I was saddened to hear that Cruz In Downtown may not happen this year.

The Downtown BIZ has been part of this wonderful event for the past decade. We have invested $40,000 in cash and $50,000 of in-kind support over this time. And the benefits have been tremendous, both for our downtown with tens of thousands of visitors attending over the decade, and for the charity(s) benefiting from the hard work of the organizers and volunteers.

In 2010, we went through a process of re-evaluating our strategic plan. We made the difficult decision to redirect our focus and funding to new events, to expanding events and to events that cannot occur without our cash or in-kind support. As a not-for-profit representing the interests of businesses downtown, we of course put a lot of thought into our budgetary decisions. The BIZ supports dozens of events every year, and we want to make sure we are helping those events that could not exist without our support.

The BIZ told the Cruz In event organizers in December 2010 that we were moving our $4,500 cash funding elsewhere. But we emphasized that we would work with them to replace this funding, and we pledged to continue to support the event with our numerous in-kind services (Watch ambassadors to provide safety and customer service patrols; Clean Team to clean the area before, during and after the event; administrative staff resources; help marketing the event; etc.) .

We also indicated that if the event organizers wanted to grow the Cruz In event, drawing more people, creating more economic spin-offs, that the BIZ would be very interested in stepping up ourselves, given the risk this direction entails.

We followed up the meeting with a letter clearly outlining this position.

Either way, we want this event to continue downtown, and our supports and offer of assistance will always be on the table.

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Blog from one of our passionate BIZ members who has run Paradise Perfume on Vaughan Street for 10 years:

As in any city across the country, we here in Winnipeg have our share of social issues. With summer almost upon us downtown will soon see an influx of panhandlers. Many people – mostly from the suburbs – complain to no avail that 'something' should be done. I agree. Something 'should' be done. About the complainers!

Local visitors to downtown generally have more difficulty accepting urban sub culture and respond by complaining...and then they go back home...to the suburbs.

Complaining about downtown issues isn't a solution. Maybe giving panhandlers money isn't either, but, we need to stop blaming them for the ills of the area.

Stop blaming the panhandlers. If they weren't getting any money they wouldn't be on streets holding out their cups for spare change.

They are only doing what they do. Just like all the rest of us.

Click here to donate to the BIZ's homeless work program, Change for the Better.

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By Lola Ilelaboye

"D". D is for downtown, delicious, delightful, watering holes...okay, so watering holes is two words and begins with a 'W' but you get the picture. Oh wait, do you get the picture? How about I just paint it for those of you still wondering what I'm talking about!

Picture this: A Friday afternoon. It's cold outside; the snow is blowing around your downtown office window like jack frost is having himself a grand soiree. It's almost lunchtime and you're hungry. You didn't bring (read: purposely didn't make) your lunch. You now have options...

Option A: Secretly hope your coworker will offer you a portion of the scrumptious deli style gourmet sandwich they learned how to make "from scratch" at their upscale cooking class (not a chance) Option B: Tough it out until day's end. I mean, you have a lot to do anyway, I'm sure you can "busy" away your growling tummy...*grooooowl*. (Ugh, maybe not). Option C: Head to one of two eateries that encompass the "3 Ds" of lunchtime cuisine: Eat Bistro and Kraut King both conveniently located on Garry Street downtown.

Options C it is. Why the 3 Ds you ask? Simply, Delightful Dining Downtown.

Kraut King: Upon walking into the Bavarian diner you immediately sense the unique warmth of the space. Tucked away under the urban setting of a parkade entrance, colourful blue, white and yellow painted brick-lay adorns the outside – you enter. A staff member greets you and encourages you to have a seat in one of only about 15 swiveling chairs gracing a counter that acts as both the serving station and your lunch table. A space so quaint, you hang your coat on the wall anchoring the narrow pathway behind your stool. Don't be misled by this seemingly David-esque diner in an area full of Goliaths, Kraut King packs a delicious punch! Serving up giant portions of Bavarian wares – bratwursts, and sauerkraut, and schnitezels OH MY – for gaspingly inexpensive prices, you'll walk away with a full belly, a less than dented wallet, and a smile. As the owner thanks you for coming in today and asks you to come again really soon you'll think to yourself, "take that jack frost".

Eat Bistro: Has there ever been a better lunchtime pairing than that of books and food? I think not! Quarky and unapologetic Aqua Books' café, Eat Bistro, is a feast for your mind and belly! As soon as you walk in, pre-owned but no less fabulous books garnish unique shelves creating an almost "Saturday afternoon at the lake" like feel. You're instantly transported into what seems like a cozy summer getaway during cabin season. Enter "grandma's cottage kitchen". The dining area, with its mismatched furniture and table dressings, floral accoutrements and wall papering, pays homage to the timelessness and retro feel of a plot passed down from generation to generation. And the food, ooooh the food! An assortment; from dips to dessert, you'll walk away feeling as sunny as California on even the bitterest of cold winter days! Everything is made with care, much from scratch, ranging from veggie, vegan, celiac and gluten-free options to delectable chicken dippers (in-house crafted chicken fingers to die for) for the meat lovers at heart. Oh and did I mention the dipping sauces?! Choose from about 20 flavor-bursting sauces for your dippers or home made pommes frites or tempura onion rings or to eat by the mini-bowl full... oops, that last one was an inner thought! And the desserts – cupcakes flavors like "root beer float" in mini sizes or the full monty! Footloose and Nut-Free, Eat Bistro serves up delicious fare that'll rejuvenate your senses and get you ready to face those last few hours of work.

So, after my slightly lengthy campaign for lunch, what comments am I able to leave with you regarding these two downtown gems?

Simply, the 3 Ds of lunchtime cuisine, Delightful Dining Downtown...but as our good friend LeVar Burton has taught us, you don't have to take my word for it.

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Who says we have to sit inside like a bunch of sad sacks for 4 months every year? Last Sunday, my husband and I decided to peel our hibernating butts off the couch and head outside for some good ol' fashioned Canadian winter fun.

We found ourselves at the River Trail at The Forks. The hubby brought along his skates and I rented a pair from the Mini Donut Shop (naturally!) for a mere $4, only $2 for the kiddies. We laced up and were gliding down the frozen river in no time.

You can skate, walk, run or snow shoe down the trail any day of the week. If you go this year you'll catch The Warming Hut: An Art + Architecture Exposition on Ice, featuring stunning huts designed by prominent artists and architects. Check out some of the photos I took of the huts below.

After, we warmed up with a tasty mate latte from the Human Bean and finished off a lovely wintery afternoon with warm cinnamon buns from Tall Grass Prairie.

- By Jolene Olive

Like most major cities across Canada, downtown Winnipeg deals with a perception problem when it comes to downtown safety. The perception is, people are sometimes afraid to come downtown because they must face its poverty. They might be asked for change by a panhandler something that can make people uncomfortable. These situations can lead to a perceived threat or danger for those visiting downtown.

But the reality is downtown's isn't a safety issue, it's a social one that is related poverty, addiction, mental health etc. We need to combat poverty and quality-of-life issues through a collaborative approach. If you give money to a panhandler, there is a 70 per cent chance that money will go to furthering addictions. Walking by someone in need on the street is a missed opportunity to help "give a hand up". We need your assistance to help provide a better quality-of-life to those in need.

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ continues to promote the fact that crime rates are low in our downtown (only 4-6 per cent of crimes that happen in the city, happen downtown). The BIZ also addresses the perception problem by developing or supporting programs to help address social issues. In 2006 the BIZ, in partnership with the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement, launched a 10-person Outreach Patrol program. A few of the main objectives of this program were to improve perception, expedite the transfer of intoxicated persons to a safer environment and to help link at-risk people to appropriate resources.

The BIZ also realizes the importance of linking those at-risk to key resources and employment programs. In partnership with Siloam Mission, the BIZ supports the Mission Off The Streets Team (MOST), which is an entry-level employment program that takes into consideration the dysfunctional work history of those who have faced poverty, addiction and homelessness and allows them to transition back into the workplace at their own rate or skill level. This program has already developed a proven track record and has even had a number of the participants graduate on to full-time employment with a number of organizations.

We also can't overlook the need to house the homeless and the BIZ is currently working with the Province of Manitoba on this. The research demonstration project on mental health and homelessness will help link up to 300 people to housing. Our Outreach team will help identify potential candidates through their work at street level.

If we want to improve the image of our downtown then it's incumbent on the community, not the police, to step up and play a major role in addressing the social issues. There's no doubt the BIZ is actively involved but we are looking to the rest of the community who want to take action and help.

What we are currently doing to improve safety conditions downtown:

The BIZ is home to over 150 volunteer Downtown Watch Ambassadors, who act as extra eyes and ears for our police. The SafeWalk program introduced in 2004, has provided over 4,503 SafeWalks to downtown patrons with over 1,000 completed in 2009 10 Outreach Patrol workers, who have special constable status, deal with intoxicated individuals. Since the program's inception in 2007, this team has assisted over 8,000 intoxicated individuals, saving lives and reducing the load on our fire and paramedic service. In December, 2008 the BIZ launched the new Downtown Security Network (DSN), which currently has over 170 members. The DSN helps improve networking and communication between members, with the goal of reducing crime and creating a safer downtown.

The DSN hosts bi-monthly town hall meetings for its members to network with one another and ask questions to Winnipeg Police representatives directly The BIZ also offers safety presentations to businesses and residence in the downtown offering tips on how we can all better protect ourselves

You can help in the following ways: Don't give to panhandlers. Instead, give to a social agency such as the Change for the Better Program. Report safety issues when you see them happen by contacting the Downtown Watch at 958-SAFE (7233) or #SAFE, a free call from any MTS cell phone or payphone. The Downtown Watch will notify the WPS when necessary.

By Rick Joyal & Michelle Golebiowski

Have You Heard ...?

The BIZ is Going to the Worms – Red Wriggler Worms To be Exact!

As part of the Downtown BIZ's ongoing wellness program as well as being a Workplace in Motion and watching our physical and emotional wellbeing, the BIZ is also concerned about the environment and our influence on it.

In order to minimize our personal carbon footprint, the BIZ is embarking on an internal environmental adventure. One of the areas of concern is the food waste a staff of 50+ healthy eaters can accumulate each day, week, month and year. We needed a small solution for the remnants of all our "healthy" eating habits. There is a lot of fruit and vegetable waste at the BIZ. As we swat at the fruit flies between garbage trips, a great idea has been hatched, namely, to bring in the worms! Perhaps they can handle this buggy problem that pours out of our garbage bins, soon to fill the dumpsters.

The BIZ is entrusting our waste to the worms – red wriggler worms to be exact! We received one pound of hungry worms from the Red Wriggler Haven and are depending on them to eat our leftovers. The BIZ mixes fruit and vegetable matter with used printing paper, feeding it to our new "pets" and in return we get nutrient rich vermicompost to use in our spring plantings.

In addition to vermicomposting, the BIZ has signed up for a monthly recycling pick-up service. What do you do with your recyclable business waste?

Another area in which the BIZ is environmentally prudent is transportation, specifically how the BIZ employees get to work. We are proud to report that almost two-thirds of the BIZ staff walk, cycle (seasonal), and bus to work. The BIZ supports the Winnipeg Transit Eco Pass program and participates in a cost-sharing program with the staff. Did you know that Stefano Grande, the BIZ executive director, bikes to work all summer from East St. Paul? No wonder we can't keep up with him as he runs from one meeting to the next!

Talking about meetings, BIZ business and committee meetings will see an environmental change as well by reducing the amount of paper being used for copied materials. The new initiative will see presentations done through PowerPoint, flipcharts, and conference calls. The fewer copies being printed means less paper being thrown out. Did I mention how much BIZ information is printed on recycled paper?

And how about the committee lunches! The BIZ is now a Styrofoam-free zone, so no Styrofoam plates, cups or fast food containers are allowed. We use permanent glass dishes and cutlery to decrease the disposable waste and are implementing a "no canned drinks" policy at our meetings. The number of drink cans flowing out of the board room garbage can was a real eye-opener. Large tetra packs of juice and filtered water will always be available.

The whole staff at the Downtown BIZ is making an effort to be environmentally responsible and hopes you will join us in changing your own habits. Just think of the healthier environment we are creating if we all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint. Get on board and join the BIZ environmental initiative! By the way, do you want to know a great place to pick up some of the hungriest worms...Red Wriggler Worms to be exact?!

Deb Tomiski January 2010

The cranes are out in droves but so are 'for lease' signs. Where we're at and where we're going in terms of urban renewal.

By Holli Moncrieff

Winnipeg's downtown is undergoing a period of exciting revitalization. In just ten years, the city has become a leader in economic growth and development.

New developments strategically chosen to add life and vibrancy to the area have enjoyed brilliant success. The MTS Centre continues to draw people in record numbers, while Red River College's Princess Street campus attracts students and young professionals to the neighbourhood.

Dozens of new boutiques, restaurants and condominiums have made the Exchange one of the hippest, fashion-forward districts in the city, while older attractions like the Forks, the Manitoba Museum, and the theatre district continue to hold their own, says Stuart Duncan, president of Destination Winnipeg.

"Winnipeg is a city on a roll. It has a great history and a bright future," Duncan says. "The number of people coming downtown today has literally transformed the area, and our job is all about creating more reasons to come to Winnipeg."

Downtown The Canwest ballpark, the Millennium library, and the new Manitoba Hydro building have also had significant impact, says Jim August, CEO of the Forks North Portage Partnership.

"Our objective is to create a welcoming and interesting downtown that is clean and safe, where people feel comfortable," he says. "Any great downtown does have great public spaces, places where people can relax and enjoy themselves."

August is excited about the upcoming Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which he's convinced will bring even more people downtown. "The museum will stabilize one end of the Forks that was waiting for something to happen," he says. "With the museum coming on, we'll have to develop a few things."

The developments will include a parking structure against the rail line. Condominiums at the Forks are still in the business plan as well. "Many would argue that a place like the Forks needs people living on it to keep it dynamic," says August. "We currently have 13,000-14,000 people living downtown, and it would be nice to double that in 15 years."

Lisa Holowchuk, executive director of the Exchange District Biz Improvement Zone, agrees that encouraging more people to become residents is the next step that needs to be taken.

"More people living downtown will lead to improved shops and services," she says. "There are interesting opportunities for residential living in the Exchange District. You can't find this type of architecture anywhere else in the city."

The Exchange District Biz has undertaken a three-phase, $3-to-$4-million project to revitalize Old Market Square, which is the heart of the annual jazz and fringe festivals. The renovation will include landscaping, improvements to sidewalks and hard surfaces, sinking the lawn and slanting it toward the stage to provide perimeter seating, more trees and flowers, and an improved stage.

"The Exchange District is well positioned for growth. There's a boutique flavour developing, with a lot of new shops opening up," says Holowchuk. "It's becoming more of a neighbourhood. It's still 9-to-5, but that's slowly changing."Red River College has plans to develop another historic building in the Exchange. If the deal goes ahead, the College will turn the old Union Bank Tower into a unique residence for students in the culinary arts program. "Converting historic buildings for modern use is a fairly expensive venture. Many are still empty or under-utilized for this reason," Holowchuk says. "The best way to preserve a historic building is to find a new use for it."

The University of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Convention Centre also have expansion plans. The proposed Convention Centre expansion will be over 100,000 square feet."This expansion will put us back in competition with other cities for the big conventions," says Justin Swandel, city councillor for planning and development. Creating more reasons for people to come downtown also means ensuring that the area feels safe, welcoming and comfortable.

Downtown The Downtown Biz and Exchange District Biz have worked hard towards that end by implementing programs that focus on community policing, litter and graffiti removal, and sidewalk cleaning. They also beautify the downtown with flowers, greenery, murals and banners."We provide extra ears and eyes, which is effectively reducing the rate of crime downtown," says Stefano Grande, executive director of the Downtown Biz Improvement Zone. "We want people to have a pleasant experience when they come downtown."

The Downtown Biz's outreach program has operated for the past two years to resolve another issue--helping intoxicated people get off the streets. The program responds to business and public concerns, and will transport people in need to shelters, clinics, or even hospitals. During the year, the outreach program also hands out water and snacks to the homeless, along with mitts and toques in the winter months."We'll connect them with service providers if they're willing and ready to get off the street. If they are ready to work, we'll hire them to help us clean up the downtown," Grande explained. "It's been extremely successful."

The implementation of closed-circuit security cameras, starting next January, will also improve people's level of comfort when walking downtown, says Swandel."The cameras will help deter some of the negative activity happening downtown," he adds. "People will have a feeling of security, which will encourage more to want to live downtown." Convincing beverage rooms to change their function in the downtown would also be a step in the right direction. August commends the Gordon Hotel, which has been transformed into a youth hostel and neighbourhood pub. "All of the new projects are important," he says. "The challenge is making the economics work."The Downtown Biz is actively involved in lobbying for tax cuts for developers to make building in the area more economically feasible. They are also strongly behind the plan for rapid transit.

"We're advocates for a strong housing market in the downtown," says Grande. "Over a billion dollars has been invested in our downtown in the last five years, but we need more people living there." Everyone agrees that the city still has a lot to do in order to completely revitalize the downtown, but all are excited about the steps that have been taken so far. "I would like to see Winnipeggers enjoying the rewards of an efficient rapid transit system and the residential and commercial development that comes with it. I would like to see us make significant progress to repair our crumbling roads and bridges, and efficient alternative transportation routes so that our cyclists can safely commute city-wide," says Mayor Sam Katz. "I would like to see Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans cheering our home team to victory in a brand new stadium, and most importantly, I would love for Winnipeg to be a city where everyone feels safe on our streets."

Duncan would like to see more Winnipeggers feel proud of the city they live in."Winnipeg needs to cultivate a more positive attitude toward our city. When opportunity exists, people and investors follow. The key is to develop more opportunities," he says. "Winnipeg succeeds when public and private partners work together. It doesn't happen overnight, but it all adds up." August is convinced that Winnipeg is capable of creating a vibrant and well-populated downtown.

"There are people who would say 'who cares about the downtown?' but the downtown is the heart and soul of a city," he says. "If you turn your back on it, it won't come back."

We have received wonderful feedback for our Ciclovia event, held Sunday, September 13, 2009.

We want to hear what you thought of Ciclovia! Please let us know.

Here's what people having been saying on our Facebook and Twitter:

Ciclovia was awesome - we should do it at least once a month in good weather.

What a fantastic day for a bike festival. On my way!!

It was amazing!

What a well organized event! Lots of fun for all ages. Way to go to all the organizers and volunteers!

The Crooked Brothers gave the best live performances of all the buskers!

I think next time, they should close off both sides of Broadway too, and make one side for bike traffic only. In fact, they should do that all summer long! It may take a few tries, but I think summer events like this on Broadway could become a regular mainstay in downtown Winnipeg.

Ciclovia was great fun. So much to see and do. Zumba, music, games for the kids. Loved the Crooked Brothers. Lots of good buskers and artists. Do it again next year, please.

GREAT event today. I met tons of people at my kiosk in the artisans area. Same time, same place next year??

I took my daughter, we had a great time. She loved dancing to all the music.

im having a gr8 time @ cyclovia!

Sir,

Sunday evening, I had the occasion of riding in your BIZ zone. Portage Avenue looked very very nice. All the flowers are beautiful. I noticed a coffee shop at the corner of Vaughan and Portage. A good infill. I know that the Avenue Building and the building beside it have been sold, but the owners don't know what to do with them. Build apartments. Open concept. From the front window all the way back to the brick wall. Have reasonable rates and I would move there. In the meantime, remove the sheets of plywood. Put a dark background and something dark on the floor. Then, put a piece of art in each window. Now, it leaves only those buildings on Portage, between Donald and Hargrave, to be sold or rented. This piece of land would be the perfect place for our Symphony Hall.

Yours truly, R. Werbics (Winnipeg)

from The Sausage Factory with Dan Lett 29/06/2009

This past weekend I was lucky enough to spend most of Saturday and part of Sunday in Winnipeg's downtown.

As a belated anniversary present, my wife and I stayed overnight (sans enfants) at Inn at the Forks, toured the Forks market and ate at a new downtown restaurant. If not for the horrendous weather, our plans had included trips to some of our favorite Exchange district galleries. Next time.

This is not the first time we have deliberately sampled downtown culture. We are reasonably frequent guests of the Inn at the Forks and try to, as many times as possible, eat and recreate downtown. I often pick up my kids early from daycare to meet my wife downtown, where she works, for dinner at the Wagon Wheel restaurant. We do many birthday and other special event meals in downtown restaurants. I try to shop at downtown stores when I can.

During this most recent downtown adventure, I had pause to recall an email from a reader sent to me earlier that week. I had written a column criticizing city council for its lack of initiative in dealing with Winnipeg's infrastructure deficit. I suggested that more could and should be done by the city itself, and that Mayor Sam Katz should dial down the whining to a more manageable level. Finally, I suggested the city's property tax freeze was an unwise policy, and that council should look at justifiable tax increases to get a handle on infrastructure.

The response to the column was robust, with many people supporting my position and many others criticizing it. One response stood out.

"Your article is probably one of a hundred that has been written about Winnipeg's property taxes in the last five years that depicts a basic conversation without any solid facts and just more opinions of what should be done in this city to cure the many ills in this city," wrote one life-long Winnipegger.

"As an individual that has crossed this Country a hundred times and has visited every major city enough times to evaluate just how pathetic this city has become over the last 25 + years. For example, a billion + taxpayer's dollars has been tossed into the Downtown core with out any tangible results. We, after 20 +years can still debate the opening up of Portage & Main to pedestrian traffic for hours on end, why? It is literally impossible to do anything that will truly make us an outstanding or at least equal to other cities without some special interest group with no skin in a project other than to grab some headlines and then regress into name calling and then put any project into years of delays and debates.

"As for property taxes, despite having freezes for 10 + years, then I ask you why do we still have some of the highest property taxes in this Country and where has all the money gone?"

I responded in kind, and indicated that there were some aspects of this commentary I agreed with. I think that it is difficult to get things done in this city. Personally, I think city hall has become a place good ideas go to die. However, I felt the need to point out the following facts:

• First, Winnipeg no longer has among the highest property taxes in Canada. In the Edmonton Survey of tax and utility charges (the bible for comparison of municipal tax burdens) Winnipeg is now in the bottom 25 per cent of urban centres when it comes to property tax levels. Not a surprise after a decade of tax freezes.

• Second, that while not everyone will agree, I actually think that downtown has undergone quite a transformation in the last 20 plus years. Although I have written in favor of more aggressive policies to encourage downtown development, the core of the city is in many respects much different. My theory is that student residences now being established for the U of W and Red River College, additional Waterfront Drive residential development, and additional small business openings in the core will continue that positive trend.

• That if there is a concern here, it is that Winnipeg spent more money per capita on municipal services and infrastructure 10 years ago than it does now. This is a disastrous trend that will continue to erode both our services and hard infrastructure.

I acknowledge that many people do not know these facts, or do not agree with my perspective. In general, I find the people who object most vociferously do not actually spend much time downtown. I continue to spend as much time as possible downtown, and at the very least that gives me some evidence on which to base my opinions. I only wish more people traveled downtown, even if it was in an attempt to prove me wrong.

The debate over the state of downtown will forever be a struggle between the glass-half-full crowd, and the glass-half-empty crowd. But surely we should acknowledge that Winnipeg now – whether we're talking about downtown development or property tax levels – is much different than it was 20 years ago. It still has many problems, and there should be no abatement in work to make it a better place to live and work. But on a go-forward basis, perhaps we should ask ourselves an important question:

Is bad mouthing downtown the best way to make it better?

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