Reimagining Graham Avenue is an action coming out of CentrePlan 2050
Over 2023 and 2024, we asked Winnipeggers to help us envision the future of Graham Avenue. We heard Winnipeggers want Graham to focus on pedestrians and be a vibrant destination.
We developed a plan to make Graham a signature street in our Downtown – a place to meet on a patio, attend a market, gather for events, read a book in the shade, or walk your dog.
Council has funded a placemaking pilot as the first step toward this long-term vision.
The pilot will launch in June 2025.
Updates
October 8, 2024 - On September 26, 2024 Council adopted CentrePlan 2050 as a secondary plan by-law for Downtown Winnipeg.
As part of the 2025 budget process, Council allocated $250,000 to animate Graham Avenue in Summer 2025.
Council will consider further funding for short term actions related to the implementation of CentrePlan 2050 during the future budget reviews.
CentrePlan 2050 sets five strategic moves to create the resilient and thriving downtown that we deserve:
- Create great urban neighbourhoods
- Re-envision streets to foster urban life
- Grow a greener Downtown
- Create a lively Downtown
- Improve Downtown governance and implementation
Each strategic move has a set of goals, policies, and actions to carry us into a better future while doing the basics right. Read CentrePlan 2050 to learn more.
Background
Big changes are coming to Graham Avenue in 2025.
Four separate projects will combine to move Graham closer to its eventual status as a destination street in Downtown Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Transit changes
Winnipeg’s new Primary Transit Network launches on June 29, 2025.
As part of this change, buses will no longer travel along much of Graham Avenue.
Bus service will be maintained between Garry Street and Main Street, though the routes that service these stops will change.
Pedestrian and placemaking pilot
We’re introducing a pedestrian-focused pilot area on Graham between Carlton Street and Garry Street. This four-block section is currently restricted to buses and bikes.
The pilot will bring a number of exciting changes to street-level starting in June:
- Street murals supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative
- New artistic lighting and places to sit
- Art installations
- Planters, picnic tables, and ping pong tables
- Custom-built street furniture
- Festival space for events like the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship Weekend
More art and activities will pop up along the street through Summer 2025.
Active transportation improvements
From June 22 to July 1, we are installing protected bike lanes on Graham between Garry and Main. These routes will run alongside Transit.
The existing bus lane on Vaughan will also become a two-way protected bike lane. Bus service is moving off this route as part of the Primary Transit Network launch.
Motor vehicle traffic impacts
Graham between Vaughan Street and Carlton Street will mostly remain the same – with a few changes for motor vehicles.
- Cars will still be allowed to travel this stretch
- Pending Council approval, we will reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h
- Pending Council approval, the street will no longer be a designated truck route
These changes will allow continued access to properties and parking while also supporting the calm, pedestrian-friendly feeling the pilot aims to create.
Timeline
A number of changes will happen on Graham in Summer 2025
Starting June 22, 2025
Active transportation construction will begin. As a result, vehicle traffic will change a bit
- Westbound vehicle traffic will no longer be allowed from Main to Fort Street
- Shared lanes for cars and bikes (with parking and loading zones) will remain between Vaughan and Carlton Street
- Bike access will continue the full length of Graham between Vaughan Street and Main
- We will install a protected bike lane between Garry Street and Main
This work is expected to finish by July 1.
June 26, 2025
At its June meeting, Council will consider:
- Reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h between Vaughan and Carlton
- Removing Graham’s designation as a truck route
June 29, 2025
- Buses will move off Graham between Vaughan Street and Garry Street.
- Only the two blocks between Garry and Main Street will continue to have bus traffic
- The current bus lane on Vaughan will become a two-way bike lane
- We will install a bus lane between Garry and Main
Starting June 30, 2025
The four-block stretch from Carlton to Garry will become a pedestrian-first zone, featuring:
- Street murals supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative and created through Cool Streets Winnipeg
- New artistic lighting by the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone and Lights Unlimited
- Street furniture designed by N/A Architecture and built by Tec-Voc High School
- Mid-block access ramps designed and built by the Met Exchange School
- Circular benches, trees, and decorative boulders donated by Ron Paul Garden Centre
- Art installations created through Storefront Manitoba’s Cool Gardens design competition
- Planters, picnic tables, and ping pong tables from the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone
- Festival space for events like the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship Weekend