Manitoba

Local businessman nominated to Winnipeg Police Board as mayor steps down

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham has nominated Amit Kapoor, owner of Kapson Family Restaurants, which operates several McDonald’s franchises in the city, to serve on the Winnipeg Police Board.

Amit Kapoor owns Kapson Family Restaurants, which operates several McDonald's franchises in the city

A man in a blue shirt and black blazer stands in front of McDonalds at a podium.
McDonald's franchise owner Amit Kapoor, shown in a file photo, has been nominated to serve on the Winnipeg Police Board. (CBC)

A local businessman could soon fill a vacant position on the Winnipeg Police Board.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham nominated Amit Kapoor, owner of Kapson Family Restaurants, which operates several McDonald's franchises in the city, to serve as a citizen appointee on the board.

Kapoor would replace outgoing member Kevin Selch, founder of Little Brown Jug brewing company, whose term has expired.

In a news release, Gillingham said retail crime is a big concern for the city, and Kapoor's experience as a business owner dealing with public safety issues every day will be valuable to the board.

The executive policy committee voted unanimously to move the nomination forward. It still needs final approval from council.

Gillingham also announced he is stepping down from the board. Serving on the board was one of his promises when he ran in the 2022 municipal election.

Gillingham said with a new police chief in place and a new strategic plan for the board in development, now is the right time to step down.

Council will vote on who should replace Gillingham as their representative on the board.