Winnipeg, Manitoba - Prairies Economic Development Canada
Downtown Winnipeg is a hub of creativity and community; a meeting place where entrepreneurs innovate and communities gather. The businesses and organizations in the heart of Winnipeg are integral to the city's vibrancy and economic growth by providing services, building the community, and creating jobs. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the downtown core to thrive.
Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced an investment of $2,587,635 to support nine businesses and organizations in downtown Winnipeg. These funds are provided through the Canada Community Revitalization, COVID-19 Tourism Relief, and Regional Relief and Recovery funding programs, and will support downtown businesses as they continue responding to challenges brought about by COVID-19.
The projects announced today include:
- Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) received $250,000 to develop business support tools to help downtown businesses mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
- Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network Inc. received $150,000 to upgrade the outdoor play area at Central Park and improve the accessibility of this public gathering space.
- The Board of Governors of Red River College received $475,000 to create a public greenspace to host farmers' markets, workshops and events.
- The City of Winnipeg received $500,000 to construct a bike lane connecting the West Broadway neighbourhood to downtown, providing a safe and active transportation route for cyclists.
- The City of Winnipeg received $177,000 to create a community meeting space at the Millennium Library.
- The Convention Centre Corporation received $200,000 to upgrade digital systems to allow for the increased hosting of virtual, livestream, and hybrid events.
- The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce received $98,500 to develop two digital platforms that connect Manitoba businesses and consumers.
- The Winnipeg Art Gallery received $420,235 to create year-round, accessible outdoor spaces at the WAG-Qaumajuq to provide places for community members to gather.
- The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce received $277,600 to expand a multi-phased business support program that helps small- and medium-sized businesses mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
- West Broadway Development Corporation received $39,300 to install an Indigenous permaculture community garden and teaching space that will promote healthy and sustainable ways of life to local residents.
These investments demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to promote economic growth in the Prairies through programs and services that help businesses, not-for-profits, and communities grow stronger.
