After a second suicide at Millennium Library, Winnipeg’s library workers threaten legal action unless safety measures are improved.

Union Pressures City After Second Tragedy at Library

The union representing Winnipeg’s Millennium Library staff is calling for immediate safety upgrades and threatening legal action against the city following a man’s death by suicide on August 6 — the second such incident at the downtown facility in eight years.

A Tragic Repeat in the Same Location

According to Gord Delbridge, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 500, the 40-year-old man jumped from the fourth-floor railing — the same general spot where a 25-year-old man died in 2017. The current balcony design, with open railings at stomach height, has raised long-standing safety concerns among staff and advocates.

Calls for Physical and Program Changes

Delbridge is urging the city to install prevention barriers on upper-floor balconies and reopen the Community Connections space — a crisis-support hub closed in late 2024 after budget cuts. He warned that CUPE is consulting its legal department and could take formal action if the city fails to address these concerns.

Safety Incidents on the Rise

Since the closure of the community hub, safety incidents at the library have surged nearly 69% in early 2025 compared to the same period last year. Delbridge says having trained crisis workers on-site could help de-escalate situations and support vulnerable visitors. He also advocates replacing private security contractors with community safety officers trained in mental health crisis response.

City Response and Current Measures

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham called the death a tragedy but stopped short of commenting on whether physical changes to the balcony will be made. He highlighted recent security upgrades, the hiring of crisis workers and safety hosts, and partnerships with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership. Gillingham also expressed interest in exploring a citywide mental health emergency service.

Growing Support for Restoring Crisis Programs

The Manitoba Library Association, library advocacy groups, and some city councillors are backing the call to reinstate Community Connections. Advocates say the program provided life-saving resources and could prevent further tragedies. Suggestions also include narrowing the lobby entrance for better monitoring and increasing staffing so all floors are covered at all times.

Next Steps from Workers and Advocates

CUPE will survey library staff to gather input on safety improvements before presenting recommendations to city officials. “Nobody should have to work in an environment where traumatic incidents are part of daily life,” Delbridge said, urging the city to act before another preventable tragedy occurs.

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