While we have a lot to look forward to this year, we know public safety remains a challenge for many businesses. In our 2024 year-end survey, BIZ members identified crime, safety issues, and public perception of downtown as the top concerns with being open. And to better understand these concerns, we worked with Probe Research last month to gain more insight into how businesses are experiencing downtown safety. We heard that a large number of members experience erratic behaviours at their business and often lock their doors during business hours. We also heard that vandalism and graffit continue to be a problem. As well, members strongly believe that bail reform that targets repeat offenders is necesary to improve safety downtown.

Last week, our team sat down with the provincial Justice Minister and the Minister for Housing, Addictions & Homelessness to share these concerns and discuss how the Province can help downtown. Our message was clear: public safety and community well-being are critical to support a vibrant downtown where people want to live, work and visit. As the provincial budget is drafted, we specifically asked for increased and sustained funding for DCSP so it can meet an increased demand for services, recruit and retain staff, and strengthen its programming. As well, we asked for additional funds to make the Downtown Safety Action Plan (which was announced last summer as a 12-week inititative) year-round. We also stressed the need to address bail reforms that target repeat offenders, and the importance to work with all levels of government to increase supports for those living with mental health and addictions challenges. Our meetings were productive, and we hope to see some meaningful progess on these important issues.

We’re in this together, and we’ll keep you posted.

Supporting local has never been more important, and with looming tariffs and political tension across the border, investing in Canadian businesses matters now more than ever. People are making conscious choices to buy Canadian-made goods and services – and we’re here to help.

At Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, we encourage people to choose downtown and enjoy everything our member businesses have to offer. Let’s keep that momentum going!

Have a promotion or want to be featured? Now is the time to get involved. Please reach out to Kristian Escoto, our Marketing and Communications Specialist, at kristian@downtownwinnipegbiz.com – we’d love to work with you!

The Manitoba government has set up a Tariff Hotline to provide direct support to businesses and workers affected by potential tariffs. If you have any concerns or need guidance, you can call, email, or fill out their online form.

Tariff Hotline

Host It Downtown event grants applications are now open!

Last year, we saw firsthand how the Host It Downtown event grant attracted people to the city’s core, adding vibrancy to the neighbourhood and driving economic activity. And we’re ready to do it all again!

Applications are now open for 2025 and this year we’re putting a special focus on winter and shoulder season events – because our city doesn’t stop when the temperature drops . If you’ve been thinking about bringing an event downtown, now is the time. We’ve streamlined the process, making it easier than ever to apply. You can now apply anytime for any intake, just be sure to check the deadlines so you don’t miss your chance.

Deadlines:

• March 9, 2025, for events occurring May 1 – August 31, 2025
• June 29, 2025, for events occurring September 1 – December 31, 2025
• Nov. 2, 2025, for events occurring January 1 – April 30, 2026

APPLY HERE

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ