal dealings. One staff member, wishing to remain anonymous, expressed serious concerns: “It’s become this twisted joke among staff that all of this is happening and no one is doing anything about it,” he stated. “It’s a huge blight on the neighbourhood.”

Parents are increasingly uneasy about the situation, which has been a growing concern since 2023. The city has recorded eight complaints regarding the property since January 2024. On September 11, Winnipeg School Division Superintendent Matt Henderson reported that the school had alerted police about a series of vehicle break-ins linked to the location.

While police spokesperson Const. Dani McKinnon confirmed they are aware of the situation, she did not disclose if any officers have been dispatched to investigate further. The staff member fears that if the situation deteriorates, it could pose a direct threat to students. “You don’t know what kind of people are going to that house…if there’s drug dealing happening, what if it goes wrong? There are kids in front of the school,” he said.

Henderson emphasized the importance of community vigilance, stating, “We want to make sure everybody is safe. The community members and the school did the right thing in alerting the authorities.”

Despite these serious concerns, the city hall office for the Elmwood-East Kildonan ward reported no complaints about the property. Coun. Ross Eadie highlighted the underlying issues of addiction and poverty that often lead to property-related problems. He noted that if there is suspicion of a “chop shop” where stolen bikes are dismantled and resold, it’s imperative that residents report it. However, he acknowledged that police sometimes lack the evidence needed to obtain a search warrant.

“Reports of suspicious activity made to police would be followed up by patrol officers or a community support unit,” McKinnon stated via email. Investigations could also involve specialized units, including organized crime and drug enforcement.

This alarming trend is not isolated. In August, Winnipeg police conducted a search at a homeless encampment, discovering multiple stolen items including 50 bicycle frames and other equipment. “Incidents involving problem properties are increasing. It’s in the news every week,” Eadie remarked.

Concerned staff members are calling for a more accessible way for parents and community members to report suspicious activities. “There should be avenues for concerned families to be able to safely and anonymously report these things. It just doesn’t seem like much is being done by the city to address safety around schools,” one staff member urged.

City spokesperson Kalen Qually did not clarify whether any action has been taken regarding the property but stated that complaints about stolen bicycles would be referred to police, while issues of litter or garbage fall under licensing and bylaw enforcement.

As these developments unfold, the community remains on high alert, urging authorities to take decisive action to ensure the safety of children attending Elmwood Elementary School. The situation demands immediate attention and response to alleviate growing concerns.