Brian Bowman (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Brian Bowman
Bowman in 2017
43rd Mayor of Winnipeg
In office November 4, 2014 – November 1, 2022
Preceded by	Sam Katz
Succeeded by	Scott Gillingham
Judge of Court of King's Bench of Manitoba
Incumbent
Assumed office March 2, 2024
Personal details
Born	Brian Thomas Douglas Bowman (1971-08-18) August 18, 1971 (age 53) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Political party	Independent
Other political affiliations	Progressive Conservative
Spouse	Tracy Bowman ​ (m. 2004)​
Children	2
Alma mater	University of Manitoba (BA) University of Toronto (JD)
Occupation	Politician
Profession	Lawyer

Brian Thomas Douglas Bowman (born August 18, 1971) is a Canadian lawyer and judge. He was the 43rd mayor of Winnipeg from 2014 to 2022. He was first elected in 2014. He won a second term in October 2018. Bowman became a judge in Manitoba in March 2024.

About Brian Bowman

Brian Bowman is a Métis person. This means he has both Indigenous and European ancestors. He was the first mayor of Indigenous background in Winnipeg's history. He went to Shaftesbury High School in Winnipeg. Before becoming mayor, he worked as a privacy lawyer. He was a partner at Pitblado Law for 11 years. He was known for his work in social media and privacy law. He also led the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce boards.

His Start in Politics

Bowman meeting with former leader of the Conservative Party, Andrew Scheer

Brian Bowman was involved with the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. However, he had not held an elected job before becoming mayor. In his 2014 campaign, he wanted to open Portage and Main to people walking. Later, he let the public decide in 2018, and the idea was voted down.

Mayor of Winnipeg (2014–2022)

Brian Bowman became the 43rd Mayor of Winnipeg on November 4, 2014. During his time as mayor, Winnipeg saw steady growth. The city's population is expected to reach one million people in the next 25 years. Bowman focused on getting the city ready for this growth. He wanted to make sure services were available for everyone.

Building a Better City

When he first became mayor, Bowman promised to improve the city's buildings and services.

Managing City Resources

In 2015, Bowman and the City Council approved a plan to manage the city's assets. This includes roads, parks, water systems, and technology. An annual report helps guide future investments.

Improving Roads and Infrastructure

The mayor worked to fix Winnipeg's infrastructure. This means improving things like roads and bridges. He increased funding for road construction every year. In his first year, funding went up by over 22%. One big project was the Waverley Underpass. It finished early and under budget in 2019. These improvements were supported by a small increase in property taxes each year. Winnipeg's property taxes are still low compared to other big Canadian cities. Other projects included the Empress Street and Fermor Avenue upgrades. People's happiness with the condition of streets has gone up since 2017.

Funding New Developments

Bowman started an "Impact Fee" in 2016. This fee was meant to help pay for growth in new parts of the city. Part of the money was planned for a new community center. However, a judge later ruled that the city did not have the full power to collect this fee. About $30 million had to be returned to residents.

Research for Better Roads

To find better ways to build roads, Bowman helped create a special research position. This "Municipal Infrastructure Chair" at the University of Manitoba studies road building materials. The city gave $250,000 over five years for this program.

Modernizing Libraries

Bowman also supported improving Winnipeg's libraries. Several libraries, like St. Vital and St. John's, were renovated. New libraries, such as Windsor Park and Transcona, were also built.

Better Public Transit

Bowman promised to complete Winnipeg's Bus Rapid Transit network by 2030. He supported the second phase of the Southwest Transitway. This transitway opened in 2020. It helps people travel from South Winnipeg to Downtown. It also has paths for walking and biking. Bowman also supported a plan for the future of Winnipeg's transit system. He committed to adding 55 new heated bus shelters. Protective shields were also installed for bus drivers by the end of 2019.

Active Transportation

Bowman pushed for more ways for people to walk and bike. He supported plans for pedestrian and cycling paths. The budget for active transportation increased by 57% in 2017. Residents can now easily find information about all active transportation projects online.

Community Centers and Parks

During his re-election campaign, Bowman promised more money for community center renovations. These funds were set aside in the 2019 Budget. He also helped build a new dog park in downtown Winnipeg. This park, Bonnycastle Park, was finished in 2017.

Downtown Redevelopment

Bowman supported tearing down the old Public Safety Building and Civic Parkade. This area is next to City Hall. The demolition finished in 2020. The plan is to build a public market, affordable housing, and public spaces there. He also pushed for new developments near The Forks, called Parcel 4 and Railside.

One Million Tree Challenge

In 2019, Bowman started the "One Million Tree Challenge." The goal is to plant one million trees before Winnipeg reaches one million residents. Businesses have donated over $1.25 million to this program. In 2020, 2000 trees were planted at Mazenod Park. The city also put $25 million towards improving the urban forest.

Water and Waste Management

Bowman's time as mayor also saw big investments in water and waste systems. He oversaw improvements to the city's sewage treatment plants. The North End Plant upgrade alone is estimated to cost $1.8 billion. The city also spends about $30 million each year to reduce sewage overflows.

In 2020, Winnipeg started a composting program. This program collects food waste from 4000 homes. It aims to reduce waste going to the Brady landfill. People are much happier with garbage and recycling collection services now.

Judicial Career

In December 2022, Brian Bowman was appointed as a judge. He officially started his role as a judge of the Manitoba Court of King's Bench in March 2024.

Electoral Record