Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Support for Members during COVID-19 Pandemic
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is here to support members. We'll be providing updates in the MEMO enewsletter regarding programs and supports for businesses as they develop.

We know that downtown Winnipeg businesses are making tough decisions as our community navigates the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic. The well-being and safety of members, employees, residents and visitors is our utmost priority.

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is making every effort to help how we can:

→ We are encouraging Winnipeggers to support downtown businesses, even if they are not able to visit you physically. Here are ways we're sharing this message:

    winnipeg.ctvnews.ca
    winnipegfreepress.com/special/coronavirus/

→ We are sharing your business updates on Downtown Winnipeg BIZ website and social media. Please email Susan (susan@downtownwinnipegbiz.com) or tag @downtownwpgbiz on social media if you would like us to share your message. Here's an ongoing list of member updates: downtownwinnipegbiz.com/updates-on-your-downtown-businesses

→ At this time, we are maintaining front line operations, including the Watch Ambassadors, Enviro Team, and Community Homeless Assistance Team (CHAT). Please note that due to the cancelation of most events downtown, we are redirecting Enviro Team employees to work Monday to Friday days but continue to monitor requirements and will adjust if needed. Please contact enviroteam@downtownwinnipegbiz.com should you need Enviro Team assistance.

→ We are also gathering information to answer your questions around COVID-19, including details on how to support your employees, how best to prepare as the pandemic evolves, and information about upcoming federal funding and cash flow announcements.

• Information from Trade Commissioner re: supporting employees, getting your workplace ready, Canada's measures to support the economy and more: tradecommissioner.gc.ca


• COVID-19 information for workplaces from Manitoba Public Health: gov.mb.ca/covid19/workplaces


• COVID-19 online screening tool: sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/


• The government is establishing a Business Credit Availability Program. The Bank of Canada has announced a ten billion business credit line: canada.ca.
  
  The Federal government is expected to announce further support for businesses, including a stimulus package on Wednesday. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ will keep you updated and provide you with information on how to access any resources available.

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is following all Manitoba Public Health recommendations and has cancelled upcoming Downtown Winnipeg BIZ-led events, including tours and the Downtown Winnipeg Farmers' Market this month.

For more information, visit: gov.mb.ca/covid19 or call the COVID -19 information line at: 1-833-784-4397. For health questions or more information on respiratory illness, Manitobans can phone Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).

City of Winnipeg budget delegations continue this week and the vote to pass the 2020-2023 multi-year budget has been moved up to this Friday. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, in partnership with the Exchange District BIZ, has been advocating for reduced hourly parking rates and a city-wide parking strategy for over a year. We need to do whatever we can to support small, local businesses – and remove unnecessary barriers.

Together we are calling on the City of Winnipeg to at minimum, reduce the current hourly rate by 50 cents and commit to a comprehensive parking strategy that results in:

→ Clear, evidence-based rate-setting practices;

→ Parameters for determining where, when and how on-street parking is implemented; and

→ The reinvestment of revenues into the neighbourhoods where they are collected.

Downtown businesses should not be further penalized at a time the well-being of local businesses is already threatened.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or 204-958-4640.

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ