Stefano Grande

CEO Downtown Winnipeg BIZ

[stefanogrande]

Lessons Learned from the #NHLJets #WpgWhiteOut Street Party

Now that the party is over, taking a step back to reflect on the lessons from the #NHLJets #WpgWhiteOut Street Party, which doubled as a second BellMTS Place, is something that is important and critical.  Why?

Like any good party, an encore is a must.  And Winnipeggers have spoken; it was a great party!  So like any party, how do you make it even more memorable next time?  And there will be an opportunity for next time!

Before launching into the lessons, I’d like to offer a tip of the hat to our NHL Jets for making us proud as a city and taking it to the final round of three of the greatest Hockey on earth, the NHL Stanley Cup. Additionally, I’d like to recognize our partners, True North Sports + Entertainment, Economic Development Winnipeg and the City of Winnipeg who hosted the party, along with all of the other partners, staff and volunteers.

Lesson # 1: Close downtown streets for more festivals and events! Something the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ has always known is that when you close a street, throw up a movie screen, add a sprinkle of entertainment and refreshments, Winnipeggers will respond positively. People will come downtown. You see, Winnipeggers love to party outdoors and they do want to rub shoulder to shoulder.  Safety and parking are not concerns; all we need is a good excuse.  And the Jets playoff run was the mother of all excuses, waking up our neighbors from across North America, who I am sure were wanting to join us.

Lesson #2: True North is about community leadership.   Let’s not take the party for granted.  The entire team at True North Sports + Entertainment did not have to throw a party.  You see, they were all really busy putting on anther pretty big party, the NHL Playoffs inside BellMTS Place.  Community leadership is all about doing something more for your community, than for yourself. The party allowed Winnipeg come together and showcased our city, our downtown and our civic pride nationally in a way that millions of dollars just is not able to buy.  This leadership often causing tons of stress, work, grief, apprehension and more for the staff asked to lead.  And boy did they lead.  The 100’s of staff at True North Sports + Entertainment were warriors doing double duty.  They are appreciated deeply!

Lesson # 3: City of Winnipeg employees rock!  Our community leaders and champions have and will continue to rally together for the good of the community.  Always. Everyone bought into the vision, and just somehow made it happen.  All the City departments, Economic Development Winnipeg, Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Control, and more rallied around the vision for the event and brought to the table the recipe to make it a reality.  The constant and rapid revisiting of the party plan from day to day, speedy decision making, consensus and collaboration is something that I dare to say would not happen in any other city our size or bigger.  Our Winnipeg Police Service, Fire Paramedics, Emergency Services, Winnipeg Transit, Pubic Works, special event and key members of the civil service now know that they, their attitude, their readiness, can single handily shape and transform how Winnipeggers think of their city, and help create the community pride. Our civil service are superheros.

Lesson # 4: What parking issues?   People will indeed park their car take a bus to the downtown.  Transit buses were full, and people walked as far away as The Forks, the Exchange district and St. Boniface, and further, plus even more people rode their bikes into downtown Winnipeg.  If there was ever a lesson to learn about why we need to build a downtown with full transportation options, for everyone, this was a shining example that our downtown does not need more surface parking lots or more parkades near the BellMTS Place.  We just need more parties, more reasons for people to re-discover their Downtown.

Lesson # 5: What is the Eaton Building?  We learned was that building BellMTS Place downtown was indeed a great investment decision.  The connection between a vibrant downtown and an emerging sports and entertainment focus, which draws over a million people downtown every year, is the key to our new emerging downtown. This venue has helped in leading an economic growth of food and drink establishments, and has spurred more energy into the arrival of a new downtown, our SHED Distinct, where 100’s of millions in private sector development is occurring.  True North Square is a shining example and will be where the Whiteout party will live and quietly burn throughout the year inviting 1000’s of people to gather in its courtyard and celebrate before every Winnipeg Jets Home Game, only to spill our again onto our street as our goal to the Stanley Cup continues. The lesson here is when we plan for the growth of our downtown, it’s not just about the buildings, but it’s about the vision and plan for the area, the density needed to create the vibrant storefronts and great public spaces. 

Lesson # 6: Diversity Lives Here.  We learned that sport and parties bring together people of all incomes, ages, races, genders and more. While we all work hard to grow diversity, tolerance and reconciliation, the most positive face of our city was reflected these past weeks, bringing out “Go Jets Go” from everyone. We were able to put our personal challenges and opinions away and come together as Winnipeggers.

Lesson #7: Love.  On a personal note, the last lesson I learned is that I can deeply love the Winnipeg Jets again and I love this city and its people. 

I’m not sure if others felt this way. While I was happy of the Jets return, I still remember feeling devastated had when they left.  You see, some of the greatest memories growing up was going to the old barn with my dad to watch the old Jets play the Montreal Canadians and the Toronto Maple Leafs.  It was our alone time every other weekend where dad and son bonded, slapping high fives with people I did not know, celebrating a goal from Hawerchuck and Selanne. It’s taken the street party and the tens of thousands of people slapping hands again, for me to forgive and love again.  I love the fact that people got along and were respectful.  I love the fact that safety was never an issue as we took care of each other. I love the fact despite the Jets losing we still came up as the winners.

Pride and comradery for each other lives in all of us.  When it comes out, it’s transformative in the people we are surrounded by, and the place where we are.  This can’t be really measured, but those cities that have it are where people want to be. We are Winnipeg!

- Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Effects of Great Downtown Street Parties

Having great street parties is essential to the continued revival of our Downtown, and Winnipeg’s first-ever Whiteout Street Party, during this year’s NHL Jets playoff run, is a great example of why bringing the community together is so important to the psycho-economic health of Winnipeggers.

I can remember in my younger years, chasing the party of parties around the world, the FIFA world soccer tournament. I traveled to see The World Cup 1990 in Italy, 1994 in the U.S. and 1998 in France. Although I was never able to afford an actual ticket to attend the games, I still backpacked and hosteled with thousands of other world travelers to be part of the excitement and comradery. Dancing in the Congo line with the Dutch in their wooden shoes in France, or singing “Olay, Olay, Olay!” in Piazza Novana, while watching the game on a big screen in Italy. Parties (and great reasons for parties) bring people together of all types, who share in drink and food, in passion and sorrow, celebrating their sport heroes and the incredible downtowns and cities in which they are held.

This past week, I, among thousands of Winnipeggers, finally felt that vibe in our own City, and I felt very fortunate to be part of it.  

The #WPGWhiteout Street Parties last week was where thousands of downtowners came together to celebrate their heroes, the Winnipeg Jets players. Friends and families, many with no game tickets showed up to the party early and rubbed shoulders. The entire city block on Donald Street next to Bell MTS Place screamed at missed referee calls, oohed incredible hits, and cheered on the goals, to a Jets Victory.

People got out of their homes and came downtown to celebrate, meet, mingle and meet each other, hugging and slapping hands, creating that emotional attachment to our City, which leads to so many positive things. Restaurants and bars within 10 minutes walking distance were packed, before, during and after, at levels never seen before. The economic and community development metrics, I am sure can be captured, and a coolness factor registered on the grins of young people from across the country watching the game live, wishing they were in Winnipeg.

The upward positive, spiraling emotions of optimism, hope, resilience and victory created  by the Whiteout Street Party, is a factor in creating the positive psycho-economic health of Winnipeggers, and is a great way of creating community and building pride among our citizens, creating business, and even attracting long term economic development.

While events like this don’t happen overnight, they did in Winnipeg. True North Sports + Entertainment and Economic Development Winnipeg need to be commended for taking the lead and putting on a party that comes with financial risk and liability. They believe in our city. 

The City and our Mayor Brian Bowman also need to be thanked for taking a leap of faith in moving to mobilize its resources (Policing, Public WORKS / Streets, Transit and others) in record speed to make this a reality. 

The can-do attitude is refreshing.

And of course, I am proud of my Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Team, our Watch Ambassadors, our Customer Service Team and our Cleaning staff, who are and will be throwing out the welcome mat to create a safer, cleaner and friendlier downtown. We are your host.

Events like this send a message to the world. Winnipeg has arrived. We are hip, cool, and can throw a world class street party.

And Winnipeggers made a statement – ‘we will come downtown, because it’s safe, fun and the place to be.’

Let’s keep it going Winnipeg!  Go Jets!

- Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Making Downtown a Priority

The Provincial PC government is well into its first mandate and while many priorities are being tackled, such as reducing the deficit and improving health care, it is still yet to be determined if the Downtown is a priority.

We know that the physical face of our Downtown reflects on the state of our economy and the condition of our social fabric, and although many things have been accomplished over the years, more needs to happen. With that in mind, it is important to reiterate why the Downtown is important to Manitobans and why it needs to be a priority for government.

There is more compelling evidence today as to why downtowns matter to the economic prosperity of our Province and City. From the simplest perspective, our Downtown is only 1% of the City size, yet generates an estimated 10% of all the provincial and city taxes. The return on investment (ROI) is massive to taxpayers and shows that this relatively small area with so many infrastructures already in place is generating a whopping amount of wealth for our economy. Just imagine a goose laying the proverbial golden egg.  Downtown is the golden goose that keeps on giving, so it needs to be nurtured. 

The dense, compact forms of downtowns generate more taxes and less operating costs per acre, which results in more efficient ways of providing public services. In other words, downtowns matter because our kids, future leaders, creators and workforces want to be in cities that have great downtowns with access to public services that work for them.

In a recent meeting with Provincial Ministers, the downtown business community shared our thoughts on two important elements that we need their help with. These elements will allow us to continue our efforts in building a better downtown.

1. Simulate Planned Downtown Development

Continue making a priority to provide “market gap” tools, such as Tax Increment Financing, to stimulate downtown development. Without it, further downtown development will come to a grinding halt.  Going forward we should target areas of real market failure.  It’s time to focus these limited tools:

In strategic areas of our downtown

In strategic buildings/lands that are empty and not generating any significant taxes, which is also holding back private sector investment

On specific forms and types of buildings, ones that are more likely to lead to density and small business growth, in turn a stronger real estate market

2. Social Intervention

We need a government which will intervene in making significant changes to address serious social issues related to poverty. This includes:

Undertaking significant system changes and approaches that are required to address harms related to substance abuse

Listening to the community which is supportive of the Health and Safety Alliance, Harms Reduction Strategy.  Our 1960’s approach to dealing with substance abuse is no longer working and it is time for change.

Implementing the plan to End Homelessness which now owned by the community

These policies do not require new money but do require leadership and people in order to move in this direction.

An underutilized, undervalued downtown property surrounded by current city services will continue to do nothing to improve our downtown market. In order to see change

Freeze taxes and grant the incremental taxes created by a new development, back to the redevelopment strategy. Stop funding programs to help alleviate harms related substance abuse which are not working and re-direct funding to modern solutions, and partner with the private sector.

Making our downtown a priority will require critical policy directions that keep the momentum going in creating a downtown where Manitobans are proud, young people are attracted too, outside investment is encouraged, and convention goers and tourists seek.  Let’s keep the momentum going.

- Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Graham Mall the next Corydon?

Over the years I’ve seen many streets come to life and Graham Mall in downtown Winnipeg is definitely one that Winnipeggers can look forward to.

In my younger years, I remember walking up and down Corydon Avenue frequently. At the time it was a mediocre street with only 3 or 4 great restaurants and was surrounded by a deteriorating neighbourhood, with many dilapidated homes. Despite those things, it had the structure of a potential pedestrian-friendly street with store fronts every 30 – 40 feet, although they were mostly vacant at the time. Fast forward to today and Corydon Avenue has become one of the most vibrant streets in our city and home to a great Italian district, Little Italy.

At the age of 18 I was selling real-estate, sipping on espressos every day and bumping into my heroes like Bova, Mock, Consatinni, Ring, Fletcher and Rosonoski. Together they had a vision to transform Corydon Avenue into something better for their community, championing the creation of the Corydon BIZ. Millions of dollars were infested in infrastructure and an innovative housing rehabilitation program, which helped kick-start this incredible neighborhood.

I remember the energy of young people wanting to open up local shops, and seeing young families wanting to live in the neighbourhood to be close to the excitement and contribute to the community. The vision that my mentors once had for Corydon Avenue had finally come to life and it was so bright and compelling. Today, Corydon is not only a place to hang out but also a community that Winnipeggers want to live in.

Graham Mall has the same essence that Corydon did.  It’s a very unique street that has the potential to be just as big. City planners would describe the area as “walkable” with “scaled properly” or “great bones” (we like creating our own language).  The commercial storefronts from Vaughn to Hargrave are multiple, small, and ripe for transformation.  The walk is already enjoyable with a series of local and national coffee shops, sandwich and soup stores, and sprinkled with the Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market and more!  All the elements of a great street are now visible. Bolstered by 100’s of buses which bring 1000’s of Winnipeggers downtown to this street daily, Graham Mall is coming alive.

The energy behind this transformation has been a series of mega projects, which has reversed the flow of people back downtown. The expanded Millennium Library and the new RBC Convention Centre have all spurred the creation of Centrepoint, True North Square and hopefully SkyCity Centre in the near future. Located at the east side of the mall, Bell MTS Place and the emerging TrueNorth Square will be an anchor to be reckoned with, in the emerging SHED district.

In fact, in speaking with over 1,000 Downtowners recently, the name Graham Mall is no longer understood by the public. Graham Avenue resonates more. Downtowners already recognize the shift and business people notice a different vibe, to the extent that many feel it’s time for the complete renewal of sidewalks, lights standards and more. The mall after all is 25 years old. It’s time for a makeover and our City departments agree. We all agree that the timing is perfect, as there is more development that can be attracted.

There are actually two great re-development challenges in the immediate area, which include the historic and majestic Hudson’s Bay, and the ill-conceived Portage Place Mall. Both have the potential to be transformed into mixed-use buildings with people living, working and more.

Authentic, local, and unique, this is the direction that Graham Ave. needs to go. It’s now up to the politicians to invest strategically in the next round of tax increment financing and downtown infrastructure renewal to get there.

- Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Downtown Winniepg Safety

The Honourable Mayor Brian Bowman recently announced an increase in funding and collaboration for our downtown BIZ Watch Ambassadors, along with the West End and Exchange BIZ Patrols, and Bear Clan.  Not only was the increase significant but it also recognized the individuals, neighbourhoods, business organizations and systems that are currently working together to improve downtown safety.

Downtown safety is much more than just policing and enforcement, and over the last decade the Winnipeg Police Service has communicated that they cannot do it alone. The complexity of safety requires partnerships, creativity coordination and integration of all community resources, in order to effectively respond to the increasing challenges of safety.

As a result, the downtown business community has responded with the growth of its Downtown Watch Ambassador Programs and more.

We currently have 26 community Watch Ambassadors and over 200 Watch Volunteers who play a major role in providing safety services in the downtown area.  The Watch are the eyes and ears for police, reassurances to the public, information and assistance to locals and visitors, and a natural succession planning model for bringing talent into law enforcement.   The Watch have helped improve the perceptions of our downtown, providing Safewalks, making presentations on personal safety, keeping an eye on crimes, to saving the lives of the most vulnerable, our program has proven to be effective. 

What makes the Downtown Watch Program special is the collaborative work that is being done with our friends at the Winnipeg Police Service. On a daily basis we come together to identify challenges, share information and find solutions to keep people safe in our downtown. This community based approach to policing and managing safety issues primarily focuses on education, prevention and at times intervention from our end, while relying on the highly trained Winnipeg Police expertise to enforce safety and support the community for those issues where we need them most.

The support of the community-based Downtown Watch Program is working and is greatly appreciated by the business community. 

Take a look at these 2017 stats which demonstrate the effectiveness of our Downtown Program in better managing safety issues and serving the public:

1. 387 people in the downtown utilized the SafeWalk program and had the Downtown Watch Ambassadors safely walk them to their car, bus stop or event.

2. Over 250 persons who were found to be intoxicated in the downtown area were taken to safety and received the help they needed

3. In total, there were 4481 calls for service which included calls for disturbances, panhandling, and medical and well-being checks

4. The Watch Ambassadors were called 8,082 times for special attentions

Excellent work related to community safety is already happening on a daily basis in Downtown Winnipeg. But are we there yet?  Not yet.

There is a need and desire to maximize the efficiencies and impact of that work, and a need to expand resources which include both more Watch and Police Foot Patrols.

There is a need for government to provide a home for people who are homeless, which include many who face substance abuse and mental health challenges

There is a need for more addictions facilities and managed substance abuse programs

There is a need for a high level of community participation and coordination between government and the local community resources to identify and respond to the needs of the community.

The development of our Downtown as a place for everyone, with more people living and working needs to continue.

The best vision of community safety requires that we come together as a community to find solutions for downtown safety

These are all essential ingredients for overall success of Downtown Safety, which the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, along with our partners and stakeholder are committed to, on our continued path to a safe downtown for everyone.

[stefanogrande]

Rome Urban Planning

As an Urban Planner, much of my passion and inspiration comes from my Italian DNA, but also from visiting Rome. Rome is the largest City in Italy, with over three million people, and reading and learning from Rome’s Master Plan, Piano Regolatore Generale (City Plan in Italian) is fascinating. 

As a son of Italian immigrants, I have always been interested in learning more about my culture, my history, what makes my inner self so different from other people of other cultures and places.  I am proud of being Italian and being from this place where my parents came from; this place where modern science, languages, was born and where we still marvel at the engineering and architect feats. From the Aqueducts to the spectacular Pantheon in Rome (one of the first domes introduced to architecture) to the roads and bridges built thousands of years ago that are still in use today, Roman planning has stood the test of time. 

Additionally, the Coliseum, considered as one of the greatest work of Roman architecture and engineering and Italy’s most famous tourism attraction known for the arena of Gladiators, a past era of a different type of sports and entertainment, is itself a spectacular display of genius.  In fact sports and entertainment arenas around North America have used the common engineering principles of the Coliseum, with its 80 entrances that can accommodate about 50,000 spectators, exiting and entering at record speed.

I remember my first trip to Rome where I was inspired by its history, buildings and spaces.  It brought me so much joy to walk for hours sightseeing and simply absorbing its architecture of which oozes with history spanning 28 centuries.  From Piazza Venzia to the Trevi fountain, to Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola to the Spanish steps, people gather, mingle, people, from around the world, watch and enjoy the surroundings.  Rome’s economy is centered on this rich history with the tourism industry creating jobs and businesses, as one of the most important tourism destinations in the world.  Preserving history is a local economic driver, unique only to that city. Preserving history is something we are understanding more and more here in our young Winnipeg city. 

I also remember renting a car one of my trips. That last 45 minutes and I abandoned it very quickly.  Rush hour is every hour in Rome.  The car and ancient road network placed on a radial pattern, the manner in which Rome was built makes traveling difficult, and layer on top the pleasant nature of Italian drivers on a road with no lines, is enough to drive the sanest person, insane.

I remember there always being ample foundations to drink fresh water from, public toilets that were cleaned and stationed by friendly ambassadors, and on every corner there is something to eat or drink – a café or an ice-cream store, with ample restaurants of all types. 

Travelling around is easy, and Rome has a simple and well used bus system, intergraded with its subway, that is clean, safe and outfitted with great signage. It is obvious that land use, development and transportation departments have collaborated to connecting plan transit to where the people are, to ensure transit is the best option people can choose and can get to places quickly. 

Where people live, work and shop in Italy are all really close to each other. The density of people and buildings is what gives Rome and the neighborhoods its local charm and vibrancy.  Rome invented the North American theory behind Transit Oriented Development and the city practices density and preventing suburban sprawl - something Winnipeggers are still trying to figure out.  In fact, you won’t see too many single-family homes in Rome, most Romans live in apartments, even in the suburbs! This is very different than most North American Cities, where the downtowns are indeed filled with apartments, but the suburbs are primarily single family homes, where cars are required.

While I enjoy visiting Rome, I am always glad to be home in this great city of Winnipeg.  But always yearning to ensure that slice of urbanism, history, celebrating our own unique culture which leads to excitement and vibe is something we too can create in our Own City.

[stefanogrande]

Portage and Main

The Downtown BIZ is supportive of implementing a phased approach to make below and above grade improvements at the iconic intersection of Portage and Main, and in a forward motion that one day can lead to pedestrians crossing Portage and Main.

 Last week, City Hall passed a $3.5 million motion to repair the crumbling Potage and Main intersection.  But rather bringing back the barricades, which are crumbling, moving forward with building proper sidewalks and integrating the new design into the efforts of the private sectors own effort for the beautification of their own private spaces / plaza area.

At this time, the City of Winnipeg has not committed to the opening of Portage and Main, but rather this presents an opportunity to introduce pedestrian activity incrementally.  If money needs to be spent to keep infrastructure current and safe, spending it in a manner that aligns with the Citys’ vision, is smart business.  This also allows time for the City to get it right, listening to the thoughts and concerns, and ideas and visions of Downtowners who live, visit and work downtown.

During a recent discussion last week with Tim Tomkins, CEO of the Time Square Alliance, he reminded me of the similar challenges he faced in intruding more pedestrian to Time Square, through their revitalization efforts.

“When our New York Mayor first suggested closing part of Times Square to traffic and creating a larger and better pedestrian environment, many retailers, businesses, drivers and New Yorkers were wary, at best,” Tompkins said.  “For sure, there were things to adjust, and it helped that the initial steps were incremental and reversible if it hadn’t worked out.   But for years – through the lens of ordinary folks who walked through Times Square on a daily basis – we knew we had a problem and that we had to explore solutions.  As I noted, back in the 1970s and 80s the problem in Times Square was that you couldn’t get through it without being mugged, and by 2000 the problem was you couldn’t get through it.    It was too crowded and the pedestrian experience was horrible.  Not only was the iconic and historic center of our city not functional, it was not even remotely aspirational.  We deserved better.”

“There were things that had to be sorted out – traffic adjustments, maintenance and management protocols for the space, getting the programming and regulatory tools in place.   And there’s more work to be done.  But nine months into this grand experiment, between 2/3 and ¾ of our local workers, businesses, and New Yorkers said the pedestrian plazas should be made permanent, and the number of local workers who were satisfied with the experience in Times Square jumped from 43% to 74%.”     

Whets’ common between New Yorkers and Winnipeggers is that there are two main views, in both cities.  Some people feel strongly about wanting to get from point A to point B as quickly and with as little traffic interference as possible, while others feel strongly about wanting to create a walkable neighborhood which is an exciting and vibrant place.

Recently 120+ downtowners were simply asked “What best describes what you’d like to see occur at grade on Portage and Main?”  The top responses from the survey showed us that people want places where they can enjoy restaurants, a place where they can gather to celebrate and a place where all types of transportation-users are found.  Downtowners want change.

In addition, many business owners, developers and property owners feel that the intersection’s barricades cut off pedestrian movement as well as commerce, business and social interaction, which is the lifeblood of our Downtown that creates the vibrancy that people really want.  As a result, this blocks urban revitalization and leaves missed opportunities for re-development, small business development and cuts off the city’s four most vibrant neighborhoods/districts which include East and West Exchange, Portage Avenue and the Forks. 

A vibrant downtown can only be achieved if we keep applying the same proven principles – creating great and well-designed places and spaces, for people to walk, and all forms of transportation. This is the magic formula which works for our Downtown, and leads to more density and more taxes for the City.

By the City making these incremental changes, Winnipeggers will be able to keep the conversation going and help with finding solutions that will eventually develop a consensus on a permanent one, like New Yorkers did. This incremental approach will also give the City time to engage with stakeholders, take a deeper dive on transit and traffic studies, and even broaden design strategies, in order to get it done right. 

-Stefano

[stefanogrande]

A Day with the Downtown Watch Ambassadors

From time to time, I put on the red Downtown Watch uniform to get a better sense of what my Watch Ambassadors do on a daily basis. Recently, I had a personal experience with our Downtown Watch that left me not only humbled but also very much appreciative of their ability to manage the many challenges they encounter as well as how the public regards the Red Coats, our BIZ Watch Ambassadors. 

My morning started off being paired with Nelson and Rob, two young men who I believe are both destined to be RCMP and WPS officers.  I’m really proud that our Watch Program is a proven gateway to policing in Canada.

My Safety Director puts me on our toughest beat in our Downtown, Main and Higgins. My only dilemma so far is finding a large enough form fitting t-shirt that will allow me to blend in as a fit and athletic young Ambassador. We begin our walk visiting Portage Place and while we’re there we bump into two of the Winnipeg Police Services’ finest who are already making their presence felt early in the morning. 

It is an unfortunate reality, however, at the rear of Portage Place you will most likely find young people selling drugs. As I walk by the kids, I try to acknowledge them by saying hi, to which I receive a nod in return.  I remember feeling an odd sense of respect at that moment as each of us was there for a purpose. 

We then travel towards the local liquor store where we encounter more than a half dozen of people lining up to buy alcohol. Rob and Nelson know all of them, by first name – they know their stories, their challenges and their dreams.  They ask them to behave and have a good day. Rob tells me one of them is from the same reserve his family comes from and how his life has been nothing but despair and how our CHAT outreach workers have been trying for months to help him off the street and into addiction services.  He is not ready, drawn to the substance abuse seen daily on our downtown streets. 

We then walk towards a common place where youth hangout and my crew walk by and simply say to two very young girls “we are here for you if you need help.”  My Watch quickly scan their collective memories to see if they can identify any of these young girls who might have been reported missing. I’m convinced that my crew have a “spidey sense” only the local nosey neighbours could ever possess.

By 11 a.m. their presence is already felt on Ellice Avenue and Donald Street letting the public know that we are on watch.  We pop into a few businesses to say hello, ask questions and offer our support if we are needed. We walk through retailers giving nods to sales people and managers letting them know we care.  Feeling empowered now, I help a young woman with three kids with her groceries and cart, loading a taxi, telling them to have a great day. One child yells back “we are going to the beach, can you come with us”.  Everywhere my crew goes they are offered water, coffee, something to eat or a simple wave.  My BIZ members know their value and are appreciative.  About sixty minutes later we arrive to the outer edge of their beat, Higgins and Main.  This is our East Hasting, only worse because no one really cares.

We approach a woman on the ground. Her name is Mary.  We had seen Mary earlier that day waiting at a bus stop after purchasing alcohol from the same liquor store we had visited. She is struggling to breathe. Rob bends down on the sidewalk where she lies, and urgently says “Mary, can you hear me.”  No response, she is inebriated beyond consciousness. He then gently roles her over so she can breathe and calls 911.  Fire Paramedics arrive within five minutes and take her to an emergency room. They thank us, and we move on. One life saved, but not really.

As we walk down Main Street, we bump into a local WPS foot patrol.  Exchange notes over a quick coffee, talk politics and solutions to the areas problems.  Despite the challenges, my team is filled with knowledge and ideas to improve our downtown, the same ideas and solutions the professional community is advocating for. 

As we walk closer to Portage Avenue I see our other two Watch units who have also made their rounds in the other districts of our Downtown and I wonder if they too have had similar experiences – helping people, talking to those less advantaged, keeping an eye on the vulnerable and making the public feel safer.

I have to tell you, this is not the first time I have put on the red uniform.  I know the problems of our downtown.

What I appreciated most is how my Watch Ambassadors want to share their stories, their fears, ideas and successes with me.  The truth is that I draw my strength and conviction from them, who so desperately want to make a difference and are.  This reality check is what gives me the courage to have tough conversations with stakeholders.

My Watch Ambassadors are modern day superheroes. The public our members and myself very much appreciate what they do every day.

-Stefano

[stefanogrande]

What Creates Downtown Vibrancy?

Recently I was as asked to tackle this question as a guest speaker of the Downtown Boise Association Annual General Meeting. What I thought would be a quick 15-minute PowerPoint presentation became a deep dive soul searching exercise that lasted for days!

A vibrant downtown, as I understand, is defined differently, by different people. I believe vibrancy is the interaction between lots of diverse people in an incredible collection of unique places. A vibrant downtown is where people come home to, go to work or hang out with friends.

The “lots of people” part is all about density. People living, working, going to school or even shoppers and out of town visitors and convention goers all hustling and bustling in a specific area.  Vibrancy is not about the number of cars zipping by on the street, but the number of feet on the street, the number of transit riders on and off loading onto sidewalks, bikes whizzing by, and yes, even cars, looking for parking spots!

An incredible place is hard to define, but we can all feel it once we’re there. The Forks is an incredible place, so too is the Exchange District, Corydon Avenue, Osborne village, Times Square, Robson Street, SoHo, Piazza Novanna and Old Quebec.  Each area is a unique place, a place for people to stroll, a place to find something to eat, patios to hang out at, billboards and art installs to gawk at, cool and authentic retail stores to shop at, a square to sit and people watch, or a place to absorb culture.  The soul of these places is also so important. In fact, the essence of a vibrant downtown is the people that actually live there.

Downtown Boise is an interesting place. It’s smaller than Winnipeg, a vibrant city half our size and is ranked as one of the "top ten best places to live" across the United States.  Its downtown is only comprised of 15-20 blocks and is home to numerous local retailers and restaurants, each concept unique and authentic. Its historic quarter is lined with preserved historic buildings, fresh cobble stone sidewalks which no doubly tells people you are in a special place. While walking I noticed sidewalks lined with patios on every block, planters, trees, unique seating arrangements, sandwich boards, all orchestrated as if a master design was in play.

What was evident is how business owners play an important role in activating and creating inviting storefronts with their creative businesses. Parking spots are converted into places where dozens of cyclists can park.  The cycling culture is big despite there being little or no cycling paths with cyclists and pedestrians sharing the sidewalks. It’s quite a site to see and interesting to know that Government just lets it happen. Local control and local pride definitely stood out. 

While I was there, it seemed as though every new building was used for mixed use purposes and were integrated nicely into the sidewalks where people’s paths crossed. An emerging housing market, all clustered together was even enough to stimulate the need for a Trader Joe’s and a Whole Foods.

Downtown Boise clearly has a set values and an identity that transcends any other downtown, but like anything, there are lessons to be learned.

I truly believe that downtown vibrancy creates more vibrancy driven by economic development.  Downtown vibrancy seeks more people to live, work, shop and play.  More buildings, more incredible spaces and in a place where infrastructure already exists creating a series of districts which people seamlessly walk to and come together.

Downtown Winnipeg is vibrant.  Yes, not all the time, and not in every district but the vibrancy today is evident, and driven by the same values and principles seen to have benefited Boise. For this to continue we need to press forward on hard questions, which could lead to an even better and vibrant place.  Can opening an intersection lead to vibrancy?  What value will building with no storefront on an important pedestrian street add to a downtown seeking vibrancy?  Does that tall building on that important street have housing, is it mixed use? Will that street closure allowing tens of thousands of people attract people to a vibrant place?  Will those 20 bikes talking over 1 parking stall add more butts to a local patio?  Will taxpayers benefit twice, not having to build more pipes, roads, bridges, fire halls and other essential community assets?

If we seek vibrancy, we will need to continue make the right decisions.

If not, Boise is an incredible place for our youth to visit, open a business and live.

The choice is ours.

-Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Giving The Hudson’s Bay Building Its Second Lifeline Downtown

The revitalization of the downtown Hudson’s Bay building is a tough nut to crack. It’s big, it’s old and obsolete, and built in an era in which retail was the downtown. Retail in Winnipeg is now scattered throughout, in big box stores and large shopping centres, and in places where residential growth has been redirected – in the suburbs.

Today, downtown retail primarily serves office workers and local residents and large spaces like Hudson’s Bay cannot function like it did in the mid-1900s. As a result, its 800,000 sq. ft. space has been scaled down.

Hudson’s Bay continues to work on reinventing itself to remain current for today’s savvy shopper and the management team at the downtown location has put a lot of effort into utilizing the space in different ways. Although these great things are happening, we still need to continue to support this iconic retailer in their current location.

Many people look to the Hudson’s Bay building as Winnipeg’s historical gem and it needs to be preserved for many good reasons. Without an archive of our history, our City would be soulless. Imagine our City without the Downtown and the Exchange District and its repertoire of heritage buildings.

So what can we do? What can be done to give this incredible and beautiful historical building a second lifeline?

If the Hudson’s Bay building was demolished, I am quite certain that a surface parking lot would generate a ton of cash for its owners. It would be filled during the day, but it would be a large wasteland in the evening. Perhaps if this happened, decades from now, the Hudson’s Bay building could be transformed into a series of ramps to park five floors of free parking. That’s certain to bring more people downtown – to do something.

Realistically, the only solution is to redevelop it but this is a formidable task. The Hudson’s Bay building would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to renovate into office, residential, or smaller commercial spaces. Number crunchers will tell you that not many businesses would be willing to pay $50 per square foot, when across the street, spaces are half the cost. It’s also unlikely that Winnipeggers would shell out $600,000 for a 900 square foot condo with no parking, when a more affordable unit could be found in Tuxedo or Waterfront Drive, even though they may find personal value in being part of an ongoing legacy of this unique building. The numbers just don’t work.

A property tax freeze over a long period of time could generate $40-50 million in incentives for developers, but it may not be enough to make the redevelopment financially viable. The idling that has happened for over a decade now, continues forward.

This is a task for our development community, to play a role and to invest. As they patiently wait, they will reap the benefits in several decades. Government can play a role in providing special tax breaks on all construction materials and services purchased for this task. Manitoba Hydro can provide its loans to retrofit the building to Power Smart standards. Freezing property taxes and/or blending tax incentives with traditional financing could help lower the carrying costs of the project for the developer. All of these actions could lead to stronger real estate values around the Hudson’s Bay building, creating lifts in the surrounding tax base. We have seen what the MTS Centre has done for the surrounding buildings and developments and I believe this could offer the same for our downtown.

We must proceed with caution. If incentives are provided, then the Hudson’s Bay building needs to integrate into a broader vision for the community. The Hudson’s Bay building will need to appeal to and support the residents and business owners who have invested millions into the neighbourhood, while being attractive to the students and visitors who frequent our downtown.

Let’s revitalize the Hudson’s Bay building based on the vision of our community, by the community.  Let developers show everyone how they can play a role in the revitalization. This is the only solution unless knocking it down is what Winnipeg truly wants.

-Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Plans for Downtown Revitalization

Great community and economic development strategies that are entrenched in best practices, comprehensive research, and community engagement and support should always stand the winds of change in government, no matter which government comes to power. This fundamental principle has grounded many local urban planners and community builders in their approach to strengthening our neighbourhoods.  

Both the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg continue to demonstrate that the community’s concerns are being heard, and that its ideas about how to manage those concerns are legitimate and well grounded.  In fact, there appears to be a general appreciation in both the provincial and municipal governments that Winnipeg’s downtown is the goose that lays the golden egg. The downtown serves as the city’s economic engine, contributing the greatest amount of tax dollars to city coffers while utilizing the fewest public services per acre of development. Also, in attracting more tourists and pedestrian traffic than any other area, downtown has become a reliable indicator of the general health of the city. Think about it.  Where do you stay when you travel to other cities?  And where are your social-economic impressions of new cities usually created? I bet it is downtown. Both Bowman and Pallister clearly recognize the power and influence of the downtown and, as such, have recently reiterated their shared commitment to continue offering the previous governments’ tax incentives designed to stimulate downtown infill and housing, with over 600 new units recently being announced.  They know that a denser city is the key to leaner operating budgets and to more vibrant, accessible and safer neighbourhoods, which in turn will lead to greater economic development, which will then create more taxes and more funding for social programs. At the same time, Bowman and Pallister recognize that government can do more to end homelessness and address the epidemic of substance abuse downtown and Citywide.  To that end, End Homelessness Winnipeg Inc., an initiative that is exploring various community supported solutions for the epidemic problem, serves as the conduit for all levels of government and the private sector, which allow them to make a collective impact. Bowman and the City have demonstrated leadership in their understanding of the fact that the well-being of every citizen is enshrined in the City’s Charter and have collectively backed this community led initiative.

Concurrently, Fire Paramedic and Police Services, together with Manitoba Liquor and Licensing and the WRHA, among other community leaders, have been meeting with downtown and community stakeholders to discuss and develop improved harm reduction strategies for those challenged by substance abuse. It has become more apparent than ever that the way we handle this visible epidemic needs to change.

The Winnipeg downtown has enjoyed significant revitalization in the last decade. New buildings have been erected, old buildings have been renovated, and thousands of people have moved into those buildings to live. Thousands more visit the area every day for work and entertainment. This revitalization is bound to continue in the decade to come, but, importantly, it ideally will continue in a manner that embraces everyone in the area regardless of who they are, what they do or where they come from. Supportive housing, innovative harm reduction programs, and job creation will ensure that no one is left behind. Cities, after all, are judged not only by their highest skyscraper, but by how they treat and care for the most vulnerable among them. Where or whenever there is a change in government, stakeholders naturally worry that that the new government will abandon the successful programs and projects undertaken by the previous administration, if only to ensure a distinction in party policies.  The citizens of Winnipeg are fortunate in that our current  governments have proved their willingness to build on what has been learned and what has been started in order to enhance downtown life and living for all. 

-Stefano

[stefanogrande]

9 Downtown Trends in 2017

While 2016 will go down in the books as being another banner year for record investments and people visiting our downtown, a fully sustained downtown renewal is merely just starting.

It’s important to understand the trends that can impact further progress or even bring it to a halt.

Downtown revitalization history is littered with examples of downtowns that missed important trends and topics highlighting the important issues being discussed, as well as the needs and wishes of the average consumer. 

Downtown stakeholders, practitioners and entrepreneurs who have their ear to the ground can quickly capitalize on the materializing demands and market opportunities in 2017 to continue with, as well as quicken, change.

1.  Millennials and Downtown

Not only are they the largest generation since the Baby Boom, but they’re also about to enter their prime purchasing years, and that includes their first rental property or home purchase.

Developers and Investors recognize the growing desire of Millennials to live in areas where they work, and where they don't have to drive everywhere.  Walking, cycling and car-sharing are important to them.  Downtowns across North America, with their history, uniqueness and non-auto centric genesis, are best positioned to cater to this market; and so too is Downtown Winnipeg. A few things need to happen for this trend to be capitalized on: more affordable housing options are critical and  Tax Increment Financing programs need to continue, targeted to younger people who want to live downtown, but can’t afford to.

2.  The Re-positioning of Downtown Retail

Millennials are fast becoming the largest segment with disposable income, this also means that downtown business owners need to start thinking like Millennials, and to re-think how they sell and provide services.  So how do Millennials think?  A recent survey done by Elite Daily released findings confirming “that millennials are highly educated, career-driven, politically progressive and--despite popular belief--do indeed develop strong brand loyalty when presented with quality products and actively engaged by brands”. Some of the things that businesses need to pay attention to, according to the study, include:

·        They aren't influenced at all by advertising. 

·        They review blogs before making a purchase.

·        They value authenticity as a higher importance than content.

·        Their future inheritance won't change their buying behaviour. 

·        They want to engage with brands on social networks.

·        They are brand loyal.

·        They expect brands to give back to society.

If you think of the most recent and exciting growth of new business, cafes, microbreweries, and restaurants in our downtown, most likely you will see a young entrepreneur who has no preconceived notions of what the downtown was 40 years ago, but only the opportunity here today.  While the same business owner selling product for 30 years struggles, that space when available can become the next new and emerging business whose owners no longer asking for more parking, but rather more bike stalls.

3.  The Jets win the Stanley Cup?

No, the Jets won’t win the Stanley Cup this year, but the arrival of the Jets has led to the largest re-investment strategy that our downtown has seen in decades.  The MTS Centre itself has not only reversed the traffic flow of people evening and weekends, but has led to dozens of new restaurants setting up downtown. True North has helped to re-introduce density as an attractive and profitable real estate development principle, where the emergence of SHED and True North Square will introduce new and exciting places for people to work, shop live and hang out. 

The great density realized will have an impact, however the key to success will include retail storefronts along existing sidewalks. We need smaller spaces for entrepreneurship to flourish and create new experiences for guests.

4.  Changing Retail and Shops

When you think of the most recent and exciting growth of new business, cafes, microbreweries, and restaurants in our downtown, most likely you will see a young entrepreneur who has no preconceived notions of what the downtown was 40 years ago. These entrepreneurs see the opportunity here today, whereas the business owner who has been selling product for 30 years may be struggling. As turnover happens, the next new and emerging businesses have owners who are no longer asking for more parking, but rather more bike stalls. They see business, and their customers, in a new light.

5.  Rapid Transit and Street Cars will lead to a different a Better City

The City of Winnipeg approved Stage 2 of Rapid Transit, with a whopping investment of $590 million dollars. The potential of development along the rapid transit corridor will create higher density compact mixed-use and pedestrian-oriented development, which will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable city.

This reliable rapid transit will provide a viable and less expensive alternative to commuters working and visiting downtown, connecting people via the Graham Transit Mall into the heart of Winnipeg’s downtown area.

We currently lack a Street Car system for better connecting these recent downtown investments, connecting emerging downtown neighbourhoods together, connecting people to all the downtown amenities. In turn, this amenity will stimulate more and higher investment along this connection and leading an even more compact and connected downtown.

6.  Retail Pop Ups will prime the next wave of Downtown Retailers

Pop-ups are trending across North America.   Retail Pop-Up are temporary retail spaces that sell unique and often local products. From art to local fashion to tech gadgets, Pop-Up Shops are trending because they create temporary stores that are creative and engaging. They can enliven an urban space for a short time — and disappear, or become permanent, if the market and the opportunity dictates.

With Pop-Ups popping up downtown over the last several years downtown, it clearly indicates that there is a consumer appetite to support local entrepreneurs willing to test the market.  Both PUSH Pop Up and Launch It! entrepreneurial programs, have seen recent success where property owners are creating a place for multiple e-retailers and emerging entrepreneurs to hit the streets with a downtown address. If you are a landlord who is willing to rent your vacant space for pop ups, give me a buzz.

7.  Walkability will drive where employees want to work

In the global competition for corporate headquarters, and competition for the local market share, the CEOs who want to attract the best talent and continue their growth mode are listening to the needs of their future workforce.  Corporations are looking for neighbourhoods that provide a vibrant place for workers.  A place comprised of multi-uses and multi-tenants including that are all connected is critical in attracting companies by focusing on the interests of their Generation X and millennial employees. This mash-up of life and urbanism is the future. 

8.  Live Downtown

Over $900 million has been invested in our community into 140 projects in Winnipeg in recent years. The real story is about the re-emergence of the downtown residential market. 

In an era of rising gas and car ownership costs people have an appetite for better, faster, more comprehensive transit.  While the car may never disappear, those multiple-vehicle lease payments are starting to make Winnipeggers realize that living in an downtown condo can provide a better quality of life with a lot of connectivity.

With the population of over 16,000 residents, and the recent arrival of new residents in the newest downtown towers, downtown is becoming a neighbourhood again. Homes including Glasshouse Modern design 21 storey residential glass tower, directly across the street from the MTS Centre with approximately 200 loft-style suites and the 234 unit Heritage Landing Soaring above the tree lined Assiniboine riverbank, will spur success. Residents eagerly anticipate the opening of D-Condos on the banks of the Assiniboine River, and the beginning of construction of SkyCity. This mixed use development will be the tallest building between Toronto and Calgary, home to over 400 luxury suites.

9.  Indigenization of our Downtown and City 

 A recent article in the Globe and Mail, “Canada’s growing Indigenous population reshaping cities across the country”, clearly demonstrates the changing nature of our city in the next decade with the increasing growth prominence of our indigenous community.  Over the last few years there has been a concerted effort by our City Government, stakeholders and business groups like the BIZ to embrace the challenges and forge new relationship with our Indigenous community, starting with reconciliation.  The announcement of the “year of reconciliation,” by the City of Winnipeg was our response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report on the historical legacy of the residential schools system. 

This is the beginning of a process, or a call to action, strengthened with informed community partnerships, and Indigenous leadership. Together we collectively aim to amplify, inform and celebrate the full potential of our Indigenous community.  Celebrating Indigenous art, heritage, culture and more has the potential to instill a collective pride and understanding. Strategic investments in youth education, training, and entrepreneurship are the cornerstones to a City of prosperity, health and stability for our Indigenous community and a more resilient Winnipeg.

 These trends will drive our downtown into 2017 and beyond. The BIZ has just launched our Strategic Plan with eight strategies to continue moving forward. With continued focus on these priorities and partnerships with businesses, developers, investors, planners, stakeholders, government and more, the City will continue to move forward. We must all pay attention to and act accordingly to the trends to maintain growth and opportunity!

-Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Downtown for and of the People

Thousands of women and their supporters took to the streets in Washington D.C and in cities across the United States, Canada and around the world in anti-Trump marches. These marches – powerful, historic and inclusive – took place in their respective cities’ downtown neighbourhoods.

In Washington, the site of the largest gathering, a crowd of half a million people met in solidarity to denounce their new president and assert their basic human rights. The gathering took place downtown.

In Toronto, 60,000 people of all ages and representing all faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds gathered at Queen’s Park in the city’s downtown.

And In Winnipeg, more than a thousand people from all corners of our city packed into the atrium at Portage Place Shopping Centre before proceeding to march up and down iconic Portage Avenue, singing cheering and chanting together in the heart of downtown.

Every march needs a gathering place. Every march needs a meeting place – a place that is familiar to and central to the lives of those coming together in common cause.  

That meeting place needs to be accessible. It needs to be familiar and prominent, safe and tolerant, and able to accommodate big and impassioned crowds.

It needs to be a place that respects diversity; a place where everyone feels welcome. It needs to be a place that is historical, meaningful and inspirational; a place that bears witness, embraces participants and encourages spectators to look and listen and learn.

This past month, in hundreds of cities around the world that meeting place was the downtown, proving once again that in spite of the challenges presented by urban sprawl, downtowns remain vital to their cities and to their citizens.

Downtowns have a unique sense of place that derives from their role as the starting point of their respective cities. They are where their cities’ government, culture, commerce and civic society first began. They are, historically, where city residents have always come together as one.

Here in Winnipeg our downtown has always been a central and inclusive meeting place – a place where people have gathered, raised their voices, held their signs aloft, marched the streets, and been heard and respected and kept safe.

With this march, and many before it and more to come, Winnipeg’s downtown demonstrated that it continues to be such a place - a place where Winnipeggers can loudly and proudly talk about what matters to them, a place where Winnipeggers can come together for any number of causes and concerns.

Downtown is where they can protest presidents or prime ministers, demand action on behalf of missing and murdered women, or celebrate historic anniversaries or unprecedented sports team victories.

As it has done so many times before, downtown Winnipeg once again proved that it is the ideal meeting and marching place, a warm and welcoming public venue eager to give all Winnipeggers the chance to stand up and be heard.

Every march needs a gathering place. In Winnipeg, that gathering place will always be downtown.                          

-Stefano

[stefanogrande]

Downtown Safety Perceptions and Realities

How safe is our downtown? 

While that is a question that is still top-of-mind for many people in the downtown, there has been a recent shift in the public’s understanding and perception of what comprises and causes safety issues and crime. This shift in perception became evident during the BIZ’s consultations with 2,000 downtown stakeholders this past summer. More so than at any time in the past, it seems that downtowners now clearly understand that downtown safety challenges are largely related to and result from poverty, homelessness and mental health struggles and addictions.

This is not to say that crime does not exist downtown. It does.  And as we have seen this last month, these social challenges at times cross the line into something more serious that effects citizens of our City.  But downtown crime is not as widespread as once imagined. In fact, with only five to seven percent of all City crime occurring downtown, according to Winnipeg Crimestats, downtown crime is at its lowest level ever.

This reduced crime rate is largely due to several proactive measures undertaken in the last few years. These include the creation of the Downtown Biz Cadet and Watch Ambassador programs, as well as a significant increase in downtown police foot patrols. These initiatives, combined with frequent open dialogue and collaborative efforts between all safety stakeholders, have made our downtown as crime free as possible. A new Winnipeg Police Services Downtown Safety Program, called Centreline, is also certain to reinforce this trend by assigning even greater WPS resources to the area. With 100,000 Winnipeggers coming to the downtown neighbourhood each day, policing remains a top priority. Still, in order to see real change regarding the issue of downtown safety, it is imperative that attention be paid to such persistent issues as poverty and addictions.

I bring my kids downtown on a regular basis for several reasons. One is that there is a lot to do and see downtown, including the Goldeyes, the Moose and the Jets, Prairie Theater Exchange, the YMCA, the library and the art gallery. There are as well many cool places to eat and festivals and concerts to attend. Another reason is that the downtown lets my kids see and experience a diversity of people and cultures that can’t be found anywhere else in our city. The cosmopolitan nature of the neighbourhood teaches my kids to value and understand diversity, and to be tolerant of and accepting of different people. It also helps them to see and understand that among the wealth and plethora of much of our city, there exists another unfortunate reality. Among all the great places to visit downtown and all the great activities to participate in, my children see that poverty, addictions and homelessness are also found in our downtown. In witnessing this reality, they also come to see the need for change.

Understandably, some people are frightened by this reality and taken aback when they are approached by a panhandler or a homeless person, especially if it is aggressively. Citizens who are themselves struggling with addictions and against other social barriers face even more pronounced safety challenges.   

So how do we as a community tackle this issue of safety? How do we end poverty and homelessness?  How do we help people with addictions and with mental health concerns?  

I have to tell you, no one really has an answer, but a series of initiatives is currently being developed to help find solutions. The Downtown BIZ, together with the City and the MLCC, recently announced that it will launch a team of outreach workers whose sole purpose will be to help individuals challenged by addictions, mental health woes and/or homelessness to access appropriate resources, services and supports. At the same time, End Homelessness Inc. continues its efforts to increase the number of supportive housing projects in the city for those living on the streets. As well, both the federal government and the City of Winnipeg are investing millions in sustaining and creating new housing and supports to end homelessness, while the provincial government and the WRHA, in addition to investing in resources, are working with the Health and Safety Alliance to figure out how current systems and processes can evolve to better respond to housing and social needs. These initiatives are in their infant stages, but their collaborative nature is certain to yield positive results and affect positive change.

In its determination to make the downtown as safe as possible, the BIZ is committed to championing and advocating for the implementation of all these new initiatives.

To be honest, I am not sure if we will ever get to the point where absolutely everyone feels that the downtown is safe. But I am optimistic that if the downtown community is allowed to lead, and if comes together in the best interests of all downtown stakeholders, our downtown safety challenges will be more than adequately addressed and we will be able to create a downtown core that is significantly tolerant, diverse and safe for all.

[stefanogrande]

Why work Downtown?

 Since the first shop opened its doors at Portage and Main, downtown Winnipeg has been the centre of business. In particular, having that Portage and Main address has been proof that you’re in the big leagues.

 With approximately 60,000 people making downtown their place of work, downtown is a proven centre for Winnipeg’s business community.

 Today’s workforce spends a bulk of their lives at the office, and so it’s no surprise that a healthy, positive work environment is vital, for both employees and for the bottom line of business. Trends show young people are putting more and more value on a good office environment that offers and enhanced quality of life, and value. Let’s face it: if you’re going to spend over 40 hours a week at work—often logging more hours on the job than with your family—a healthy, stimulating, diverse and vibrant workplace is important.

 Downtown Winnipeg offers a dynamic, diverse and stimulating environment that provides value-added benefits for employees that cannot be found elsewhere in the city.

 Downtown’s rich surroundings provide an environment to celebrate diversity of ages, incomes and race; ideal for broadening one’s perspective of the larger society and providing a strong foundation to nurture the leaders of tomorrow. Downtown provides an ideal working environment, particularly for office workers.

 Sure, you will come across the occasional panhandler—most of whom will also wish you a “good day”—and you do have to pay for parking. But you can also park indoors, or choose to ride the bus (all routes lead to downtown) and maybe actually finally find time to read a good book (which you picked up at the Millennium Library on your lunch break, of course!)

 Working downtown means you have the best of what Winnipeg has to offer at your doorstep. Say goodbye to the mundane lunch break, with downtown’s many dining options, plenty of shops and services nearby for running errands, and lunchtime concerts. After work, downtown workers can easily catch a play, sports game or concert, or unwind at a café or pub with a coworker.

 When you’re downtown, you’re close to medical appointments, meetings with clients, and luncheons. Plus, you’re part of an exciting atmosphere, regularly crossing paths with other professionals on the sidewalks or in the skywalks, walking amidst some of Winnipeg’s most historic and inspiring architecture, and generally enjoying the fast-paced bustle of a city centre. And that doesn’t mean there aren’t places to relax: there are several parks throughout downtown that offer a chance for solace.

 Working downtown means you’re part of a larger community the moment you step out of the office.

 And best of all, you get front row seats to downtown’s revival. Next up is True North Square!

 We want to encourage more businesses to consider coming downtown, joining the ranks of some of Winnipeg’s corporate citizens committed to the birthplace of our City.

 Downtown Winnipeg is the training ground for the leaders of tomorrow. Its unique qualities and intrinsic value should be considered as part of any employee benefit package, especially by businesses looking to foster growth and success in their business and in their employees.

 You’ll be glad you chose downtown. And your employees will thank you…once they realize they’re trading that free parking spot for an amazing urban experience!

ۜ�F2�

[stefanogrande]

Downtowns – Belong to the People

This past weekend hundreds of thousands of women and their supporters took to the streets in Washington D.C and in cities across the United States, Canada and around the world in anti-Trump marches. These marches – powerful, historic and inclusive – took place in their respective cities’ downtown neighbourhoods. In Washington, the site of the largest gathering, a crowd of half a million people met in solidarity to denounce their new president and assert their basic human rights. The gathering took place downtown. In Toronto, 60,000 people of all ages and representing all faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds gathered at Queen’s Park in the city’s downtown. And In Winnipeg, more than a thousand people from all corners of our city packed into the atrium at Portage Place Shopping Centre before proceeding to march up and down iconic Portage Avenue, singing cheering and chanting together in the heart of downtown. Every march needs a gathering place. Every march needs a meeting place – a place that is familiar to and central to the lives of those coming together in common cause.   That meeting place needs to be accessible. It needs to be familiar and prominent, safe and tolerant, and able to accommodate big and impassioned crowds. It needs to be a place that respects diversity; a place where everyone feels welcome. It needs to be a place that is historical, meaningful and inspirational; a place that bears witness, embraces participants and encourages spectators to look and listen and learn. Last Saturday, in hundreds of cities around the world that meeting place was the downtown, proving once again that in spite of the challenges presented by urban sprawl, downtowns remain vital to their cities and to their citizens. Downtowns have a unique sense of place that derives from their role as the starting point of their respective cities. They are where their cities’ government, culture, commerce and civic society first began. They are, historically, where city residents have always come together as one. Here in Winnipeg our downtown has always been a central and inclusive meeting place – a place where people have gathered, raised their voices, held their signs aloft, marched the streets, and been heard and respected and kept safe. This past weekend, Winnipeg’s downtown demonstrated that it continues to be such a place - a place where Winnipeggers can loudly and proudly talk about what matters to them, a place where Winnipeggers can come together for any number of causes and concerns. Downtown is where they can protest presidents or prime ministers, demand action on behalf of missing and murdered women, or celebrate historic anniversaries or unprecedented sports team victories. As it has done so many times before, downtown Winnipeg once again proved that it is the ideal meeting and marching place, a warm and welcoming public venue eager to give all Winnipeggers the chance to stand up and be heard. Every march needs a gathering place. In Winnipeg, that gathering place will always be downtown.       

[stefanogrande]

Today, the BIZ was honored to be invited a press conference of the Winnipeg Police Services, who announced the new Downtown Safety Strategy, Centreline What a perfect setting for this press conference – The Downtown Farmers Market, in our SHED District. 

 I joined WPS Inspector Jim Anderson and CentreVenture CEO Angela Mathieson from This setting was reflective of our vibrant downtown today over 100K people per day…Residents • Workers, students, visitors, Entertainment crowds in the evg. and shoppers 

 Downtown is the size of a small city, and subsequently deserves a greater focus on safety for everyone, and we are becoming more and more a 24 hour vibrant neighborhood too. 

 The new safety strategy released today is very much reflective of the needs of our downtown. On behalf of my BIZ Board Id’ like to give thanks to past Chief Clunis and our current Chief, Danny Smyth who through their vision, action, the plan and this press conference have recommitted to a healthier and safer downtown. And a huge thanks to all the WPS team who have been involved in creating this refreshed strategy. 

 There is something unique about this plan. 

The approach to building the plan has been authentic 

 • Survey and metric driven based on needs of our community 

 • The high level of community engagement in particular the engagement and involvement of the BIZes safety and Outreach Department, Shawn our Director, has been instrumental in championing the needs of our community. 

We feel that there has been an honest and open reflection of what working and what is not and a re commitment to downtown safety, and in a strategic manner.

And most importantly we sense and emotional buy into the plan by WPS. 

 And this emotional buy in goes beyond management, right down to the front line foot patrols. 

 I would like to particularly acknowledge the work of our WPS foot patrols who have been working with our Watch and CHAT program over the last several years, making a difference, building community. 

Emotional buy in for me at least, is the ingredient which sustains collaboration, commitment and success. 

 We also feel that this new WPSS plan has also been recently validated by downtowners who we interviewed over the summer as part of our own reflection on our own overall strategic plan. What we heard from over 2000 downtowners is that they are no longer talking about crime, but they are talking about the social challenges and safety perceptions. They feel the downtown is safe, but we need to move the needle more in the evening. They feel social intervention is the key to making our downtown safer and healthier for everyone. 

 And the WPS plan released, hits on all of these important reflections, and again acknowledges that safety in general can only be improved when crime prevention through a social lens is applied and in a collaborative manner. 

I’d like to thank the support of WPS and our Police Chief to improve our city, the commitment of City Hall, the Police Board and our Mayor for their commitment to our downtown that is safe and healthy for everyone.

[stefanogrande]

New Downtown Safety Plan Launched Today