Electrician becomes 10th person to seek Winnipeg mayoral seat

An electrician wants to charge up Winnipeg’s mayoral race.

Zac Uminiski is the 10th candidate hoping to lead the city.

After 17 years working as an electrician, Uminiski said Winnipeg needs a “hands-on” mayor who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty. He said he’s up for the challenge.

“I feel that running Winnipeg the proper way would be a lot like running a broken job site that needs to be brought back and brought back to order,” he said.

As one example, he pointed to the open drug use on city streets and the first responders overwhelmed by the frequency of the calls.

Designated homeless encampments

Uminiski said he wants the city to reconsider the designated homeless encampment pilot, which city council voted against earlier this year. He said Halifax has found success with several areas where people with nowhere else to go could set up tents.

The father of four also said he’d look to develop a fairer rental system that’s good for tenants and landlords.

Uminiski joins incumbent Scott Gillingham, Mazher Alam, Johnny Calderon, Chris Clacio, Umar Hayat, Joshua Pagdato, Noah Redden, Mike Vogiatzakis and Don Woodstock on the ballot.

Prospective mayoral candidates have until Sept. 22 to register.

The election is on Oct. 28.