Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

I hope you found some time to rest and catch-up with family by phone or online this Easter weekend. With no family dinners for the foreseeable future, my Mom turned her kitchen into a painting studio. It looks as though I may finally need to learn how to cook a turkey on my own!

Our BIZ team will be having an all-staff video conference call this Wednesday. While we know how important it is to be on the street at this time, I also believe it's important for us to connect as a team however we can. It's a chance for our BIZ staff to ask questions and also discuss how we can adapt our services to meet your needs in the coming months. If there's any message you'd like me to share with the BIZ team, please let me know.

In the meantime, I want to share a brief update with you today as the Province announced an extension of its Public Health Order this afternoon.

Public Health Orders extended to April 28

The chief provincial public health officer is extending the public health orders issued on March 30 for two weeks. The orders that were to expire on April 14 are now extended to April 28, 2020. This means that the measures put in place regarding the operation of critical and non-critical businesses are still in effect. Here's the original Public Health Act (PDF).

Province setting up new system to help businesses navigate support programs

The Province of Manitoba has contracted Downtown Winnipeg BIZ member, 24-7 Intouch, to help businesses, not-for-profits and charities impacted by COVID-19 navigate government support programs. Businesses will soon be able to connect with the secure call centre for information and guidance. Details including the call centre phone number and hours of operation will be available in the days ahead.

Reminder: Q&A webinar with Mayor Brian Bowman and EDW's Dayna Spiring on COVID-19

Join us Thursday for an engaging video chat and audience Q&A with Mayor Brian Bowman and Dayna Spiring, President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg. Hosted by Downtown Winnipeg BIZ CEO Kate Fenske and Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President Loren Remillard, we'll learn more about the Mayor's COVID-19 Business Task Force and discuss the impacts of the pandemic on our business community and possible measures to mitigate.

The webinar is taking place Thursday, April 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m Register here.

If you are unable to join the webinar live but have a question, please submit it to info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Summary of resources for business support during COVID-19

Government resources:

• City of Winnipeg


• Province of Manitoba


• Government of Canada

Resource summaries:

• Canadian Business Resilience Network


• Downtown Winnipeg BIZ


• Economic Development Winnipeg


• Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

As always, please don't hesitate to reach us:
204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ