“In downtown Winnipeg, where the city’s pulse is the strongest, we can truly show what reconciliation means” – Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Alt Hotel on April 4 for our third Downtown Speaker Series event.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick’s speech was personal, informative and inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to work together to build understanding and create cultural cohesion in the heart of our city. She discussed key factors driving the urbanization of First Nations people in downtown Winnipeg, and shared insights on how the business community can take meaningful steps to advance reconciliation.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next Speaker Series event this Fall.

REWATCH GRAND CHIEF’S SPEECH ON FACEBOOK

Congratulations to the first group of events receiving our Host It Downtown grant!

These wide arrays of events are scheduled to take place this spring. Hosting events downtown helps create a vibrant and safe downtown neighborhood.

Be sure to mark your calendars and join us in on the fun, as well as other downtown happenings:

For those seeking funding, it's not too late to apply! The deadline for grant funding applications is April 30 for events taking place between June 1 and August 31.

Registration is now open for the Spring CleanUp Downtown, presented by Manitoba Hydro.

This annual event provides business and community members with an opportunity to help spruce up our neighbourhood after the winter months, making a clean start for warmer days. This year, prizes will be awarded to the teams with the Best Team Outfit and Best Team Name.

Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meetup Location: Manitoba Hydro Place (360 Portage Avenue)
Registrations close Wednesday, May 1.

Team up with your work colleagues, invite fellow downtown residents and community members, or show up as an individual. Everyone is welcome.

Thank you to Wawanesa for their support as our supporting sponsor.

TEAM UP FOR THE CLEANUP

Do you know of an organization that’s making a positive impact in our zone? Nominate them for the Mayor's BIZ Awards!

The Mayor’s Business Improvement Zone Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to promote economic development in their BIZ.

Nominations can be for significant impact in any of the following categories:

• Community program delivery
• Beautification and streetscape enhancements
• Special events
• Marketing, promotion and safety initiatives

If you wish to make a nomination, please submit it to info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com with the completed form below:

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MAY 10

DOWNLOAD NOMINATION FORM (PDF FILE)

On Friday, April 5, the Manitoba government, in partnership with True North Real Estate Development (TNRED), announced its long-term commitment for the creation of a Healthcare Centre of Excellence that will bring primary care and key health services to the downtown community. TNRED and Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) also shared details to accelerate the affordable housing project phase, of the redevelopment initiative, which will see a 15-story multi-family tower to be built on the west-side of the campus, in early 2025.

The BIZ has long advocated for the redevelopment of Portage Place and we are proud to support this act of reconciliation and unique partnership that will support a vibrant and inclusive downtown for generations to come.

We look forward to seeing this initiative take shape and will continue to work with our partners to create a downtown full of people to drive economic activity.

LEARN MORE [MANITOBA GOVERNMENT]

LEARN MORE [SOUTHERN CHIEFS' ORGANIZATION]

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