Our downtown is changing and this past week I got to see firsthand a new beginning for our community. I was fortunate to get a tour from Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) inside the old The Bay building, now known as Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, or ‘it is visible’. (I’m proud to say I can pronounce this historic landmark’s name after several weeks of practice!).

Did you know the basement is four storeys (50 ft) below ground and that the building was constructed to last 500 years? Crews have just completed cleaning inside and have sent more material for recycling than to the landfill. Project leaders are also carefully recording and storing material of historical significance to share with the public once the building opens in 2026. Even the original paddle wheel will make a comeback! 

I also got to join Downtown Winnipeg BIZ member, Wawanesa, and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) for a historic announcement. As Wawanesa prepares to open its new head office in the heart of the SHED in 2024, the MMF shared it is acquiring Wawanesa’s property at 200 Main Street. The government of the Red River Métis will bring 250+ employees to the space. This location is conveniently located just steps away from Portage and Main, where MMF is in the process of creating a new Metis National Heritage Centre in the old BMO building.

All of this happened during Truth and Reconciliation Week – just days before I got to walk with 10,000 people through our downtown for Wa-Say’s Healing Centre’s Healing Walk on Orange Shirt Day. 

I share these stories because it is important we recognize that Winnipeg has the highest urban Indigenous population in Canada. At Downtown BIZ, we work to create a community and neighbourhood where everyone feels welcome. Inclusion is one of our core values, and the BIZ is taking new steps on our path to reconciliation.

Led by our Board of Directors, the BIZ is formalizing our reconciliation efforts under a new Indigenous Relations Strategy guided by Crystal Laborero of Laborero Consulting. I invite you to share your thoughts and provide input through the survey below. Together, we can all play a role in celebrating Indigenous peoples and culture, and work towards creating a better, more inclusive downtown. 

FILL OUT SURVEY BEFORE OCT 10

Universities: Vital catalyst for downtown transformation

Colleges and universities are a big part of making our downtown vibrant, with more than 15,000 students attending classes here. In line with this, I had the privilege of participating in an engaging panel discussion during The University of Winnipeg’s Homecoming 2023.

The panel featured Joe Kornelson, Executive Director of West End BIZ, Dan Lett from The Winnipeg Free Press, and The University of Winnipeg’s own Dr. Jino Distasio and Dr. Sarah Zell from the Urban and Inner Studies department.

The discussion centered around the crucial theme of revitalizing downtown areas through collaborative initiatives and development strategies. Some key topics include:

• Discussions on safety and security
• The pivotal role of education in driving downtown revitalization.
• An optimistic look ahead at downtown Winnipeg’s direction over the next five years in a post-pandemic landscape.

This event, open to the public, shows the impactful conversations taking place within our community to drive positive change and foster collaboration and progress for all.

BIZ at City Hall

We understand the hardships faced by BIZ members like you, particularly those heavily reliant on office workers’ foot traffic. I recently spoke to City Hall’s Executive Policy Committee about the Flexible Workplace Program, highlighting the significant impact of remote work on our downtown area.

They have decided to revisit the discussion in a month, with more consultations to happen with City employees in the meantime. Rest assured, we’re attentive to your concerns and are actively advocating on your behalf.

Nuit Blanche 2023 draws thousands to downtown Winnipeg.

Downtown Winnipeg, the heart of the action, witnessed a tremendous turnout at this year’s Nuit Blanche!

As an integral part of Culture Days Manitoba, this nationwide celebration of arts and culture encourages folks to immerse themselves in contemporary art.

Our downtown was lit up with twenty-one activations and installations, with locations spanning from The Forks to Memorial Park. For the first time, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights opened its doors for the yearly festival and became a hub of music and art.

This was more than just a gathering; it’s a catalyst for the reinvigoration of our neighbourhood. It is what we envision when we say, ‘a downtown full of people’. Nuit Blanche shows us that when culture, community and business converge downtown, it becomes a social hub where people want to be.

Small Business Week

Get ready to shine because Small Business Week is just around the corner! From October 15 to 21, we’re celebrating the incredible small to medium-sized businesses across downtown.

Here’s the exciting part: we’re putting the spotlight on downtown spots throughout the week on our social media platforms. We’re inviting everyone to visit neighbourhood’s fantastic businesses for a chance to win Downtown BIZ gift cards!

LEARN MORE

Are you working hybrid? Get part-time parking to match your schedule! For only $160 per month (plus taxes) you get parking for 3 days per week (or 12 days per month).  

The Portage Place Parkade’s central location makes this a great opportunity for anyone who is only driving to their downtown office on a part-time basis. Limited spots are available for the fall and winter seasons, so make sure to act now.  

For more info and to register, email: parking@theforks.com.

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