Residents asked to share thoughts on downtown

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This article was published 25/10/2023 (734 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg residents are being asked to share their thoughts on the city’s downtown.

A number of organizations spearheading the core’s revitalization, including the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, have launched a survey to track locals’ opinions on subjects like transportation, attractions, amenities and addictions support.

It also clocks how people spend their time downtown and how often they visit.

“Our downtown really is in a time of transformation,” said Kate Fenske, chief executive of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “When we look at what comes next, we’re really hoping the insights from this survey… will help give us some direction.”

A working group, including city staff and business improvement zones, unveiled a downtown recovery framework in 2021. Now is a time to evaluate and see whether targets are being met and what can be improved, Fenske said.

It’s the first time the Downtown Winnipeg, Exchange District and West End business improvement zones have partnered with Economic Development Winnipeg on a survey of this kind.

Money comes from the recovery strategy’s market research fund. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ didn’t provide numbers by print deadline.

The survey, found at downtownrecovery.ca, is online until Nov. 3.

There seems to be a focus from all levels of government on transforming the downtown, including tackling homelessness, Fenske noted.

“It’s not about trying to go back to 2019,” she said. “It’s about, ‘What do we want our downtown to be in the future?’”

Survey results will be shared with politicians and decision makers, Fenske said. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete, she added.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com