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.