Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

Public health orders change next week

The Manitoba Government announced on Wednesday that it will ease some of the restrictions set to expire Tuesday, Feb. 8.

Here’s what’s new:

• Liquor sales must end at 12 a.m. daily (increase from 10 p.m.).

• Restaurants, gyms, halls, museums, etc. will remain at 50% capacity and will no longer be capped at 250 people. Proof of immunization will continue to be required.

• Pro sports return to 50% capacity, which means attendance at Winnipeg Jets games can increase. Proof of immunization will continue to be required.
  

For a detailed breakdown of all current public health orders, please view the Province’s backgrounder (PDF).

The new public health orders will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and will expire Tuesday, Feb. 22. Manitoba remains at the Orange (Restricted) level under the Pandemic Response System.

Sector Support Program and Arts and Culture Sustainability Program to be extended

Two support programs provided by the Manitoba Government are getting additional funding.

Sector support program

• Program intake period extended until Feb. 28, 2022.

• Eligibility expanded to include event rentals, catering and photographers.

• A second payment is available to businesses that have been previously approved and are affected by public health orders in place into February.
  

The Sector Support Program is available to businesses affected by public health order lockdowns. It includes businesses such as restaurants, hotels and bars that provide dine-in food services, fitness and recreation facilities, movie theatres, performance venues and museums.

Visit the Sector Support Program application page for more information.

Arts and Culture Sustainability Fund

Additional funding has been allocated to support organizations in the arts and cultural sector that have been significantly affected by COVID-19.

Visit the Arts and Culture Sustainability Fund page for more information.

Rapid test kits available at no charge to eligible organizations

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is administering another Rapid Test Program to provide Manitoba businesses with COVID-19 rapid test antigen kits.

Rapid test kits are provided at no charge to eligible organizations subject to availability and limitations; however, a transportation fee will be added during the ordering process.

Businesses will be supplied on a prioritized basis according to available supply. For more information, including eligibility criteria and to place an order, visit the Winnipeg Chamber’s website.

Winter Wanderland officially launches Feb. 4!

As you may recall, we’ve partnered with Sputnik Architecture to install ice sculptures at six different downtown locations from Bonnycastle Park to the Burton Cummings Theatre.

The sculptures are almost complete and we will begin promoting Winter Wanderland on our social media channels starting Thursday. Our downtown scavenger hunt will officially launch Friday, Feb. 4.

You can download Winter Wanderland graphics to use in your own promotions. Those cold scavenger hunters will probably be looking for some warm beverages or cocktails so it might be a good idea to remind them about all the great items you have to offer. Email saz@downtownwinnipegbiz.com if you have any questions or would like help with some Winter Wanderland marketing ideas.

Here is a sample social media post.

Potential traffic disruption downtown Friday

We have been made aware of a planned demonstration downtown around the Legislative Buildings starting around 9:00 a.m. Friday. Disruption to traffic in the surrounding area is expected. Members may want to consider contingency plans if this could affect your business, employees or customers.

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