The 2024 Q3 Downtown Snapshot is now live, and we’re happy to report that visitation is up nearly 30% over last year, thanks in part to new and recurring events downtown! More workers are downtown during the week, and with residential, commercial and street spaces being developed, it’s an exciting time of progress and transformation for our community.

While there are a lot of good things happening downtown, we also know businesses continue to face some challenges. For the first time this year, we experienced a net loss of businesses opening versus closing, which could lead to a net loss of businesses in our zone by year-end.

We know safety remains a top concern for our members and the public. As a funding partner of the Downtown Safety Action Plan, we helped establish a 12-week initiative with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) to provide increased visibility, rapid response and effective support throughout July, August and September. As a result, DCSP was able to provide an additional 2800+ hours of staff providing support, and 84% of engagements on the street were resolved on site. We are working with DCSP to secure additional funds so this program can continue offering increased presence on our streets . And we will continue to work with governments and our downtown partners to advance both short- and long-term solutions to address complex challenges now and well into the future.

READ THE FULL Q3 SNAPSHOT (PDF)

I look forward to connecting with our BIZ members and downtown stakeholders and partners to reflect on the work we’ve accomplished together this year, and to share our plans for 2025.

2024 has been a year of significant progress and transformation, and we are excited to build on this momentum while continuing to work collaboratively together to address the challenges that exist.

We know community members are struggling with poverty, mental health and addictions. Public safety is an ongoing concern, and we understand some businesses are still having challenges recovering post-pandemic. Your input matters as we make key decisions to support our members – their staff and the community they serve - and move our downtown forward in a positive direction.

SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER by Nov. 22

A big thank you to everyone who participated and shared our Choose Downtown Winnipeg campaign and contest over the past five weeks!

From concept to creation, to hosting a launch event and nine community pop-ups, to strategically promoting our message through advertising, earned media and engaging with the community on our platforms, this campaign was a huge lift and I want to give a big shout-out to our team for their incredible work. We wanted to give people a platform to share their positive downtown experiences and I think our team nailed it.

We received over 260 entries from folks telling us what makes downtown unique and special to them. Hear from our grand prize winner why she chooses downtown Winnipeg! I hope her story inspires you as much as it inspired us.

While the contest has ended, we look forward to sharing these positive stories in the weeks and months ahead, as we continue to promote and champion our vibrant and diverse downtown neighbourhood.

One of the biggest takeaways from this campaign is that folks want to hear about the good things happening, especially during challenging times. The success of this campaign will also help guide our efforts in the months and year ahead.

WATCH AMANDA’S STORY AND LET’S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING

On Saturday, November 16, downtown will be buzzing with excitement as the Manitoba Hydro Santa Parade kicks off at 5 p.m., and Disney on Ice performs three showtimes at Canada Life Centre (11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.).

We expect to see thousands of visitors downtown, looking for places to shop, eat and explore before and after events. Let’s make the most of this busy day and show our holiday spirit to all the folks celebrating downtown. If your business will be offering special promotions or extending your hours, get in touch with our Marketing, Engagements and Communications (MEC) team (kristian@downtownwinnipegbiz.com) to be featured on our social media and in our MINGLE newsletter.

I’m looking forward to witnessing our downtown transform into the festive spirit!

For a list of road closures and the official Santa Clause route

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ