I love talking about downtown and showing off our neighbourhood, especially when it’s with a group of decision makers from Ottawa! Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a federal deputy ministers tour, hosted by PrairiesCan - the federal department responsible for supporting business, innovation and community economic development throughout the prairies.

Joined by Sara Stasiuk, President & CEO of The Forks North Portage Partnership, we had the opportunity to discuss downtown and how we’re working with partners to increase the residential population. A key theme of the afternoon’s tour was economic and social reconciliation in downtown Winnipeg. Grand Chief Jerry Daniels from Southern Chiefs’ Organization, along with Mark Chipman and Jim Ludlow from True North, spoke about their partnership to redevelop the old Bay building and Portage Place, a great example of reconciliation in action.

It’s an exciting time in our city and I believe that downtown Winnipeg is leading the way when it comes to transforming city centres through reconciliation. We have a long way to go but we have a unique opportunity right now to do things differently. Let’s do the work together and get it right.

The City is hosting a second Open House to provide information and gather feedback and input from the community on the initial draft of the re-imagined Graham Avenue, a project aimed at creating a signature street in our downtown.

The BIZ is happy to see a plan that recognizes the importance of moving our downtown forward – a plan that focuses on people and growing the residential population, while also creating more green spaces. We are excited at the opportunity to turn Graham Avenue into a real 'destination hub' where people from all parts of the city can gather, feel welcome and safe.

We recognize with any changes there are some concerns to address, and we’re committed to working closely with the City and our BIZ members to help mitigate some of those challenges.

We look forward to hearing about the next steps and hope that funding dollars will follow.

READ ABOUT THE PLAN (PDF)

Open house #2
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library, 251 Donald St.
Format: Come and go (drop-in)

FEEDBACK

SURVEY

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is proud to be an ally and supporter of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and we are encouraging all BIZ members to join us in celebrating diversity and inclusivity during this year’s Pride season!

The annual Pride Winnipeg Festival consists of a variety of cultural events that honour and celebrate the diverse community that supports or identifies with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. With many events taking place throughout downtown, our team is once again excited to participate in this year’s parade and showcase our commitment and support for a vibrant and inclusive downtown.

Festival highlights:

• Flag Raising – Friday, May 24
• Vigil – Sunday, May 26
• Festival at The Forks – Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 2
• Parade and Rally – Sunday, June 2

Road closures: Memorial Boulevard will be closed between Broadway and York Avenue on the morning of Sunday, June 2 until 1 p.m.

• 10 a.m. – Rally at Manitoba Legislature
• 11 a.m. – Parade starting at Memorial Park
• Northbound on Memorial to Portage Avenue
• East on Portage Avenue to Main Street
• South on Main Street to William Stephenson Way, concluding along Waterfront Drive
• 12 p.m. – Festival at The Forks

Explore Pride Winnipeg’s Community Events page, featuring all the exciting happenings in our city and downtown.

GET INVOLVED

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