Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

Throughout the pandemic, our message has been to support downtown businesses. We will continue our work to advocate on your behalf and find innovative ways to offer supports to small businesses. I know this week was extra challenging for many of our members who work or operate near the Legislative Grounds because of the ongoing demonstration. On social media and in the news we encouraged Winnipeggers to support downtown businesses. We shared your concerns with City of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Police Service officials and advocated for increased accessibility downtown.

The situation and the environment in which we operate is constantly changing. While it’s hard to predict what tomorrow, next week or next month will bring, we remain optimistic things will get better for business downtown soon. We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and with restrictions beginning to lift next week, I’m hopeful things will turn around.

Whatever happens at the legislature in the coming days and whatever actions you take to keep yourself, your employees and your customers safe under the new guidelines, we’re here to support you.

If you have concerns or questions, you can always reach out to us at info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com. We will continue to advocate on your behalf and do what we can to support you.

Province’s plan to remove restrictions

On Feb. 11, the Manitoba Government announced an accelerated plan to remove public health restrictions. New public health orders will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 that will move all of Manitoba to the Yellow (Caution) level under the Pandemic Response System.

What's new:

• Liquor sales will return to normal hours of operation.

• Capacity limits are removed for restaurants, gyms, concert halls, museums, etc. Proof of immunization remains.

• Restaurant table size limits and the requirement for customers to remain seated at licensed premises are removed.

• Capacity limits are removed for pro sports and performing arts events meaning attendance at Jets games and concerts can increase. Proof of immunization is still required.

The Province says they plan to remove proof of vaccination requirements effective Mar. 1. They also plan on lifting mask requirements and other restrictions as of Mar. 15.

More information is available in the Province’s backgrounder (PDF).

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