Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

I'm back in the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ office this week after some time spent recharging by a lake. It's wonderful to hear that folks are embracing the idea of spending their vacations close to home this year. It's a great opportunity to invite Winnipeggers to explore downtown!

Those of us working at the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ have certainly noticed downtown seems busier than it has been these past few months. So, we decided to check some numbers. Here's what we know:

• In April 2020 as the pandemic closed much of downtown, on-street parking transactions were low: 86% lower than in April 2019
• In June 2020 we saw a steady increase in on-street parking transactions. The number tripled from April to June.
• Here is a look at on-street parking transactions downtown the last three months compared to 2019:
    April: down 86%
    May: down 77%
    June: down 58%

We still have a ways to go to get back to last year's traffic, but we're pleased to see the numbers heading in the right direction.

Support your fellow downtown businesses by taking the next survey!

We're seeing more downtown businesses reopening (up to 85%) and folks are slowly returning to work. As some of our downtown programming returns and things continue to shift, we're asking members to fill out a short survey to understand how you're doing. We want to be able to share the real picture of our downtown economy with governments and also know what you need from us next.

Please fill out the survey by Tuesday, July 14 @ 4pm.

Everyone who fills out the survey can enter a draw for a hundred dollar gift card to any downtown Winnipeg business. It's an easy way to support your neighbour business!

Enjoy the music of Downtown Sounds Concert Series every Tuesday and Thursday

We're happy to announce Downtown Sounds Concert Series is a go for this year! The entertainment started this week with a performance by Phil Natividad on Tuesday at True North Square Plaza and will continue with a performance by the Rising Sun Pow Wow Club on Thursday at Air Canada Park.

We're still finalizing acts and locations for the remainder of the summer but are placing focus on booking diverse talent and more venues throughout downtown. For a detailed schedule, visit our website.

We have a projector. Do you have a space?

With the cancellation of our Movies on Memorial event this year, we're looking for ways we can add value for members and use our projector this summer. We're working with the Beer Can to stream Folk Fest at Home this Saturday. The event will be projected on the side of the Fortune Block. If you have a large space and an idea for an event, please contact us to explore options: events@downtownwinnipeg.com

We have a new sign!

You may have noticed a change this past week outside the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ office. We have a new sign! Last November, we updated our logo and visual identity to reflect our current mission and values, and to bring a fresh design to the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ...

If you look around, you'll see the many downtown fixtures and signs (including our own) that help bring visual appeal to places and spaces, provide information to visitors, and help encourage folks to spend more time downtown. Our work to replace these Downtown Winnipeg BIZ fixtures will continue for the remainder of this year and into early 2021 until everything is updated.

COMPASS program can help with legal services

One of our BIZ members, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman, is offering four Manitoba-based organizations pro bono legal work to help with legal challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If this is something you think you could benefit from, visit their website for more information on how to apply. Deadline is July 17.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions:
204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ