Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

Normally at this time of year, I would be sending out a holiday message full of joy, reflecting on the past year and looking forward with excitement for a new one. While I am looking forward to a more positive year ahead, this year has definitely been…different.

It seems like around every corner was another curveball. Let’s be honest, it’s been hard and we could all use a little break. You might have heard people refer to this year as a dumpster fire. Well, if 2020 is a dumpster fire, I look forward to dumping a bunch of water on it, learning from it, and then helping our downtown community get stronger and even more resilient in 2021. One of the ways we’re trying to help, is with the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Connect Grant. By matching small businesses that need support with other downtown businesses that can provide it, the grant will build sustainability through and past the pandemic.

Even though you’ve faced challenges unlike anything we’ve seen this year, there has been tremendous community spirit. We’ve watched members come together to help one another. We’ve seen support from all levels of government and from each other. We’ve witnessed the spirit of the “Shop Local” message spread farther and wider than ever. But we know there’s still a long way to go. We know we can’t just flip a switch on December 31 and expect everything to be different January 1. We know recovery will take time but we remain motivated and inspired by you, our members.

With hope and a positive outlook for 2021, I wish you Happy Holidays from all of us here at the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. I hope you find some time to rest, recharge and connect with loved ones… however, that looks for you this year. If you have questions about the supports the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ offers, please reach out to us. We’re here to help. (Although if it’s next week, please note you may have to track me down on the cross-country ski trails. I’m REALLY excited about the snow!)

New government funding coming soon to restaurants

The Manitoba government will be delivering 5-million to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to deliver a grant that will provide relief for dine-in restaurants. This new grant will give restaurants that shifted from dine-in to delivery services a rebate to help cover the added costs.

More information on the Dine-In Restaurant Relief Program will be available in the coming weeks. We will keep you updated as soon as the application dates and full grant details are announced.

New changes protect employers with defined pension plans

Employers can choose to pause payments to pension plans, freeing up funds to help protect employees and prevent layoffs or shutdown. The Manitoba government announced they are permitting pension plans to elect a moratorium on payments to pension plans that employers are required to make under defined benefit pension plans for the remainder of 2020 and all of 2021.

For more information on the change to pension plan payments, visit the Province of Manitoba website.

Join the conversation about downtown parking

The City of Winnipeg is developing a new parking strategy and they want to hear from local businesses and other key stakeholders. This strategy will outline a five-year vision for parking including curbside management, and progressive policies.

Right now, you can join the online discussion. They are looking for input on issues like availability, pricing, payment options and regulation enforcement. Starting in January, the City of Winnipeg will move to questionnaires and virtual events to receive feedback about the future of street parking.

To learn about the new concepts and join the conversation, visit the new parking strategy website.

We’ll give you updates as they become available.

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