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Being a voice for downtown
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The Canadian Capital Cities Organization (CCCO) Conference is being held downtown this week, and I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion on how we are transforming our neighbourhood in partnership with government, businesses and Indigenous organizations. Joined by Hazel Borys from the City of Winnipeg, Joy Cramer of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and Glenda Gartner of True North Real Estate Development, we shared how Winnipeg is leading the way in advancing economic reconciliation and creating a more vibrant community.
The Winnipeg Real Estate Forum – Manitoba's largest commercial and multi-residential real estate event – was also held downtown this week. I joined a panel discussion about downtown revitalization and the importance of increasing residential and multi-use development projects. I was also able to share some exciting trends downtown this year, noting more businesses are opening than closing, and visitation numbers continue to climb.
Speaking of visitors, we're excited to welcome thousands of folks downtown this coming weekend for Nuit Blanche! This annual event is a great opportunity to celebrate contemporary art and culture and explore everything downtown has to offer.
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Positive downtown stories in the spotlight
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The wait is over! This morning, we launch our Choose Downtown Winnipeg campaign to create a new kind of dialogue – one that amplifies and celebrates what makes our downtown neighbourhood an incredible place to live, work, study, and visit.
Our downtown matters – its success is key to the success of our city and province. Too often negative experiences and current challenges are the focus of conversations and stories about our community. So, we’re creating a platform for folks to share their positive downtown stories that often go untold.
As BIZ members, your story matters. This campaign will be your platform, your voice, your opportunity to be part of the solution in helping to change the narrative about our downtown.
Help us spread the word about our campaign by sharing it with your network and encouraging others to get involved! We invite everyone to share their story—whether in person or online—for a chance to win $5,000. Plus, we’re also giving away $5,000 worth of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Gift Cards just for entering the contest. Visit our website for more information about the campaign and how you can participate.
WHY DO *YOU* CHOOSE DOWNTOWN?
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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This coming Monday, September 30, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day is dedicated to commemorating the impacts of residential schools - honouring the children who never returned home, the survivors and their families and communities. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange to honour the survivors and lives lost.
The BIZ is committed to advancing reconciliation efforts in our downtown community. As part of this, we are beginning to implement our Indigenous Relations Strategy to guide meaningful actions within our organization and beyond. This includes searching for our Director of Indigenous Relations, Equity and Inclusion, who will play a vital role in leading these efforts.
We encourage everyone to take time to reflect on this important day and participate in the many events happening around downtown:
WAG-Qaumajuq (#FindItDowntown at 300 Memorial Boulevard)
hosting an event featuring Chāpān Teachings—The Ways of Our Grandparents / Great Grandparents and local organizations. The rest of the gallery will be closed on this day.
Manitoba Children’s Museum (#FindItDowntown at 45 Forks Market Road)
Offering Teepees, The Land & Us (available for Nursery to Grade 5) for FREE from September 23 – 27, 2024. Students can build their own life-sized, authentic teepee and explore its importance through storytelling.
Chāpān Teachings (#FindItDowntown at CN Field and Stage)
From 1 p.m. - 10 p.m., The Women’s Health Clinic is hosting Chāpān - an event that celebrates Indigenous healing traditions through laughter, music and games. Guests have the chance to reconnect with cultural practices and explore natural ways of healing while fostering reconciliation and community.
4th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow
10 a.m. – Pipe Ceremony at Oodena Circle
11 a.m. - Healing Walk starts (going through Israel Asper Way, York Avenue, Main Street, Portage Avenue, Edmonton Street to RBC Convention Centre)
Between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - Estimate start time for sPow Wow at RBC Convention Centres.
Edmonton Street, between St Mary and York Avenue, will be closed for food trucks, tents, and portable toilets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Main and Henry Community Space officially open
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We’re excited to share that the Main and Henry Community Space – located next to the Circle of Life Thunderbird House and Amoowigamig (the public washroom at 715 Main Street) - is officially open!
This community space features a paved concrete plaza, seating areas, picnic tables, upgraded lighting, trees, planters, and illuminated story markers. It’s designed to be a welcoming place where anyone can gather, rest, or heal.
Safe, vibrant, and inclusive public spaces are critical for downtown’s transformation, and we’re pleased to see this project come to life and meet the needs of the community.
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Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ
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