When I first moved to Winnipeg from small-town B.C., I was terrified of the downtown. Every person who crossed my path was a potential mugger… or worse. I visibly jumped if someone spoke to me, or tapped me on the shoulder while I was waiting for the bus. If I had the bad fortune of finding myself downtown at night, I practically sprinted home, house keys clutched in one hand to use as a weapon, if need be.

Fast-forward 14 years, and I’m no longer scared. After years of working, shopping, and even living downtown, nothing bad has happened to me.

It may just be the way I carry myself—after seven years of kickboxing, boxing, and lifting weights, I’ve ceased to view myself as an easy target—but I don’t think so. From my many colleagues at The Manitoba Museum, I’ve heard only one downtown horror story—and that was from a guy!

Rick Joyal, manager of Safety and Development for the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, agrees that the stories about how dangerous the downtown is are just that—spooky myths with little basis in fact.

“There’s perception, and then there’s reality, and when it comes to our downtown, the two are very different,” he says. “Crime rates are actually very low in the downtown, and that includes vehicle thefts. Usually, under 10 per cent of all the city’s crimes are committed in the downtown, and that’s been consistent for years.”

To help people feel safe, the BIZ instituted their Manitoba Hydro Safe Walk Program. Anyone who wants to be escorted to a car or have someone accompany them to the bus stop can call 781-4258.

“People often don’t call us because they don’t want to put us out, but our staff enjoy getting to meet people, and they want to put your fears at rest,” says Joyal. “This service is there to be used.”

I’d be lying if I said that I’d never had an uncomfortable encounter downtown. Our core is rife with panhandlers, many of them congregating right outside City Hall. At times the City Hall bus shelter is off-limits because someone has decided to hold an impromptu party in there.

Joyal says everyone can help solve our downtown panhandler problem, by doing just what I do—smile, say no, and keep on walking when asked for change.

“Panhandlers go where the numbers are, and we know that 23 per cent of Manitobans give when asked for money. Our panhandlers actually make a really good return,” he explains. “There are six agencies right in the downtown area providing service to the homeless. They are all feeding people on a continuous basis, and at least three are giving away clothing.”

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ also helps the area’s homeless with its outreach van. From the van, their staff distributes granola bars, fruit bars, water, socks and gloves to those in need.

“If you want to give to a person who’s out on the street, you’re better off giving your money to one of the agencies that help them,” says Joyal. “Otherwise, you’re just feeding the addiction. If people stop giving money to panhandlers, we may see less people out there panhandling.”

There are some things that everyone can do to feel safer downtown: 

Walk with purpose, and be alert. Don’t make yourself a victim by wearing headphones that impair your hearing. Know where you’re going, so you don’t hesitate. The goal is to look as confident as possible.

• Carry your purse slung across your body, or better yet—don’t carry one at all. Personally, I hate purses—they’re like a big sign saying “my money is here!”

• Take a self-defence course. Many local martial arts clubs offer these, and they’re a huge confidence booster. Being able to defend yourself usually means you don’t have to.

• If you suspect you are being followed, get off the street. Many downtown buildings—including the Centennial Concert Hall and the MTS Centre—are open late. Use your cell phone if you have one, and dial the Safe Walk program (781-4258). Even pretending to hold a conversation with someone is a deterrent.

• If someone approaches you, be polite, but firm. Keep walking. Don’t let the person corner you, and NEVER   pull out your wallet to give someone change.