WINNIPEG - July 11, 2008 – Committed to improving our City’s highway welcome signage, Mayor Sam Katz tabled a motion last week to replace the existing antiquated signage. Since then, the Mayor’s Office has received an overwhelming response to the initiative with many positive suggestions. Today, he is encouraging all Winnipeggers to have a choice in which message will adorn the updated signage to be installed this summer.

The 5 selections are:

1. Heart of the Country
2. City of Opportunity
3. Centre of it All
4. Heart of the Continent
5. (We don’t want a slogan, just a new sign!)

The “One Great City” signs currently in place at 10 city entrances were installed in 1990 and have been an item of debate for many Winnipeggers who have routinely asked to have an updated greeting to instill civic pride and welcome visitors to our City.

“Winnipeggers have told us loud and clear that we need new signage that we can be proud of,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “This isn’t about rebranding the City; Winnipeg is our brand. But Winnipeggers want something attractive, positive, and vibrant on our highway signs to let visitors know they are welcome to our City and share something about our identity and what makes us Winnipeggers.”

Destination Winnipeg, the City’s arms-length economic development and tourism services agency, proactively approached the City to upgrade the highway signs and have been tasked with the responsibility of designing and overseeing the production and installation of the signs. To keep this initiative cost efficient, the existing signs and infrastructure will be used in the replacement process.

To vote for your choice, you can either email your selection along with your contact information to feedback@winnipeg.ca, or drop off or mail your selection to: Welcome to Winnipeg, c/o Mayor’s Office, Council Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1B9.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 25th at 4:30pm.