Downtown BIZ Blog

Reaching Out

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:04:00 -0700

Last weeks media frenzy of the Kraut King closing down its doors citing public intoxication as an issue came on the heels of our announcement of additional support for the continuation of our Outreach Program. This is the initiative which helps intoxicated people off the street. The timing is ironic and is a reminder of the challenges that face downtown. I personally saw those challenges last week when I joined my Litter Control team, in full uniform, out on the streets of downtown to pick up litter. As I was busy cleaning, I noticed an older aboriginal man in distress and intoxicated. I asked if I could help him. He asked me to take him somewhere safe and that he was drunk and that he did not know where he was. He said he was scared. I told him not to worry that the Outreach would be called. "Yes", he said, "take me to the Main Street Project, I need to sleep," and then he apologized. Younger acquaintances of his passed by and his bravado came to light. High fiving, stagger dancing, shouting to a female passerby "hey cutie can you spare a buck", as the public waiting for a transit bus nearby watched the scene, clearly not impressed. His friends high fived me too and thanked me for helping him and they moved on. He then began to cry again asking for water and told me he was hungry. I told him my team would be there with water and to help in a few minutes. He apologized profusely for causing problems again. He could no longer stand upright, so I helped him to a nearby bench at a Church. Then as an older woman passed by, his energy and bravado returned, and the cursing began again. The woman knew him. She said she was his wife. She too thanked me for helping, and she moved on, too, telling me she can't help him, and did not want him. During this 10-minute episode I witnessed why some people who come downtown feel scared. It is very difficult to get past the bravado and behaviour of these individuals to see and understand what's really happening - that certain segments of our community ? the homeless, addicted and those afflicted with mental illnesses - are hurting. The Outreach team arrived. He was genuinely happy. Our senior staff knows almost every street person, their stories their issues. They truly care about not only addressing the safety issues our business members and the public, but are truly concerned for the street people themselves. I was reminded that this person needed help, and quickly. Our Outreach program is working, and it needs to continue. I was also reminded that managing the issue is not enough. Helping the number of intoxicated, homeless and people afflicted with mental illnesses get off the streets, permanently, is where we need to go as a City. The Outreach team is on the front lines. They observe, listen and talk to the people that they help off the street. These people see their own issues, and are trying to get to the solution. They fear for their safety, not only what they will do to themselves but what others will do to them. They want a safe place to live where they won't be evicted because of their issues. They need help to deal with their addictions. Lastly many want to work. In the last six years, we have seen more and more stakeholders in our City understand and slowly support these ideas and programs as long-term solutions; joining other cities with similar issues. Older notions and opinions of shutting down hotels, where some of these street people live, and moving liquor stores has not worked. It has not worked for Main Street, nor will it work for any other area. These less fortunate will find another downtown place to hang out and another place to buy cheap substances, and the cycle of despair and social disorder will continue. Today, there are more businesses opening every month, more people living, working and visiting our downtown, despite these challenges. There is no doubt that the continued re-investment and redevelopment in our downtown will carry on. This is testament that Winnipeggers are tolerant and understanding. But we were reminded last week that Winnipeggers want a fully and completely revitalized downtown, one that includes helping an older person with serious addiction issues, which today not many are willing to stop and help.

Summer in the City

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:55:00 -0700

Summer is always a very busy time for downtown. It's that time of year when festivals, events and concerts burst out, filling our streets with people, music and entertainment. Whether it's the Fringe Festival, a free concert in the park, or a Goldeyes game, there is always something great happening downtown. I'm particularly excited about this summer because one the biggest events we've ever put on is happening. Lights on Broadway and Ciclovia take place from September 10-12, and I can't begin to tell you how fantastic it's going to be. For three days, we're shutting down a portion of Broadway and bringing programming for everyone. We're getting a lot of help from our friends at Manitoba Homecoming 2010, Manitoba Hydro, Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010 and the City of Winnipeg. It all starts with a Lighting Design Competition. We've invited four top-notch lighting designers from across North America to come show off what they can do. They'll each be lighting a block of Broadway, focusing on the majestic elms that line the street. The designs will not only be eye-catching, they will also use the latest in energy-saving technology and be designed to protect delicate nature of the trees. They'll be setting up on the evening of September 10 and the competition will run on the evenings of September 11 and 12. The competition includes a jury selection and the winning design will be chosen to create what we hope will be a permanent lighting installation on Broadway in 2011. We hope this competition is just the beginning of a legacy to be enjoyed by generations to come. As the designers set up on Broadway, we'll also be showing a Movie in the Park on the lawn of Memorial Park. Bring the kids, the grandkids and even the adults and sit and relax under the stars as classic favourite The Princess Bride is shown on a giant inflatable screen. Also on September 10, Taste of Downtown Winnipeg kicks off. This three-day wine and cheese festival happens in Memorial Park. Seven wine tasting clusters will feature different varieties of wine, including one with rare, vintage varieties. As you sip your shiraz, you can also nibble on gourmet cheese, olives and crackers. The event continues throughout the weekend on Saturday and Sunday as well. Moving on to Saturday, September 11, we've got Dance on Broadway. Get that salsa lesson you've always wanted or swing to the beats of the Ron Paley big band. We've dubbed it "the biggest dance party in the world" when two stages will rotate performers all evening long. Watch for two spectacular stages--one designed to look like a dust bowl dance hall and the other a discotheque. If all that activity isn't enough, there is another full day of excitement happening on Sunday, September 12 as well. In the morning there is the 10+10 Running Race starting and ending in Memorial Park. This 10 km or 10 mile race is perfect for the whole family. The scenic route makes it way down Wellington Crescent and Assiniboine Park and heads back downtown where tons of entertainment is waiting for you. Sign up at runningroom.com. And for those who love their swag, all entrants get a technical t-shirt and finisher's medal as well. After you've burned a few calories running, head back to Broadway for Ciclovia. This is the second year we've put on the healthy-living, eco-friendly event and we know it's going to be even bigger and better. Last September, almost 10,000 people came down to the north side of Broadway which was closed to traffic from Osborne to Main Street. We celebrated active transportation with bike demos, healthy lifestyles with fitness classes and the community with a farmers' market, kids zone, craft market, music and so much more. The Forks will also be hosting a concert at Scotiabank Stage that afternoon. It's going to be an amazing weekend that I know will foster community spirit. For more details be sure to visit our website at downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Who Approved That?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:57:00 -0700

With significant downtown financing tools and various sector plans being assembled, it's now time for downtown zoning to evolve so that it encourages developers to invest and develop our downtown while supporting the downtown vision--a dense, pedestrian-oriented and charming area. By reverting to Form-Based Codes (FBC) in specific areas of downtown, this vision can be achieved much quicker. Gone could be the days of the public saying "who approved that ugly building?"; developers lamenting "why is it so hard to do business?"; followed up by everyone saying "oh well, I guess we will learn for next time." FBC's are a new North American downtown urban planning response that clearly demonstrates to the development community what the city's expectations and vision are. FBC's are also a response the modern challenges of urban sprawl, deterioration of historic downtowns, and building designs that do not capitalize on the character of existing streets or areas. The Form-Based Codes Institute best explain FBC's as "providing greater predictability about the look and feel of development and why it functions as a place than a conventional zoning ordinance. They offer developers a clearer understanding of what the community seeks. In addition, FBCs can make it easier for citizens to help create the physical development they want, which will more likely lead to the acceptance of new developments and the street infrastructure investments needed to support the community vision." The need for FBC's could not have been more apparent than when the Rubin Spletzer's plan to build an apartment complex on Assiniboine Avenue--after graciously passing on his preferred site, the future home of the Upper Fort Garry interpretive centre. With all the talk about the need for more affordable downtown housing, you would think the city would have grabbed at this proposal--a 24-story tower with 12 townhouse units. Instead, Mr. Spletzer and his architect were sent back to the drawing board, costing them thousands more, to bring back a second design that would best achieve the downtown vision. Mr. Spletzer's initial design was declined for a few reasons such as it wasn't pedestrian friendly and would have lead to a stark, unfriendly sidewalk that felt unsafe. The townhouse units, that were included to extend active uses and eyes on the street, had no direct connection to the sidewalk, located 20 feet above grade (on the third story). While the planners involved should be applauded for knowing a good design will indeed lead to a better and safer space, more entrepreneurial planning departments are starting understand that the time to address that issue is before any design is created in the first place, allowing the community to play a role in setting the standards. If these design guidelines are critical for this specific area, why not make them a part of the area's zoning laws, so developers know what is expected of them up front? It's time to let our young planners loose and encourage them to change this confrontational approach and move towards a system that not only tells the developers upfront what the city will expect from a design standard, but clearly points to the vision of our downtown, street by street. Building downtown is not the same as building in the suburbs. Other cities have already moved in this direction, so we don't need to worry about being pioneering and making mistakes. The mistakes have already been made by someone else and cities like Winnipeg can not only learn from them but also tailor our FBC's to suit our downtown. Being clear and upfront with developers planning to invest millions in our downtown by making them aware of already agreed upon design standards, will only make our city more business friendly, create less confusion, save everyone time and money, and will lead us more quickly to our vision.

Why T.O.?

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:11:00 -0700

Share During a recent visit to downtown Toronto, I saw they have some problems. It was dirty; litter was everywhere and the trash cans overflowed. Graffiti has found a permanent home on the walls and panhandlers sit on every other corner. I stood next to a crumbling historical building, so in need of repair, dozens of passersby had to hurry to avoid being hit by the debris falling off the building's facade (don't worry, no one got hurt). As I stood there on the busy sidewalk, I remembered a comment I heard from a downtown advocate asking, "what it is going to take for our city to take preserving our history seriously?" For three days I walked around exploring Toronto's urban jungle. Not a police officer was to be found, except those directing pedestrians away from the aforementioned crumbling building. I saw hundreds of cyclists on the road and bikes attached to trees and lamp standards as I struggled to find a visibly marked bike route or bike lock-up. Even in downtown Toronto, the principles of sound city planning are slowly being rediscovered. And yet, downtown Toronto is one of the most exhilarating, exciting and vibrant downtowns in North America. It oozes that urban lifestyle from every crack and corner. Sunday shopping on Yonge Street was crazy that weekend, while the lineups outside theatres, plays and restaurants were almost unimaginable to a native Winnipegger. I saw the old and new downtown districts, all within walking distance of the action, each offering its own unique flair and flavour. They offered a diversity that draws people to the sidewalk like magnets. I saw block upon block of people walking everywhere. But then what else would you expect with over 200,000 people living downtown and almost a million more travelling in and out of downtown every day? They come to work, to study, and to visit and they get there through a multitude of integrated transit options. Playing the role of naive tourist, I asked my cabdriver why was downtown was so busy. He had a simple but telling response. "Everyone wants to live downtown." I asked him why that was, to which he promptly replied, "There are only two types of people in Toronto--those that live downtown, don't own a car, walk everywhere and enjoy all downtown has to offer, and then there are the other people with kids, who spend half their lives in their car commuting from the suburbs. But more and more people want to enjoy life, so everyone is moving downtown." A brilliant observation that explained the dozens of cranes still building condos all of which were over 70 per cent sold, starting at $350,000 for 400 square feet of paradise, despite a so-called recession. I know there is no real comparison between the market and population size, nor the traffic congestion, between Toronto and Winnipeg--all factors that drive downtown renewal. But there are some general similarities that downtown Winnipeg stakeholders like the BIZ continue to champion. The first and most important is that all downtowns aspire to do better as we recognize that the journey of a fully revitalized downtown is also about championing for the right policies and creating the right environment needed to drive continued revitalization. Policies like ensuring our downtown continues to be the employment center of the city, an even stronger center for arts, entertainment, and culture, and that its housing market needs to be prodded to grow. Policies that put people downtown in the best physical environment is key. That's why the City of Winnipeg's policy to put downtown first is so important. It works to promote and encourage development in areas like housing, retail and entertainment while also celebrating its culture and history. It also serves to preserve what we have, and offers the solution to an environmentally cleaner and economically sustainable city. What I learned is in Toronto, is they have some of the same problems we do, but they still have a downtown people want to live in because they put their downtown first. We continue to hear about the progress our downtown is making, and we're working for even more, because without a strong, vibrant core, our city is truly soulless.

Less Complaining Please

Tue, 18 May 2010 13:08:00 -0700

Share 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.

Letter to the Editor

Mon, 17 May 2010 09:23:00 -0700

Share The survey results released by the BIZ are honest and straightforward, and the letters to the editor disputing them are exaggerated. NRG Research Group conducted 803 interviews with Winnipeg residents across the city in late 2009, asking several questions including their beliefs about the cleanliness of downtown. Over 60 percent of those surveyed felt the downtown was cleaner than the year prior. Interestingly, women and those who visited on a regular basis felt downtown was even cleaner then the average response (approaching 70 percent). The BIZ was advised that survey of this size has a margin of error +/- 3.46 percent 19 times out 20, and the data was weighted to ensure the results accurately replicated the overall distribution of the Winnipeg population. Our bus shelter survey questions were randomly administered across the entire downtown by our Downtown Watch, over two weeks, at different times during the day. Who better to ask this question than those people that use the bus shelters, transit riders, every day? 80 percent of those that responded said bus shelters were definitely cleaner this year than the year prior. Our Portage Avenue Safety questionnaire was a simple random intercept survey to judge the perception of those walking on Portage Avenue over a week. Some days it was warm, other days it was cold. Our normal cleaning and safety programs were in effect. The reason we targeted Portage Avenue for the survey is because we wanted to gauge pedestrian perception prior to some Portage Avenue programming that rolled out in mid May and will continue all summer long. In September, the same random intercept survey will be administered to determine if our programs were effective. I am sure a survey along Broadway, or Gary Street may provide varying results. The BIZ undertakes these surveys to measure how effective our programs are. If they are working we continue, if not, we change them. Crime is down city wide, especially downtown. It was down in 2009 by 14 percent from 2008, and for the first quarter of 2010, down a whopping 24 percent . And with only 5.6 percent of all the crime occurring in the city, occurring downtown, this is positive news. Of course the BIZ is aware of the social issues in our downtown, and that perceptions of safety in the evening are less than during the day. In fact, we reported on this as well in the Free Press several months ago. This is why our Watch program is 24 hours now, and why our BIZ has expanded our role to assist intoxicated people off the street. It's also why we've been championing for more police presence and why the city and province responded with the WPS Cadet program. We have stopped complaining about safety and cleanliness issues for several years now, and are offering solutions that are working, and our partners like the City of Winnipeg are working closely with us. Let's agree that a cleaner and safer city and downtown is what we all want. And lets agree that we can't do it alone. Working together, championing for more improvements, and celebrating success is the name of the game.

Parking Taxes

Fri, 07 May 2010 15:33:00 -0700

The recent article written by Brent Bellamy in the Winnipeg Free Press last week (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/blot-on-downtown-landscape-92651214.html)--Blot on downtown landscape: Parking lots are asphalt deserts that create pedestrian dead zones--is wonderful. Our city needs more people like Bellamy to speak up about the vision of our downtown and ideas on how to get there. Winnipeg does have its unfair share of empty lots and it destroys the urban fabric of our downtown. Getting rid of the surface parking lots and densifing the downtown with stronger mix of reasons for people to visit, work, live and play is the key to continued revitalization. This is well known, yet troubling in how this is the most difficult to achieve and sustain, even though it is the most sustainable development and is a solution to city's drowning in carbon and congestion. And the debate as to whether the carrot approach (incentives to deal with market challenges) or the stick (increasing parking lot taxes), or both, is one worth exploring. There are some economic truths regarding the challenge in developing downtown surface lots, which are important to understand. Primarily it's difficult for developers to turn a profit because of the high costs of acquisition and construction required, and for those that are able to, returns are very low. This is one reason why surface parking lots continue sitting there generating an easy stream of cash for the owners. The carrot would be that taxes could play a role in encouraging developers to build mixed-use developments, the right type of urban projects, which would generate a lot more taxes, than a parking lot tax policy ever could. Helping landowners develop their surface lots with developments that enhance the city and provide those cool places to live and work and play. The result is known and real. You will start to see this with the arrival of the new provincial / city TIF program especially with the timely release of a downtown parking strategy, eagerly being awaited as a means to coordinate the combined needs of many land users in downtown in slowing down the addition of new surface parking lots and at the expense of historical buildings that still have value. My greatest fear in using the stick is the unknown, because raising taxes on surface parking lots will not address the fundamental market issues. Some owners will simply pass this cost along to the parkers. An extra $30-$40 per monthly parker, or $0.50 to per hour, is not much in this city where there is no traffic congestion, using transit takes longer to get to work than using a vehicle, and where parking rates are cheap to begin with. Increasing surface parking rates could have negative impacts; it will make building commercial buildings outside of downtown even more attractive. To counter this a parking tax policy would need to be applied citywide, or it will hurt downtown. Surface parking lots are scars on our urban landscape in general. Other owners will simply reduce expenditures like maintenance and renewal of equipment, cleanliness, and safety patrols, making these ugly lots uglier and unsafe. And for the owners that will no longer be able to afford holding the surface lots, they will sell to larger owners who have deeper pockets, and who are willing to wait much longer until money can be made to develop. Most owners of parking lots are speculators, and this will never change. There are many surface lots in our downtown, so it will take decades to for them to be absorbed into the general market, under the right development conditions. So even if this policy were put into place tomorrow, the law of market supply / demand still exists, making parking more expensive and even unsafe for the long-term. This last fact is what we need to be very careful about. People will abandon their cars not when parking lots become too expensive. They will just go somewhere else to park. The public will only abandon their cars for an incredible place to work, live and visit and for a great transit system. But it will take time for our downtown to develop as this place, and with much more conviction to quality, well-designed and pedestrian-friendly developments. The slow but gradual approach of eliminating one surface parking lot at a time as quick as market absorption permits should be the push. Combined with a 20-year rapid transit plan showing how our future transportation needs will be achieved, and then forcing surface parking lot owners to beautify, improve and make safe lots in the interim, should be mandatory.

CentreVenture Turns the Corner

Mon, 03 May 2010 09:59:00 -0700

Share CentreVenture Development Corporation held its annual general meeting this week with the theme "Turning the Corner". It's a comment on the physical development activity that is finally making a breakthrough on both Portage Avenue and Main Street. The agency itself has turned its own corner maturing into an organization other cities and downtowns across North America could only hope for. The Free Press opinion that CentreVenture has facilitated developments on Main Street such as the WRHA building, Red River College, United Way building etc., and its now time for CentureVentre to bow out and let the private sector take the lead, is optimistic but not realistic. Unfortunately, we've already seen the challenges the private sector faces in spurring investment around the MTS Centre. We still need organizations like CentreVenture to fight through the challenges of downtown development. Projects like the conversion of the Avenue Building into a mixed-use development would never see the light of day if not for CentreVenture putting into place the right economic formula for the private sector to do their thing. CentreVenture is evolving into an agency that understands the importance of leading and even filling a planning void to spur development as opposed to simply making deals. CentreVenture has begun working to create synergy by clustering projects, undertaking land assembly, and encouraging a mixed-use approach to redevelopment efforts. They have recognized that for downtown to attract investment, its districts need to be unique and complete before spreading development further out. This has been quite a fundamental and important shift in how it sees itself that has proven effective. CentreVenture is also aggressively championing market gap challenges, and the need for more tools, making it simpler and less costly for developers to do business, while pointing the development community to areas of needed revitalization. Recognizing that it is more expensive to develop downtown properties, they challenged the city and the province to commit to appropriate tools to stimulate more development, like TIFs. A few short years ago, no one wanted to entertain the notion that there were serious economic challenges in developing housing downtown. CentreVenture announced at the AGM that government funding which is expected to provide three years worth of housing support will more likely be gobbled up before the end of the year--it proves developers are not shying away from our downtown when given the right tools and assistance. And most recently, the agency has taken on the role of developing a master development plan for Portage Avenue to create a fully-developed, mixed-used entertainment district feeding off the massive traffic generator, the MTS Centre. Where the private sector has not been able to assemble the land, and deal with the economic challenges, CentreVenture will now succeed in paving the way for the private sector in way that all downtown agencies have a role to play. At their AGM CentreVenture championed and showcased a multitude of developments that have taken place under their guidance--the RRC Culinary Institute, hundreds of units of affordable housing, parks and green space development, and the once-dead Ryan Block mixed use parkade. All in all, over 250 million in redevelopment efforts over the last 48 months in which they have had a role in. All of these gains demonstrate CentreVenture is an agency that today understands the social, economic, and taxation benefits of the developments they nurture, far outweigh their bottom line. Their continued transformation of Main Street and Portage Avenue is only the beginning.

On Mondays, I have a routine

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:05:00 -0700

Share At noon, I head to the Bay Downtown to stock up on nibbles for the week--healthy ones of course--apples, carrots, crackers etc. On one particular Monday, I noticed an elderly couple slowly walking towards the escalators enjoying a malt and heard them wonder why the basement was so empty. I turned around and mentioned that Zellers was moving in. "Wonderful," they said. Then I asked how their malt was, to which the gentleman said better then the last one he tried at the same place. I asked him how long ago that was. "Fifty years," he said, catching me off guard. "Things have changed quite a bit in downtown," he added. "For better or worse?" I asked. "Well the Bay is the same, but downtown, it's changed for better and I hear good things every day." I smiled. Who better to judge the downtown than someone who has not been here for 50 years! After that, I continued on my Monday ritual--heading to Starbucks at Portage Place for a quick shot of a misto coffee. As I was headed back I bumped into an individual with some obvious social and addiction issues who was a bit intoxicated. My first thought was to wave down the Watch Ambassadors across the street. I am thankful for the incredible work of almost 180 volunteers and 30 fulltime staff who help manage the social issues of our city. I have been working in the inner city and downtown for almost my entire career and lived downtown for almost seven years, so I know for the most part, there is not much to fear about street people. They are okay. As the man approached, he surprised me and asked me politely for my coffee. My first instinct was to tell him no and just keep walking--this fine brew was mine. Without even thinking though, I subconsciously handed him my coffee. I was more surprised than he was as he said "thank-you sir". I asked him if he was okay and needed any help, and all he said was "its all good and god bless you", and made his way happily along. Downtown has changed, the social issues are still there, but overall for the better. And the only wall in the way is us. How we see people of poverty downtown, how we see the billions of investments. This is no surprise. It's human nature to see the negative and be critical. We all want an even better downtown. At the BIZ, my board and my team celebrate every little and big accomplishment. But we also try to lead the rallying cry of higher and faster, we provide ideas, and we want to be part of the solution. It's a delicate balancing act, but I believe out partners understand that. We believe what separates an ordinary city from a great one is its people, like these two polar opposite people I met last week. Anyone can be critical and complain from the sidelines. But special people see the good, and challenge themselves and others to do more.

Vibrant downtown: housing is just the start

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:09:00 -0700

By: Stefano Grande Winnipeg Free Press, March 29, 2010 Share With Thursday's announcement of a $20-million tax incentive package from the province and city to stimulate more downtown housing, the City of Winnipeg's soon-to-be-released Downtown Housing Strategy has a fighting chance of succeeding. A development tool that addresses the economic challenges of constructing downtown is now in place. This will expedite downtown housing development because it will be more affordable -- an issue the public and our BIZ members have been vociferous about. The only question that needs to be answered now is whether implementation will be executed through a shotgun approach (i.e. "Let's just get housing units out there"), or through a comprehensive and planned one that uses housing to add social, economic and urban value, guaranteeing the type of downtown that is our ultimate vision -- the most vibrant and charming neigbourhood in the city that is completely walkable and has a 24-hour hustle and bustle atmosphere. The true success of our downtown lies in understanding of the importance of mixed-use and compact development. Housing is the most critical element to this. It's the spark that can shape this downtown vision if properly planned. Remember the good old days of visiting Eaton's and walking around downtown? By the time you made it back home, you'd have a few miles and a few purchases behind you, as well as the memory of a great walking experience. Our downtown planning needs to combine mixed-use commercial storefronts and housing as the stimulus to get us there. Creating a walkable downtown encourages movement from shopping, to eating on a patio, to people-watching. It means heading to your downtown loft after a night out, safely walking back to your car in a discreet off-street parkade, or heading back to the suburbs quickly and easily because downtown is connected to rapid transit. It means people can walk from district to district in our downtown without barricades or vast surface parking lots, and enjoy broad, tree-lined sidewalks lined with flowers, banners, murals and sculptures, all surrounded by the buzz of shops, restaurants, and friendly passers-by. Sidewalks, courtyards, parks and green spaces are required for people to gather. Downtown is the historical capital of our city and preserving its historical building stock is downtown's greatest competitive advantage. Experience shows people are willing to pay more for homes in planned neighbourhoods like the ones I am describing. More people means more development and vibrancy. This is why a comprehensive planned approach is needed. We need to recognize that just building more housing isn't enough on its own. Following this recipe will lead to growth, and not just more development for development's sake. With this growth, the property tax base in the surrounding area will take off to a level never seen before. This type of approach should become mandatory for all of our downtown districts, and government policy and tools should point in this direction. What gives us hope that the city's housing plan will work is that other critical downtown strategies are also taking shape such as the retail strategy, the downtown parking strategy, an active transportation plan, a new Transit Oriented Development plan. All the pieces are there, but can they now be pulled together? A comprehensive plan takes more thought and patience, but it's also more viable and has been proven to work. We know politicians are always eager to cut ribbons, but first they need to understand the importance of following a plan and leaving behind not just housing units, but a fully revitalized downtown. Stefano Grande is the executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.

More Feet on the Street

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:15:00 -0700

Share While downtown crime is at an all-time low--only five per cent of all crimes occurring in our city happen downtown--a high percentage of Winnipeggers still perceive downtown as unsafe. This has remained consistent for several years. As a result, the Downtown BIZ has been putting more resources into its Watch and Outreach Patrol programs. Working with the city and province, we have also been advocating to the City of Winnipeg to put more Community Police Foot Patrols on the street while also creating more housing and development; helping the homeless off the street through supportive housing; installing security cameras; and the importance to address the issues of addiction and mental illness seen on downtown streets every day. The BIZ was advised by the City of Winnipeg that since downtown crime rates are relatively low, putting extra full-fledged police officers in downtown was not feasible, and that re-deployment strategies and alternative approaches were being considered as a solution. As a result, city council passed a new police contract last May that allowed the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) to develop a cadet program. Mayor Sam Katz and Police Chief Keith McCaskill want to create a cadet or auxiliary police program that would see special constables handle traffic and other duties throughout the city. This idea was met with approval from the Winnipeg Police Association as well. WPS officers assigned to beat duties are often called upon to make arrests, write reports and attend court duties. All this reduces the amount of time they can spend on the street. The BIZ believes the cadet program is a positive result of community lobbying efforts and will help provide more permanent foot patrols that will ultimately improve the quality of life in downtown. This cadet force will be equipped to deal with day-to-day issues the public often calls on the police for--issues that don't necessarily require a fully-trained officer to handle. The cadets will address the concerns of area businesses such as aggressive panhandling and intoxication on our downtown streets. The cadets will develop relationships with street people, referring them to social service providers and connecting them with the new provincial housing initiative. However, the Free Press recently reported a lack of funding for the cadet program stating the province will not provide dollars for another public-safety initiative unless the city can offset 50 per cent of the cost. Based on a recent survey commissioned by the BIZ, safety concerns are the number one issue for Winnipeggers and BIZ members. They all want to see the positive momentum of downtown continue, but agree safety needs to be a top priority. We need a commitment from the city and the province. We need to move forward. The taxpayers are demanding both levels of governments put the needs of our city ahead of public squabbling, which does nothing but erode public confidence. There are many solutions that could work--our elected officials need to find it and if creative new initiatives like a cadet program bring us closer to our goal of safer streets and higher levels of public confidence, it needs to be embraced. Solutions, not squabbling. We demand it. We deserve it.

The 3 Ds of Lunchtime Cuisine?on Garry Street!

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:06:00 -0700

Share 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.

River Trail's Tops

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:24:00 -0700

Share 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

New high-rise not in the cards ? but it should be

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:59:00 -0700

The situation described in Murray McNeil's article on the lack of market demand related to building a new downtown office tower has further implications for the future of our city than just what it means for the bottom line. It's true that lower land and construction costs, along with ample parking, makes building offices out in the suburbs attractive. The basic principle of market economics says the trend of building outside downtown will continue unless there is a reason not to. The further reality occurring in the office market today is that more and more office tenants are moving into industrial-type space, which allows them brand new the space at office prices much less than downtown, plus the parking is free, and taxes are less. Downtown can not compete, yet City policy dictates that Downtown needs to be the primary employment centre of the City. Once our city understands this, it must then realize that without a significant shift in city policy, creating a world-class downtown will be difficult. The future of a strong, thriving and growing downtown is threatened by this trend. There are many examples of progressive downtown policies: For example, London, Ontario prohibits office development greater then 40,000 square feet outside downtown. Over the last 50 years, study after study has shown that a sprawling city spends 25 to 30 per cent more in operating costs than a city that encourages development inwards. During this time of municipal fiscal restraint, perhaps better directing land use is a viable way not only to reduce the budget, but also create a vibrant and sustainable city for generations. Encouraging office development in downtown--an area extensively connected to public transit--puts more money in the pockets of Winnipeg citizens while reducing carbon footprints. With the continued increase in transportation costs, the next generation of office workers see the benefits of living and working downtown. They can leave their cars behind altogether, walking, biking or using transit to get around. Today's workforce spends the bulk of their lives at the office, so it's no surprise that a healthy, positive work environment is vital. Trends show young people are putting more and more value on a good office environment. If you're spending 40 hours a week at work--often logging more hours on the job than with your family--sitting in an isolated building in a far-flung industrial park , with no where to go for a walk or a bite to eat, does little to encourage a positive work life. Downtown Winnipeg offers a dynamic, diverse and stimulating atmosphere that provides value-added benefits for employees that can't be found anywhere else in the city. Downtown's rich surroundings provide a venue to celebrate diversity and culture--ideal for broadening perspectives and providing a strong foundation to nurture the leaders of tomorrow. Almost 90 per cent of downtown employers will tell you the same thing. Letting the market dictate what our city will look like is far less advantageous to the future of Winnipeg than pointing the market in a direction that creates a vibrant and sustainable city to meet the needs of future generations and the market demands of tomorrow.

Downtown safety, Perception vs. Reality

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:53:00 -0700

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