Support for BIZ Members. You're receiving this as a member or contact. Should you change your mind, the opportunity to unsubscribe or update you email address is offered in the footer of every eNews. Images not displaying below? Access this online.

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


Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

Is it time to breathe a sigh of relief yet? We continue to be cautiously optimistic as the Province of Manitoba officially announced that phase two of the reopen plan begins June 1.

We know recovery will look different for everyone, but one thing is true across the board: we need to build trust – trust that our downtown businesses are safe, following safety protocols, and are capable of being just as vibrant as ever. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ team is working on ways to help ensure our downtown community members feel safe and supported as they navigate the lifting of restrictions and follow new safety guidelines.

We are also working to remind Winnipeggers of our diverse downtown through Downtown Sounds, the video performance series that launched this Tuesday. I had a blast connecting with members and the artists while shooting these videos a few weeks ago. It reminded me of the incredible talent and passion that folks have for our downtown. I am so grateful to the artists who shared their creative work with us and the downtown destinations for opening their doors and rooftops. (It’s time we share how many beautiful rooftops we have downtown!)

I’d also like to introduce our new Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications, Pamela Hardman. Pamela can be reached at pamela@downtownwinnipegbiz.com and 204-958-4635. We look forward to having Pamela on the team.

Province announces details for phase two of the provincial reopen.

The Province of Manitoba Restoring Safe Services Phase 2 reopen is officially effective June 1, 2020 (PDF).

Phase two reopen includes:

  • Outdoor drive-in events
  • Swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs, gyms and training facilities
  • Personal services businesses (manicurists/pedicurists, tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists, electrologists and tanning parlours)
  • Restaurants
  • Bars and beverage rooms
  • Film production
  • Community/service centres
  • Outdoor recreation facilities and golf courses
  • Team sports
  • Day camps
  • Schools and post-secondary institutions
  • Child care services

Swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs, gyms and training facilities

Public/Private indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs and gyms may reopen if they implement measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges. These sites are 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 swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs, gyms and training facilities (PDF).

Personal services businesses

Occupancy limits of 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres will be in place. Manicurists and pedicurists, tattoo parlours, estheticians, cosmetologists, electrologists and tanning parlours may reopen if they implement measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges.
View all of the guidelines for personal services businesses (PDF).

Restaurants

Restaurants may reopen patios and indoor spaces at 50 per cent capacity, as long as tables and seating are arranged so that there is at least a two-metre separation between persons sitting at different tables. Restaurants must implement measures to ensure that members of the public, when not seated, are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges.
View all of the guidelines for restaurants (PDF).

Bars

Bars, beverage rooms, micro-brewers and similar businesses may reopen patios and indoor spaces at 50 per cent capacity, as long as tables and seating are arranged so that there is at least a two-metre separation between persons sitting at different tables.

Standing service is not allowed. Dance floors and other common activity areas, such as pool tables, dartboards and video lottery terminals are to remain closed.
View all of the guidelines for bars and beverage rooms (PDF).

Therapeutic or Health Care Businesses

Occupancy limits of 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres can be lifted for all health professions. Service providers must continue to implement measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from others, except for brief exchanges.
View all of the guidelines for therapeutic or health care businesses (PDF).

Temporary patio registrations extended to July

The City of Winnipeg is offering an expedited process to allow restaurants to establish temporary patio spaces and operate without a permit until July 6, 2020 (unless otherwise extended, if registered with the City).
Learn more about the temporary patio requirements and registration process on the City of Winnipeg website.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce providing grants

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce introduced the Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund, to provide small Canadian businesses from coast to coast to coast with 10,000 dollar grants to help their recovery efforts during these unprecedented times.

The Relief Fund will help 62 small Canadian businesses recover and support their resilience. Businesses can use the grants to support their recovery efforts, including paying salaries, acquiring safety and personal protective equipment for staff, replenishing materials or paying for the measures required to adapt business models to the economic impacts of COVID-19, among other key priorities

Applications open June 1-12 and eligibility criteria can be found on their website.

Downtown Sounds showcases the business, arts and culture community downtown

This Tuesday we launched Downtown Sounds, a video performance series that features local Manitoba musicians in beloved downtown destinations to keep Downtown Winnipeg top of mind while celebrating downtown diversity and vibrancy. Each day this week (Tuesday-Saturday), a new video is released on the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ website and social media accounts.

We invite you to enjoy and share these videos with staff, customers, family and friends.

Resources for equipment needed for reopening

The online resource, b2bmanitoba.ca, connects businesses with items including cleaning products, clothing, gloves, masks, sanitizer, shields and more. At b2bmanitoba.ca, you can view items for sale, contact sellers and request items.

As a reminder, the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ has no cost posters and floor decals (thanks to the generous support from Lorne from PrintedShirts.ca) available for members. To request floor decals and/or posters, please contact us at info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or 204-958-4640. Additionally, you can download and print posters: 8.5"x11" PDF or 11"x17" PDF.
Two Downtown Winnipeg BIZ members have hand sanitizer for sale:

Again, please don't hesitate to reach out of there is anything we can do to support you.

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ

We know you’re taking extra precautions to reduce risk during this challenging time. We are here to assist you and will continue to encourage Manitobans to support their favourite local downtown businesses.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out: info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or 204-958-4640.

We are in this together.

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ