I hope you’re having a great summer so far and enjoying all the events taking place throughout our downtown. Whether I’m walking to an off-site meeting, grabbing happy-hour drinks on a patio or taking in a Goldeyes game, it’s great to see so many folks out exploring the neighbourhood.

I’m happy to share the Downtown Safety Action Plan is in full swing. Since it was announced just three weeks ago, the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) has expanded its operations, enhancing presence on our streets and in our community. I know our BIZ members welcome these additional safety resources, and we look forward to providing regular updates on the action plan from DCSP and our community partners.

With our summer programming well underway, I’ll be taking an extended vacation in August. I know our BIZ team has things well in hand and they’re ready to help whenever you need. I’ll be taking some quiet time at the lake and then off for a big adventure with my only niece. When she was eight years old, I made a promise that I would take her to Paris when she graduated high school IF she stayed in French Immersion. (I always wished I could speak more than one language!) Well, she did it, and this proud aunt is taking her to Europe next month before she starts her nursing program at Université de Saint-Boniface!

I’m excited to share that we’ll have guest writers for our August MEMO newsletters. In the next issue, Greg Burnett, Executive Director of DCSP will share a behind-the-scenes look at their operations, share important stats, and introduce you to their team members. We are grateful for the critical work they do, 24/7, to improve the health, safety and well-being of our neighbourhood.

Wishing you a great rest of the summer, and I look forward to connecting with you in September.

The Q2 2024 Downtown Snapshot is here, and it’s filled with promising news that builds on the positive momentum we are witnessing downtown this year. More Winnipeggers are spending more money on restaurants, entertainment and culture, and they are enjoying their time downtown!

Great news - overall visitation increased significantly by 23.5% this quarter (compared to Q2 in 2023). We know having more people downtown improves safety and economic activity.

In Q2 we welcomed six new businesses downtown. While five businesses closed or left the neighbourhood during the quarter, the trend of a net gain has continued since the first quarter of this year, which saw the first net gain in businesses opening and closing in our zone since before the pandemic. While it's important to celebrate these wins, we recognize there are still challenges that remain. Vacancy rates are still high, but remained steady in Q2 at 18.6%, matching the national average.

As we look ahead to Q3, there is a lot to feel optimistic about as more folks come back downtown and new projects come to life.

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Earlier this month, The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) announced its acquisition of 333 Main Street, as well as 191 and 179 Pioneer Avenue. Our BIZ team was pleased to attend this announcement, joined by members of the provincial government and hundreds of downtown stakeholders, leaders and community members!

I commend President Chartrand and the entire MMF cabinet and team for their continued commitment and tangible action downtown. This announcement builds on other recent MMF investments downtown, including projects at 200 Main and the former Bank of Montreal building at Portage and Main.

We know that the success of our downtown is critical for the success of our city and province, and collaboration between governments, the private sector and community organizations is key to that success. More people living, working, studying and visiting downtown directly increases economic activity and safety for everyone.

We’re excited to welcome 160 MMF employees this October as they take possession of these new properties. This additional influx of downtown workers will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant atmosphere we’re all working to achieve.

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Are you looking to provide training for your employees?

Exciting news! Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 Canada-Manitoba Job Grant. This is a great opportunity to invest in your team’s growth in skills and expertise.

For small employers with 100 or fewer employees, this grant covers up to 75 percent of eligible training costs. Larger companies with 101 or more employees can receive up to 50 percent coverage. Eligible training dates must have started on or after April 1, 2024, and end on or before March 31, 2025.

INVEST IN YOUR TEAM’S GROWTH (APPLY NOW)

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ