ELECTION STATEMENT from Councillor Lukes

After 12 years of serving the people of South Winnipeg and Waverley West, I have made the decision not to seek re-election in the 2026 civic election.

I was first elected in 2014 to serve residents in the St Norbert-South Winnipeg ward. In 2018, following electoral boundary changes, I ran in the newly formed Waverley West ward and was acclaimed. In 2022, I ran again in Waverley West ward and received 80% of the vote.

Over the past 12 years, residents kept electing me to focus on four key areas:

1. Rectify the illegal and unsafe student housing crisis and bylaw violations around the University of Manitoba:

• I oversaw development/construction of thousands of new apartments along Pembina, University Cres & in South Winnipeg

2. Secure land, find funding and build a new recreation campus and fire paramedics’ station:

• I secured $128 M for Phase 1 recreation campus & $1.2 M to study and design Phase 2 – a new aquatics center.
• Secured a temporary and permanent fire and paramedic station

3. Increase the active transportation (AT) budget and improve road safety:

• I championed record increases in active transportation budgets
• Oversaw complete revamp of snow removal / ice removal on sidewalks and pathway
• And initiated a Road Safety Policy, including the creation of a department, annual budget and staff.

4. Maximize value for taxpayers:

• Championed development of a Continuous Improvement Unit focused on improving processes, making better use of existing resources and improving the overall customer experience.

While working to deliver on these election commitments, I also oversaw the construction and development of the fastest-growing quadrant in the City of Winnipeg in over 50 years. We built a city where 72,000+ people now live!

I am sincerely grateful for the trust residents have placed in me to lead on these initiatives – and on so many other initiatives.  I will be forever honoured by the friendship support and encouragement that residents have shown me throughout this journey.

I want to thank Mayor Gillingham, and my Council colleagues for so much significant support on many of these initiatives, as well as the public service for their hard work and commitment in delivering these projects. It has been an honour to serve as one of only 34 women who have been elected to City Council in Winnipeg’s 151 year history, and to serve the residents of Winnipeg in the roles of Deputy Mayor, Acting Deputy Mayor, Chair of Public Works, and Co-Chair of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.

Today, the Waverley West ward has reached an exciting new stage in its evolution:

• The majority of residents have moved in and settled
• Strong foundations for the community have been laid
• Important projects are underway
• There is strong focus on youth, community well-being, and social issues

Now is the right time for vibrant new leadership to build on the successes we have achieved together and guide the ward through its next chapter of growth and opportunity. It is my hope that we will see another woman lead and continue shaping the future of the Waverley West ward.

I will continue to serve as Councillor for Waverley West until the completion of my term in October 2026 and will do everything I can to support a smooth transition for the next Councillor.

To everyone who has been part of this 12- year journey –  residents, volunteers, community organizations, city staff, colleagues, local businesses, contractors, developers, builders, and so many community partners – thank you.

Serving South Winnipeg and Waverley West has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.  Thank you for the privilege.

Janice Lukes

Councillor, Waverley West Ward