Winnipeg named one of Canada’s most livable cities

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This article was published 28/11/2023 (649 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Globe and Mail has named Winnipeg one of Canada’s most livable cities and the best city for raising children.

Winnipeg took third place in the national newspaper’s 2023 list of Canada’s most livable cities, which was released Saturday.

Victoria and North Vancouver claimed top spots.

“I hope that this opens the eyes of many other Canadians to the quality of life that we have to offer,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

He expressed being “very pleased” about the recent recognition.

The Globe and Mail analyzed 439 cities with populations surpassing 10,000. It used data on cities’ economies, housing, demographics, health care, safety, education, community, amenities, transportation and climate to make its conclusions, the newspaper outlined in an article.

It called Winnipeg the best place to raise children in 2023. Brandon, Man. came third. The Globe and Mail weighted housing and education variables more heavily, along with proximity to childcare.

The Toronto-based newspaper named Winnipeg the second most livable city for young professionals, following Victoria, B.C. Winnipeg was third most livable city for newcomers, by The Globe and Mail’s findings.

Gillingham pointed to Winnipeg’s home prices. Buying a house is “still attainable” compared to other Canadian cities, he stated.

The average Manitoba home cost $344,478 last October, according to Canadian Real Estate Association data. The national average was $656,625.

Gillingham applauded Winnipeg’s art, sports and post-secondary scenes.

“We have so much to offer in our city that I believe is and can be very attractive to others from across the country,” he said.

Ryan Kuffner, chief executive of Economic Development Winnipeg, called the recognition “fantastic.”

“I also think it’s long overdue for us to see this level of recognition nationally,” he said. “This is a great place for people to live.”

There’s room for improvement in the city, he noted.

Winnipeg ranked eighth on The Globe and Mail’s list of most livable cities for entrepreneurs. Regina, according to the list, is the best place for business starters.

Better access to capital and transit would be beneficial for Winnipeg entrepreneurs, Kuffner noted.

Loren Remillard, president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, echoed Kuffner in calls for more capital.

“We do know there are a number of funding gaps along the spectrum that is forcing far too many entrepreneurs to seek capital in other markets,” he said, adding it could lead them to relocating businesses to their investors’ locations.

A long-term economic development strategy, stronger connections to new markets and better collaboration between business and government could make Winnipeg more business friendly, he added.

Both he and Gillingham noted challenges of homelessness, crime and addiction in the city. It’s found across Canada, Gillingham added.

The likelihood of crime is 21 per cent higher in Winnipeg than the national average, according to The Globe and Mail’s livable cities index.

“I think as Winnipeggers, we should be proud of our ranking as number three,” Remillard said. “Next year, let’s shoot for No. 1.”

The Globe and Mail sourced most of its data from Environics Analytics Group and third-party licensors. Data also came from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Demographic data from Environics Analytics were estimated as of July 1, 2023, The Globe and Mail wrote in an article.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com