Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is committed to advocate on issues that are critical to increased economic downtown success. We’re excited to share some news on two big recent wins that the BIZ has long been advocating for. Great progress has been made in working towards offering public restrooms and a major redevelopment project downtown.

Public restroom strategy approved by city council

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s advocacy efforts for public restrooms has been successful and we should see more public washrooms in our downtown very soon! Council approved the public restroom strategy Thursday and the City will also use external funds to set-up temporary washrooms as soon as possible. It’s a great step that brings us closer to seeing safe, accessible places to go for everyone in downtown Winnipeg.

Portage Place mall is one step closer to its makeover

City council has approved funding for the redevelopment of our downtown mall. The developer, Starlight Investments, plans to add more than 500 rental suites, community spaces, a pedestrian walkway and a downtown grocery store as part of the redevelopment. The Province has also committed support for the project and the developer is waiting to hear if the federal government.

Province announces details for Phase 4 of the provincial reopen

On Wednesday, the Province proposed new public health guidelines for Phase 4 of the Restoring Safe Services plan. Feedback collected since then showed Manitobans are still erring on the side of caution. The new guidelines are below.

Retail Businesses
Lifting occupancy restrictions
Phase 4 proposes lifting occupancy restrictions for some retail business types. Retail businesses that may be able to change from partial occupancy to full occupancy in this phase include: hairdresser, barber, manicure, pedicure, cosmetology, electrolysis, tattoo, body piercing, tanning, acupuncture and massage services.

View all of the guidelines for retail businesses (PDF).

Therapeutic or Health Care Businesses
Physical distancing not needed, as long as there are barriers
Proposed changes include allowing closer than two metre distancing within personal services settings such as therapeutic services and hair and nail salons where a non-permeable physical barrier (e.g. Plexiglas) is installed.

View all of the guidelines for therapeutic or health care businesses (PDF).

Indoor Recreation, VLT Lounges, Bingo Halls, Billiard Rooms and Other Indoor
Lifting occupancy restrictions for some businesses
Phase 4 changes include lifting occupancy restrictions in all indoor recreation settings except for gyms, fitness centres, martial arts, gymnastic clubs and yoga studios. These sites must remain at occupancy levels of 50 per cent or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower. Patrons must be able to maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges.

View all of the guidelines for Indoor Amusement Centres (PDF).

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