What is an institutional safety officer in Manitoba?

An institutional safety officer works on specified properties to handle safety issues, de-escalate situations, and coordinate with police when needed. The role exists under the Police Services Act, with standards set by Manitoba Justice. It helps organizations like Manitoba Hydro respond faster to incidents on their sites.

How will this change affect visitors to Hydro Place?

Expect clearer entry checks, more visible officers, and better communication during incidents. The aim is to keep the lobby open and reduce closures. Visitors should see steadier access, faster triage when issues occur, and simpler wayfinding and ID procedures that keep queues moving while maintaining safety.

Will this increase electricity rates for customers?

Not immediately. Security spending shows up as operating costs. Manitoba Hydro may discuss material changes in budgets or regulatory filings if needed. Rate decisions involve broader utility costs and regulator review, so any impact would be evaluated alongside many other factors before changes occur.

How will officers coordinate with Winnipeg Police Service?

Officers act first on-site with de-escalation and safety steps. When issues rise to criminal matters or require additional resources, they coordinate with Winnipeg Police Service. This staged approach, grounded in the Police Services Act, aims to shorten response times and reduce repeat incidents at the downtown HQ.

Why is downtown Winnipeg security central to this move?

The HQ is a major public site for customer service and staff access. Recent incidents disrupted the lobby and tenant operations. Strengthening on-site security reduces closures, improves confidence for workers and visitors, and supports nearby businesses that depend on steady daytime foot traffic downtown.

Law and Government

Manitoba Hydro hires safety officers at downtown HQ — February 06

ByDanny Kontos February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Manitoba Hydro is hiring institutional safety officers for its downtown Winnipeg headquarters after an atrium assault and lobby lockdown. The move, aligned with the Police Services Act, aims to strengthen on-site security while a broader safety program is developed with Manitoba Justice. For investors and ratepayers, stronger controls can cut incident risk but may raise operating costs. We assess what Manitoba Hydro’s decision means for downtown Winnipeg security, tenants in the Hydro Place tower, and the outlook for budgets, service continuity, and community impact in Manitoba.