Winnipeg, MB – Project partners and community members gathered today to celebrate the reopening of Air Canada Window Park (355 Portage Ave.) in Downtown Winnipeg. The park has been completely transformed, guided by and redeveloped for the community it serves.
The redevelopment of Air Canada Window Park focused on re-imagining the public space with safety and community in mind.
Today’s celebrations included a prayer and blessing from Elder David Budd, a reading by former Winnipeg Poet Laureate Duncan Mercredi, park ribbon cutting, and community planting event.
“Today’s re-opening of Air Canada Window Park is wonderful news for downtown Winnipeg,” said Ginette Lavack, Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface—Saint-Vital and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services. “A vibrant downtown needs welcoming public spaces where people can gather, connect and feel a sense of belonging. Parks like this help bring life to our city core, support a stronger sense of safety, and create places where residents, workers and visitors alike can enjoy being together. I’m thrilled to see this renewed space reopen and serve our community for years to come.”
“This renewed space reflects the stories, traditions, and aspirations of the people it serves, and it shows how thoughtful investment can strengthen connection, safety, and belonging in the heart of our city,” said Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Norther Relations, Francophone Affairs. “Our government is proud to support projects that honour Indigenous teachings, elevate community leadership, and create vibrant public spaces for everyone.”
“This park is an important gathering place in the heart of our downtown, and it should reflect the people and community it serves,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The renewed Air Canada Window Park has been shaped by Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and community voices. As Portage Place is redeveloped next door, this space will be an important part of creating a safer, more welcoming, and more connected downtown. Thank you to all the partners who helped reimagine this space.”
“As our downtown continues to evolve, investments in public amenities like Air Canada Park play an important role in fostering community pride, supporting wellness, and attracting activity to the City’s downtown,” said Councillor Cindy Gilroy, Daniel McIntyre. “I'm delighted to support these improvements and look forward to this renewed public space for years to come."
The design of the park was inspired by traditional Indigenous stories of Turtle Island. The park features a large gathering space that includes a multi-purpose stage. The stage provides ample opportunities for programming and additional seating when not in use. Trees, Indigenous plantings, and natural materials are key elements of the design. There is also a storytelling area for small ceremonies and gatherings.
The grading of the entire park was raised to sidewalk level, providing clear sightlines and ensuring the space is accessible to users of all ages and abilities. Grading work also included an extensive storm water management system.
Additional amenities include a colourful trellis, new lighting, and a drinking fountain.
Existing public artwork commissioned by the Winnipeg Arts Council in 2018 was incorporated into the design. A line from Duncan Mercredi’s poem River City is etched into the concrete.
“Great public spaces are created through collaboration,” said Rochelle Squires, President & CEO, CentreVenture Development Corporation. “The engagement process for Air Canada Park brought together Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, community partners, advocates, and members of the public to help shape a park that will strengthen connections, support downtown vibrancy, and create a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors alike.”
“Public spaces play an important role in the health and vitality of our downtown - they create opportunities for people to gather, connect, learn, and celebrate together,” said Kate Fenske, CEO, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “We look forward to seeing this renewed community space become an active, welcoming and safe place for everyone who lives, works, visits and spends time downtown.”
CentreVenture Corporation and the Downtown BIZ helped facilitate an engagement process on the park’s redevelopment that began in 2022. The process included input from Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, as well as local community partners and advocates. Nearly 300 members of the public provided feedback online and at pop-up events.
The total project budget for redevelopment was $3.575 million. Project funding included $2.543 million from the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund).. This funding was awarded through the City’s Economic Response and Recovery Plan.
Various City funding sources make up the remaining $1.032 million of the budget. This includes Forestry ($317,000), Downtown Enhancement ($175,000), and a portion of proceeds of the sale of the Winnipeg Square Parkade ($540,000).