Woodstock’s Digital Youth Strategy Aims to Prepare Winnipeg for the AI Era

As artificial intelligence continues reshaping workplaces, education, and daily life, a new proposal unveiled by mayoral candidate Don Woodstock seeks to position Winnipeg’s youth at the forefront of the digital economy rather than watching from the sidelines. The Digital Evolvement, AI & Online Opportunity Strategy is designed to transform libraries and underused public spaces into modern learning hubs where young people can access technology, mentorship, digital education, and future-focused opportunities.

The proposal arrives at a time when technology is advancing at a pace rarely seen before. Artificial intelligence, social media, online entrepreneurship, livestreaming, digital content creation, and remote work opportunities are becoming increasingly woven into everyday life. Rather than viewing these changes as challenges to be resisted, the strategy argues they should be embraced and used to create new opportunities for Winnipeg’s next generation.

Central to the initiative is a plan to modernize the role of public libraries. Traditionally viewed as spaces for books and quiet study, libraries under the proposal would evolve into vibrant technology and learning centres where youth could access podcasting equipment, editing software, coding programs, AI-assisted learning tools, website creation training, and mentorship opportunities focused on entrepreneurship and digital literacy.

The vision extends well beyond technology alone. The strategy recognizes that many libraries and public facilities have available space that could become community gathering points for positive youth engagement. Proposed programming includes chess clubs, board game nights, Pokémon tournaments, trading card competitions, gaming events, coding workshops, creative arts programs, and community-driven activities designed to bring young people together in safe and structured environments.

One of the most significant elements of the proposal is its focus on accessibility. While many young people own smartphones or tablets, reliable internet access and advanced technology remain out of reach for some families. By creating digital learning environments inside public facilities, the initiative aims to ensure that opportunities in technology and artificial intelligence are not reserved only for those who can afford expensive equipment or private training programs.

The strategy focuses on four primary areas: content creation and podcasting, online safety and digital awareness, entrepreneurship and monetization, and coding and artificial intelligence education. Supporters argue these skills increasingly represent practical career pathways rather than niche interests. From software development and digital marketing to content production and online business creation, many of tomorrow’s careers will require a level of digital literacy that previous generations never needed.

The proposal also places considerable emphasis on online safety. Cyberbullying, scams, misinformation, exploitation, and harmful online influences continue to present challenges for young people navigating the digital world. Through mentorship and educational programming, the strategy seeks to equip youth with the knowledge necessary to safely participate in online spaces while recognizing potential risks.

Perhaps most importantly, the initiative frames technology as a crime prevention and youth engagement tool. The philosophy behind the proposal is that young people who are actively learning, creating, building businesses, developing skills, or participating in positive community activities are less likely to become involved in gangs, violence, addiction, or other destructive influences. The strategy therefore positions digital opportunity as part of a broader public safety conversation.

For Winnipeg, the proposal represents an attempt to bridge the gap between traditional community programming and the realities of a rapidly changing economy. As artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship continue to reshape industries around the world, supporters believe cities that invest early in youth technology education will be better positioned to compete in the future.

If implemented, the strategy could mark one of the most significant shifts in how Winnipeg approaches youth engagement in the digital age. Rather than viewing technology as something to fear, the proposal argues that with the right guidance, mentorship, and access, it can become one of the city’s most powerful tools for building opportunity, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation for success.