Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

We’re focused on working together to help downtown recover

Together with CentreVenture, Exchange District BIZ, West End BIZ, the City of Winnipeg Public Service and the three downtown Councillors, the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ has been working to secure funding to develop a Downtown Recovery Strategy.

We know there is an urgent need to identify and outline an action plan that will support economic and social recovery post-pandemic. It will include market research and analysis, engagement and consultation with the private and non-profit sectors, downtown residents, all levels of government and other key stakeholders. The work will strengthen downtown as a place where everyone feels welcome and safe.

While a vote at City Council to support a Downtown Recovery Strategy was defeated Thursday, we haven’t let that set us back. We’re pleased to share the partners have developed a resourcing plan to get started with the hopes of Council providing additional support to help move it forward.

Manitoba government proposes changes to public health orders

The Province is asking for public feedback on possible changes to the public health orders. They say the proposed changes will be considered for implementation in two phases over a six-week period, beginning as early as March 5 and again on March 26.

Here’s a look at what could change:

Retail & restaurants

• Allowing all businesses to open with the exception of indoor theatres, indoor concert halls, casinos and bingo halls.
• Expanding the capacity limits for retail stores, malls and personal services to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is lower.
• Expanding capacity at restaurants and licensed premises to 50 per cent with requirements to still only permit members of the same household at a table.
• Allowing businesses to resume operating video lottery terminals, with physical distancing measures and barriers in place.

Recreation & fitness

• Allowing day camps for children to operate at 25 per cent capacity with a maximum group size of 50.
• Allowing dance, theatre and music facilities to open for individual instruction and group classes for a total capacity of 25 per cent.
• Allowing gyms and fitness centres to provide group instruction or classes at 25 per cent capacity per class with physical distancing measures in place, in addition to one-on-one instruction and individual workouts for a total facility capacity of 25 per cent.
• Allowing indoor recreational facilities such as arcades and children’s facilities to open at 25 per cent capacity with physical distancing measures in place.

Share your thoughts on these potential next steps by visiting the Engage MB website. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information.

Last chance to complete the 2021 member survey!

Once you’ve provided your feedback so we can better serve you, you’ll be entered in a draw for a gift card to a downtown business.

→ Take the 2021 member survey.

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