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Downtown Winnipeg BIZ: Memo - The latest information for BIZ Members


Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

As expected, today the Manitoba government shared its plans to reopen the province in a safe and measured way. The phased approach means many of you will be permitted to reopen your business starting Monday, May 4 with some conditions. Some businesses will be required to remain closed until the second and subsequent phases. I know this is a lot to figure out which is why our team got to work immediately to gather the details for you.

Our Downtown Winnipeg BIZ team will be connecting with members throughout the reopening phases. Our goal is to support you through this and help you reopen safely. We're also exploring ways to increase outdoor capacity for retail and restaurants and we'll be ramping up our promotion of downtown businesses as appropriate. I won't be inviting everyone downtown for a big party anytime soon, but we do want to remind Winnipeggers how they can support you and your business! Details of the Province's reopen plan are below with links to additional information based on the type of business. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out: info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or 204-958-4640.

Restoring services outlined in three phases with phase one beginning May 4

Today the Province of Manitoba shared its re-open plan, Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba's Pandemic Economic Recovery Roadmap (PDF), which consists of multiple phases. A summary of the services are included below.

Restoring Services (Phase One) – Beginning May 4

Critical public health measures, including physical distancing and travel restrictions remain. Public gatherings will continue to be restricted to 10 people. Some non-essential businesses will be permitted to reopen but must limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.

Services, businesses and venues include:

  • non-urgent surgery and diagnostic procedures;
  • therapeutic and medical services;
  • retail businesses;
  • restaurants – patio/walk-up services;
  • hair salons;
  • museums, galleries and libraries;
  • seasonal day camps; and
  • outdoor recreation and campgrounds.

Therapeutic and Medical Services

Dentists, dental hygienists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, optometrists and podiatrists will no longer be limited to providing urgent and emergent care. Therapeutic massage and acupuncture services may resume. Businesses must limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.

View all of the guidelines for therapeutic and medical services (PDF).

Retail Businesses

Retail business may reopen if occupancy levels are maintained in order to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. Businesses must limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels.

Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

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

Restaurants – Patio/Walk-Up Services

Public food establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, cafes and similar businesses will remain closed, except for delivery, take-out and patio or walk-up food service. Patrons must maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. Businesses must limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels.

Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

View all of the guidelines for restaurants (PDF).

Hair Stylists/Barbers

Hair stylists/barbers may reopen if businesses maintain an occupancy level to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except when receiving services or brief exchanges. Businesses must limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.

Services will be limited to hair washes, cuts, colouring and styling. Businesses may continue to provide goods by delivery or pick-up that have been ordered online, by telephone or other remote means.

View all of the guidelines for hair stylists and barbers (PDF).

Museums, Galleries and Libraries

Museums, galleries and libraries may reopen if the organization can maintain an occupancy level to allow staff and customers to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. All organizations will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres, whichever is lower.

View all of the guidelines for Museums, Galleries and Libraries (PDF).

Restoring Services (Phase Two) – No Earlier Than June 1

Public gathering sizes may be increased and more non-essential businesses will be considered for reopening including:

  • additional personal services, such as nail salons;
  • restaurants – dine-in services;
  • non-contact children's sports; and
  • film production.

Future Phases

Additional guidelines will be developed, public gathering sizes will be increased and some non-essential business will fully open including bars, pools and spas, movie theatres and indoor recreational facilities.

  • performing arts venues;
  • other non-essential businesses;
  • tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists and tanning studios; and
  • large gatherings/events.

The timing and specifics noted in each phase are subject to change, based on the advice of public health experts and a continuous assessment of transmission patterns and other factors.

Mass gatherings such as concerts, summer festivals and major sporting events will not be considered before September 2020.

Again, please don't hesitate to reach out of there is anything we can do to support you: info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or 204-958-4640.

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ