Safety review underway after bear spray attack at city hall

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This article was published 09/09/2025 (259 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mayor Scott Gillingham says a review will determine whether new safety measures are needed, after a security guard was attacked with bear spray in front of city hall on Monday.

Gillingham said he spoke to Wade Carriere, the city’s corporate security manager, about the incident.

“I know that (Carriere), certainly, will do a thorough review of this incident to see if there’s any changes that need to be made. I’ve told him to let me know what he would need and that (city) council and I will look at it. We want to make sure that our campus is a safe place for all people,” the mayor said Tuesday.

The guard was assaulted in the courtyard outside city hall shortly before 3 p.m. on Monday. Winnipeg Police Service confirmed the victim, a man in his 30s, was treated at the scene and did not require further medical assistance.

“No arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing,” wrote WPS Const. Claude Chancy, in an email.

During the incident, swearing could be heard as a strong smell filled the air. Police arrived shortly after.

Gillingham said he reached out to the security guard Monday night, who returned to work Tuesday.

“In my time in city hall, I haven’t seen an assault like this on our security staff or on anyone at city hall. So, this is very concerning,” the mayor said.

He said the suspect is accused of making “racial comments against” security staff.

“We can’t tolerate that. I’m hoping the police find the individual, make a full arrest, and I’m hoping the charges are pressed against them… We should never take for granted the people who provide security all across the city,” said Gillingham.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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