|
Support for BIZ Members. You're receiving this as a member or contact. Should you change your mind, the opportunity to unsubscribe or update you email address is offered in the footer of every eNews. Images not displaying below? Access this online.
|
|
|
Mayor Gillingham’s State of the City Address
|
|
|
|
“Winnipeg will only be healthy and strong when our downtown is healthy and strong.”
Last Thursday, Mayor Scott Gillingham gave his inaugural State of the City Address in front of a sold-out crowd of 1,000 people at the RBC Convention Centre.
With relentless hope as the core theme of his speech – Mayor Gillingham shared that City Council came to a unanimous agreement on a specific list of priorities for our city over the next four years: homelessness, safety, downtown, and economic development.
I think the Mayor and Council nailed it. All of these priorities are critical to downtown recovery and will help build a thriving neighbourhood – a community full of people that drives economic activity and benefits all Winnipeggers.
The Mayor also shared that we need to get in the same boat and paddle together. He made a few references of the benefits of dragon boats and canoeing as a team, rather than alone in a kayak. While I agree with the analogy of rowing together in the same direction to tackle our challenges, I don’t know what he’s got against kayaking?! (Just kidding. Sort of. For those who know me, I’m pretty serious when it comes to kayaking. Kayaks are fast, nimble, agile and FUN! I think we need some of that too, right now.)
On behalf of our Board and team at the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, I’d like to thank Mayor Gillingham and City Councilors for their ongoing support. We’re excited to hear their renewed commitment to our downtown. I couldn’t agree more with Mayor Gillingham’s thoughts he shared on our downtown:
“Downtown generates more revenue for our budget than any other neighbourhood.
Downtown provides more employment than any other neighbourhood.
Downtown defines how visitors see our city more than any other neighbourhood.
And Downtown defines how WE see our city more than any other neighbourhood.
Downtown is the physical, cultural, and spiritual heart of our city.”
Mayor Scott Gillingham
State of the City Address
March 2, 2023
|
|
|
True North Real Estate Development considering purchase of Portage Place
|
|
|
|
True North Real Estate Development has expressed interest in buying Portage Place to transform it into a mixed-used community with housing and services. If approved by City Council, True North will have the option to purchase the property and parkade assets owned by Forks North Portage Partnership. The option has already been approved by the provincial and federal governments and the agreement requires community consultation as well as keeping the skywalks open.
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ supports the redevelopment of Portage Place and we’re excited with this renewed interest in making that happen.
Portage Place has served as a gathering place in this part of our downtown for decades and we’re hopeful this new plan will meet the community’s needs by including commercial space and services, housing for various income levels, as well as vibrant public space that helps fill downtown with people and drives economic activity.
The City Council’s Executive Policy Committee will meet March 13th to discuss the agreement and if passed, True North will have until the end of 2023 to complete the purchase.
|
|
|
Government of Manitoba provides $126 Million to address chronic homelessness
|
|
|
|
Created to address homelessness in the province, the Manitoba government released A Place for Everyone – a whole-of-government strategy that aims to help people find and retain housing.
The Province engaged with over 400 people – service providers, Indigenous leaders, and people with lived experience – and will contribute $126 million to address the root causes of homelessness and special needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed.
Complete details
|
|
|
Downtown road construction: summer 2023 edition
|
|
|
|
With spring starting in less than two weeks, road construction is also on the horizon! This year, the Downtown Roads Renewal Project will span Broadway from Osborne Street to Main Street. East bound lanes will be the priority in 2023, while the westbound lanes will be under construction in 2024.
This work is focused on improving road surface conditions. Since 2019, major rehabilitation work has been done on downtown streets such as Hargrave, Fort, Carlton, and Donald.
If you own or lease property in the area and have not heard from the City, but believe you may be impacted by this project, please contact them at downtownstreets@winnipeg.ca.
Know more
|
|
|
What’s on the menu? Corporate employee discounts and catering options
|
|
|
|
As more employees continue to return to offices this spring, check out this list of downtown businesses that offer catering for your company’s next gathering.
Discounts
Taste of Mediterranean – special corporate employee discount (promotion valid from March 1st, 2023, until August 31, 2023. Not available through food delivery services.)
Website order: visit tomwinnipeg.ca, click online orders and enter the code TGILP at checkout for 20% discount on orders of $15 or more (maximum discount cap of $5 per order).
Restaurant visits and phone orders: customers can call (203-942-2304) or visit the restaurant to place an order. Provide the code TGILP to the cashier to avail the discount.
Catering Options
Bodegoes (Cityplace Winnipeg) – offers street food from around the world – stuffed pita platters, noodle platters, Greek/Caesar/Oriental/Southwest/Spinach salads, and more.
Email catering@bodegoes.com for inquiries.
Tall Grass Prairie Catering (The Forks Market) - focused on baked goods, fruit, cheese, and veggie platters. They are committed to local organic grains, fresh on-site milling, high quality baking, and natural whole food!
Email theforks@tallgrassbakery.ca for inquiries.
Ivory Restaurant (York & Donald) – provides the finest in East Indian cuisine – vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees, tandoori baked breads, appetizers, and desserts.
Email catering@ivoryrestaurant.ca for inquiries.
Fête Ice Cream and Coffee – need a simpler treat for the office? Fête offers ice cream cups and sandwiches, ice cream cooler and cart services, baked goods platters, and hot beverage service (coffee, tea, hot chocolate).
Fill out the contact form on their website.
Zorba’s Greek & Italian – located at The Forks Market, Zorba’s offers a wide variety of hearty meals spanning across Greek, Italian, and western cuisines. Enjoy a classic Souvlaki Dinner, a scrumptious lasagna, or a Manitoban twist on the classic poutine – Honey Dill Chicken Poutine!
Call 204-947-9578 or email zorbaspizza@mts.net to place your catering order.
If you have discounts or catering options you’d like to share, email Kristian Escoto at kristian@downtownwinnipegbiz.com
|
|
|
On the horizon for BIZ members – March updates
|
|
|
|
Looking to get your team out in the community this spring? Interested in creating a downtown event? Take note of these two important dates this month:
March 17th - Earth Day Cleanup registration starts – in celebration of Earth Day, we will be hosting our annual Earth Day CleanUp Downtown event on April 20th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We encourage downtown businesses, partners, or individuals to sign up as a team!
March 20th. - Host It program applications open – In addition to our existing lineup of events, the Host It program aims to provide event organizers with the funding, services, and guidance to create or relocate events to the downtown Winnipeg area.
Stay tuned to our social media and newsletters for more information
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
