Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

We've got your back. From clearing snow overnight (what?!) to checking in on your business if it's closed, promoting your business if it's open, and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness during this trying time – we're here for you and our downtown community.

Our Downtown BIZ team continues to reach out to members to see how you're doing and if there's anything extra we can do to help. Whether it's advocacy efforts for more programs to support you financially or helping answer your questions we're available.

As we head into the weekend, there is some good news to share on some additional supports for businesses announced today.

Winnipeg City Council Approves Relief Plan to Help Businesses

The City of Winnipeg announced that businesses are able to defer business and property tax payments for up to 3 months without penalty:

• Business taxes are due on May 29, 2020 (fees waived until August 31, 2020)


• Property taxes are due on June 30, 2020 (fees waived until September 30, 2020)

Additionally:

• Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) program fees on both property and business taxes are waived for the period of April 1, 2020 until October 1, 2020. This means no enrolment fee for the TIPP program and no penalty fee as a result of non-sufficient funds (NSF) during that time. In the event of a declined payment due to NSF, you would be allowed to remain enrolled in the program and make delayed TIPP payments without any late payment fees.

Province of Manitoba Waives Penalties and Late Fees on Deferrals

The Province of Manitoba announced today:

• A four-month deferral period for individuals and businesses to pay provincial income taxes that extends to Aug. 31, with no interest or penalties.


• A six-month extension for any interest or penalties for
    • Manitoba Hydro or gas bills
    • MPI premiums
    • Workers Compensation Board premiums
  
  
• Directions to Manitoba Hydro and Centra Gas to not disconnect customers


• Directions to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries to not charge interest on receivables from restaurants, bars, and specialty wine stores

Business Resources
For more information on resources available to businesses check out:

• NEW! Economic Development Winnipeg's Government Programs Toolkit


• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre


• Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce's COVID-19: Resources + Supports

Skywalk System Closes Saturday

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, effective Saturday, April 4, the Connected Walkway System will be closed. Some access points may be closed earlier. We understand this may impact your business and should you need any assistance or have questions, please contact us and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ will help however we can.

If there are any other ways we can support you, please don't hesitate to reach out.

204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ