Winnipeg’s downtown is the heart of our city. A strong business, government, and educational presence make it an economic driver.
Downtown has diverse arts, entertainment, and cultural options. It also features important heritage sites. It’s becoming a high-density, mixed-use residential area with established and growing neighbourhoods. People of all ages, incomes, and abilities live, work, shop and play downtown.
Plans that guide growth & development
A secondary plan that works with OurWinnipeg 2045. It guides how land is used and how buildings take shape across the city.
A secondary plan that explains how downtown growth will happen. It includes development, transportation, public spaces, and investment.
This plan sets a 25-year vision for transit service and infrastructure. The plan is supported by strategic policy guidance that creates structure and transparency.
Public notices
The public notices web page lists all development applications across the city, including downtown variance and conditional use applications.
Rules & standards for downtown development
Downtown Winnipeg Zoning By-law
Used to regulate the use of property and development in Downtown Winnipeg.
Heritage Conservation
There are development restrictions on certain properties. A heritage permit allows an owner to alter a property on the List of Historical Resources or located in a Heritage Conservation District.
Downtown urban design review
In Downtown Winnipeg, any development or property change visible from the street requires an urban design review. The Director of Planning, Property and Development provides approval.
Urban design looks at how buildings, sidewalks, streets and open spaces fit together. It focuses on how these places feel and work for people walking in the area. Good urban design makes downtown safer, easier to move through and more comfortable. It supports safety, accessibility, pedestrian comfort, and long-term durability. It also helps projects blend into surroundings and support future growth.
Guidelines for development
Downtown Winnipeg urban design guidelines
Standards to enhance the livability of downtown Winnipeg's urban environment.
Tree planting standard for downtown & regional streets
Minimum standards to enhance the livability of downtown's urban environment.
Universal design guiding principles
Designing environments that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities.
Downtown parking strategy
Direction, strategies, and actions for Winnipeg's downtown parking system.
Waterfront Drive expectations for new development
Development guidelines for the west side of Waterfront Drive, from Lombard Avenue to Higgins Avenue.
Exchange District National Historic Site Commemorative Integrity Statement
The Exchange District was designated a National Historic Site to recognize and protect the architectural values that make the area special.
Current initiatives
Winnipeggers want Graham Avenue to focus on pedestrians and be a vibrant destination. We developed a plan to make Graham a signature street in our downtown. It’s a place to meet on a patio, attend a market, gather for events, read a book in the shade, or walk your dog.
Explore the project page and document library for three key Downtown routes: St. Mary/York Avenue; Notre Dame/Cumberland Avenue; and William Stephenson Way.
Contacts for downtown development
Downtown Planner
Development applications
Daniel Iskierski
204-986-5337
diskierski@winnipeg.ca
Urban Designer
Design review
Christina Harris
204-986-4738
christinaharris@winnipeg.ca
Zoning & Permits
204-986-5140
Unit 31 - 30 Fort Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4X7
We offer appointments with Zoning Development Officers and Permit Technicians. Appointments need to be booked in advance. Phone and virtual appointments are available on request.
Zoning & permit applications appointments: ppd‑permitappointments@winnipeg.ca
Zoning By-law inquiries: ppd-zdo@winnipeg.ca