Loney to Appoint a ‘Nightlife Mayor’

Focus to be on Growing and EnhancingWinnipeg’s Nighttime Arts and Culture Economy

Released July 18, 2022

WINNIPEG, Manitoba –  Shaun Loney announced today that when elected Mayor, he would appoint a ‘Nightlife Mayor’ to help revitalize Downtown Winnipeg, enhance the city’s nightlife and create jobs in the creative industries sector.  

“You only need to spend a night at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival to get a sense of what a vibrant city looks like. We need to do more to grow and enhance Winnipeg’s night time economy through better communications and coordination between City staff and entrepreneurs, patrons, workers and residents,” said Loney.    

A growing number of cities around the world have adopted a ‘Nightlife Mayor’ to champion businesses that operate predominantly at night, especially those related to arts, culture and entertainment. Loney pledged to create a similar position to be filled by a prominent member of Winnipeg’s arts, culture and entertainment communities.

Thom Sparling, long-time advocate for culture and the arts in Winnipeg recommended the idea to Loney saying, “We want Winnipeg to be a go-to city for young, creative people. This will create new jobs and opportunities in creative industries.”  

For the first two years, this position would report directly to the Mayor but Loney’s goal is to see the position become more independent as relationships mature.

In addition to being a liaison between City services (such as Winnipeg Transit, permitting offices, by-law enforcement and Winnipeg Police services) and nightlife establishments and venues, Loney said he’d ask the Nightlife Mayor to get community feedback about establishing a dedicated nighttime district, closed to vehicles on a seasonal basis, with a variety of venues including art galleries, theaters and co-working spaces, as well as bars and clubs.  

More ideas to support Winnipeg’s arts, culture and entertainment economy will be announced as the campaign progresses. Loney has committed to releasing a full costing of his platform in September.–30

Backgrounder

1. What is a ‘Nightlife Mayor’?

‘Nightlife Mayor’ (or ‘Night Mayor’) is the informal name for a city official serving as a bridge builder who shares key information to get different government agencies and services to work more effectively with a city’s nightlife operators, workers, performers, patrons and residents.

2. What other cities have a ‘Nightlife Mayor’?

The concept of a “Nightlife Mayor” has proven successful in several cities around the World. Beginning in Amsterdam, there are now more than 20 cities in Europe that have a Night Mayor. A growing number of U.S. cities as diverse as New York, Washington, Austin, Pittsburgh, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Iowa City have also hired one.  

In Canada, the City of Vancouver has recently created its own version of Nightlife Mayor dubbed the ‘Office of Night Time Economy’. Establishing a ‘Nightlife Mayor’ is under consideration in other Canadian cities including Edmonton and Ottawa. 

3. What will be the duties of Winnipeg ‘Nightlife Mayor’?

A full job description will be approved by City Council. However, Loney listed a few examples of issues that he’d like recommendations on including:

  • Streamlining the licensing process for businesses and events.

  • Being proactive about addressing noise and public disorder concerns.

  • Supporting gatherings of marginalized groups to ensure safety and a sense of belonging. 

  • Creating safe hubs where MetroMobility (previously announced) can offer safe, late-night transit.

  • Improving working conditions, including for performers, promoters, sound and light technicians, bartenders, bus drivers and various shift workers.