A big thanks to everyone who joined us at our AGM last week. Nearly 200 members, partners, and community leaders came together to look back at a year of real progress and talk about what’s next for downtown.

In 2025, we focused on getting “back to business.” More member support. More events. Better services. Stronger safety partnerships. From picking up over 1.7 million litres of litter to welcoming 80,000 people to BIZ events and securing the return of the Downtown Safety Action Plan, the wins were big. They’re all captured in our 2025 Annual Report (PDF).

Looking ahead, we’re doubling down on what’s in our control: cleaner, more welcoming streets; stronger advocacy; and programming that brings people downtown. In 2026, we’re going to add new art and music in the skywalks, launch a downtown dining experience, see more community cleanups, and host Downtown’s Got Talent — a brand new initiative to showcase local artists and activate our public spaces. At the same time, we’ll continue bringing key partners together around a shared vision for a safer, more vibrant downtown grounded in reconciliation.

We’re done accepting ‘good enough’. Winnipeggers deserve a vibrant and thriving city and that starts with a strong downtown. There is big work ahead, and thankfully, we know we aren’t in this alone.

As this is our final MEMO of the year, I want to thank our downtown community. To our members, our Board and our entire BIZ team, thank you for your support and commitment. Wishing you a warm holiday season and remember… there is significant progress underway downtown. I am excited for what’s ahead.

We know policy decisions have real impacts on downtown businesses and the people they serve. We are working with Probe Research to better understand how changes to the Winnipeg Transit Network are impacting how people get to and move through downtown. We’re seeking input from the public, and also want to hear directly from you how these changes are impacting your employees, customers and visitors. We’ll be sharing the results of this survey with city officials in the new year – please fill it out and share it with your employees, customers, and networks.

FILL OUT THE SURVEY

Our front-line teams will be here for you throughout the holiday season. While our main office will be closed December 25 to January 1, the Wawanesa Enviro Team and Ambassador Team will be on the ground with adjusted operations and festive cheer! Have you spotted the kubotas decorated for the holidays?

The Wawanesa Enviro Team will maintain regular hours from December 27 to 31, and will be off on December 25, 26 and January 1.

The Ambassador Team will be out and about on December 27 through the 31st, supporting our downtown community and assisting on game days for the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose. On days when they’re not available, courtesy walks can be provided by our friends at the Downtown Community Safety Partnership.

Finally, if you’re in need of a last-minute gift, our Downtown Winnipeg BIZ gift cards make the perfect gift for everyone on your list. NEW this year, we’ve launched the digital version to make it even easier to spread some holiday cheer! PURCHASE HERE

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ gift cards

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ