Winnipeg, MB - The Province of Manitoba, The City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture Development Corporation are adding more Exchange BIZ patrols and street lighting, undertaking new street-scaping projects and expanding car-share opportunities as part of the advancement of the Exchange Waterfront Neighbourhood Development Program.
The program is aimed at creating a complete community in the Exchange Waterfront neighbourhood for all by building a safe, quality environment, and instilling investor confidence that will benefit the area and the broader community.
“More people than ever are coming to the Exchange and Waterfront for some of the country’s best food and entertainment, educational opportunities, and unique shopping experiences,” said Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg. “These investments will help us show the world that Winnipeg can provide cutting-edge urban living opportunities that we see in other major centres for people who want to be close to the action.”
Jointly, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg are reinvesting future taxes to support current improvements. Funding for the Program is derived from future taxes from condo projects approved under the Downtown Residential Development Grant Program. CentreVenture will deliver the program on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg and is anticipated to run over the next four years as developments are completed. Phase I implementation is estimated at $1.9 million.
The City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba is jointly cost sharing up to 50% of the Program costs with the exception of the car-share program, which is being fully funded by the Province.
“The interest in the Exchange Waterfront area has not only grown in the past few years, it has exploded,” said Mike Pagtakhan,Point Douglas Councillor and Chair of the Downtown Development and Riverbank Management Committee. “It’s great to be working with our downtown partners and the Province of Manitoba on these wonderful initiativesto further enhance the Exchange District of our City."
“A successful downtown neighbourhood will draw many more people for more reasons,” said Ross McGowan, president & CEO, CentreVenture Development Corporation. “With more residents, visitors, and overall bustling of people, a successful downtown will be brimming with vitality, activity, interest, and security.”
CentreVenture worked closely with the City of Winnipeg’s Public Works Department Engineering Division to coordinate streetscape improvements in conjunction with the normal required maintenance, and East Exchange street renewals. Street-scaping improvements will include widening of sidewalks, pavement rehabilitation, improved lighting and landscaping treatments for public use. Phase I of street construction is underway and weather permitting expected to be completed this Fall. Phase I will start at Market Avenue, along Bertha Street up to John Hirsch Place, including the Hirsch walkway up to Waterfront Drive. Heritage preservation of important landmarks such as the railway tracks along Elgin Avenue will also be conserved this fall.
As the residential community continues to grow, parking options and solutions are an ongoing priority and progressive alternatives are being offered. Both residents and area businesses have expressed an interest in participating in local car share programs. Peg City Car Co-op continues to expand their program in central urban neighbourhoods, while maintaining their goal of forming a strong network of cars that are never placed more than a 10-minute walk apart. The Province is accelerating Peg City’s Car Co-op presence in the area. Two Peg City Car Co-op cars will now be available to both residents and area businesses in both the East and West Exchange situated at Lily Street and James Avenue, and on Main Street near Old Market Square.
"We are excited by the opportunity to expand earlier than planned into the Exchange District," says Shoni Litinsky, Board President of Peg City Car Co-op. "This walkable, transit-friendly area is a solid fit for car sharing and we are happy to be able to provide our service to the growing number of permanent residents."
As an added benefit to residents and businesses in the Exchange Waterfront neighbourhood, two additional Exchange Biz Patrols will now patrol the area in the evening adding a visible presence to provide assistance and added comfort for area residents, visitors, theatre patrons and local businesses. The Exchange Biz patrols a large area and the two extra BIZ patrols will be a welcome addition to the evening roster.
CentreVenture will continue its efforts to market downtown as an investment-quality downtown residential neighbourhood to both the development community and prospective residents. An action plan to increase retail activity in the community will be developed and details of the plan will be shared.
CentreVenture’s mandate is to stimulate downtown revitalization by creating an environment for private sector businesses and government to work together and to promote the downtown to investors, businesses and residents. CentreVenture serves as an advocate and a leader for downtown in promoting development by identifying opportunities, creating partnerships, forming innovative improvement strategies, providing information and by serving as an accessible conduit to support initiatives.