City prepares for opening of MTS Centre

WINNIPEG - October 28, 2004 - City of Winnipeg departments are preparing to adjust to the very positive impact of increased traffic and people in the downtown. With the official opening of the MTS Centre on November 16 there will be a resurgence in downtown activity as the new arena becomes the destination point for Manitoba Moose hockey fans and for people attending upcoming concerts and events.

“The opening of the MTS Centre will be a breakthrough moment in our efforts to revitalize downtown Winnipeg,” said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. “Tens of thousands of sports and entertainment fans will be pouring into the heart of our city to see the new building. I have complete confidence that city staff will spare no effort to make sure the right services are on hand to help them enjoy their experience.”

For the first time in two years, three lanes on southbound Donald Street between Portage and Graham will reopen to traffic on or before November 16. On the west side of the MTS Centre, the recently reconstructed Hargrave Street between Graham and Portage will reopen with two lanes of northbound traffic. (See attachment for more streets detail.)

Even though there are approximately 2,000 metered parking spots within walking distance of the MTS Centre, people attending events are encouraged to either take a bus or plan their parking in advance rather than driving around hoping to find a spot close to the arena.

With most major bus routes operating in close proximity to the MTS Centre, Winnipeg Transit is the perfect transportation solution to deliver patrons both to and from events. At the conclusion of large events, transit will have extra buses on hand to handle anticipated demand. (See attachment for more transit detail.)

City operated parking facilities at both the Millennium Library and Winnipeg Square are connected to the weather protected walkway system. Patrons can reserve a parking space in advance when ordering their tickets through Ticketmaster.

With the arena complete, the downtown weather protected walkway system once again connects the western portion of the walkway from Portage Place to the eastern portion going through the MTS Centre and reconnecting with City Place, the Millennium Library on to Portage and Main. The walkway also now reconnects to the Somerset Building and the Radisson Hotel. The two kilometers walkway system was disconnected January 1, 2002 to make way for the demolition of the Eaton’s building and the construction of the MTS Centre. Discussions are underway with building owners on the system in an attempt to keep the walkway open from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. seven days a week.

The City is not anticipating any major transportation problems or significant delays with the increased volume of people heading downtown. City staff will be monitoring people and traffic movements over the first few events and will respond if any problems arise.

Winnipeg Transit Service to MTS Centre (pdf)