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 54) 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 politician, lawyer, and judge. He served as the 43rd mayor of Winnipeg from 2014 to 2022. He was first elected mayor in 2014 and won a second term in October 2018. In March 2024, Bowman became a judge for the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba.

Brian Bowman's Early Life

Brian Bowman identifies as Métis. This means 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 lawyer. He specialized in privacy law. He was a partner at Pitblado Law for 11 years. He also helped lead the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

Brian Bowman's Political Journey

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, in 2018, he let the public vote on this idea. The idea was voted against.

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 in its population and economy. The city's population is expected to reach one million people in the next 25 years. Bowman focused on preparing the city for this growth. He wanted to make sure services were ready for all residents. This was a main part of his first election campaign.

Improving the City

When he first became mayor, Bowman promised to improve the city in many ways. In January 2015, the City Council approved a plan to manage the city's assets. This plan helps Winnipeg keep track of its roads, parks, water systems, and more. A report is published every year to show the state of these assets. This helps decide where to invest money in the future.

Road and Infrastructure Projects

Mayor Bowman also worked to fix Winnipeg's roads and infrastructure. He increased funding for road construction every year he was in office. In his first year, funding went up by 22.7% to $103 million. The budget for roads continued to increase in later years. One big project was the Waverley Underpass. It was finished in August 2019, ahead of schedule and under budget.

These improvements were supported by a small increase in property taxes each year. Winnipeg's residential property taxes are still lower than in other large Canadian cities. Other important projects included fixing Empress Street and Fermor Avenue. They also worked on Pembina Highway and the Taché Promenade. People's satisfaction with the condition of major and residential streets has improved since 2017.

Impact Fees and Research

The city also tried to use an "Impact Fee" to help pay for growth in new areas. This fee was meant to cover costs for new developments. However, a judge later ruled that the city did not have the full power to collect this fee in its original form. About $30 million collected from this fee had to be returned.

To find better ways to build city infrastructure, Bowman helped create a special research position. This position at the University of Manitoba focuses on road building materials. The City of Winnipeg gave $250,000 over five years to support this research.

Libraries and Transit

Bowman also supported a plan to improve Winnipeg's libraries. This included renovating the St. Vital, St. John's, and Cornish Libraries. New libraries like Windsor Park and Transcona Libraries were also built. The Bill and Helen Norrie Library is also under construction.

He also supported many transit projects. In his 2014 campaign, he promised to finish the entire Bus Rapid Transit network by 2030. He supported the second phase of the Southwest Transitway. This transitway opened in April 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. In 2019, funds were set aside for 55 new heated bus shelters. Protective shields for bus drivers were also installed on all buses.

Active Transportation and Parks

Bowman pushed for more ways for people to walk and bike. He supported plans for walking and cycling in 2014. He also increased the number of bike lanes in the city. The budget for active transportation went up by 57% in 2017. Since he became mayor, between $2.4 million and $6 million has been spent each year on active transportation. Residents can now see all active transportation projects on the city's website.

During his re-election campaign, Bowman promised to increase funds for community center renovations. These funds were set at $2 million annually for five years in the 2019 Budget.

He also helped build a new dog park in the downtown area. Bonnycastle Park was chosen, and it was finished in 2017. Bowman also supported a plan for future off-leash dog facilities in Winnipeg.

Downtown Development and Trees

In the downtown area, Bowman supported tearing down the Public Safety Building and Civic Parkade. This demolition was completed in the summer of 2020. The plan for this site includes a public market, affordable housing, and public space. He also supported developing the lands next to The Forks, called Parcel 4 and Railside.

In 2019, Bowman started the "One Million Tree Challenge." The goal is to plant one million trees before Winnipeg reaches one million residents. Organizations like Tree Canada and Trees Winnipeg help manage this program. Businesses have donated over $1.25 million. In 2020, 2000 trees were planted at Mazenod Park. The city also set aside $25 million for urban forest improvements over five years.

Water and Waste Management

Bowman's time as mayor also saw big investments in water and waste systems. He oversaw improvements to the South End and North End Sewage Treatment Plants. The North End Plant upgrade is estimated to cost $1.8 billion. The city also spends about $30 million each year to replace old sewers. This helps reduce pollution in nearby waterways.

In July 2020, Winnipeg started a composting program for food waste. This program collects food waste from 4000 homes. It aims to reduce emissions from the Brady landfill. It also helps the city reach its goal of diverting 50% of waste from landfills. People's satisfaction with garbage collection rose from 83% in 2016 to 94% in 2020. Satisfaction with recycling collection also increased from 81% in 2016 to 88% in 2020.

Judicial Career

In December 2022, Brian Bowman was chosen to be a judge for the Manitoba Court of King's Bench. He officially started this new role in March 2024.

Election Results

Here are the results from the elections where Brian Bowman ran for Mayor of Winnipeg: