BIZ getting bigger
Business Improvement Zone boundaries expanded
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This article was published 03/02/2017 (3277 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
New developments along Transcona Boulevard could help revitalize the Park City’s historic downtown.
On Dec. 14, 2016 Winnipeg city council amended the Transcona Business Improvement Zone bylaw No. 8124/2002, expanding the boundaries of the Transcona Business Improvement Zone.
The parcel of new land in question was formerly a City of Winnipeg Public Works yard, and is set to be developed in a joint venture between EdgeCorp Group and the City. Dubbed Park City Commons, the joint venture, mixed-use development will feature 750 housing units alongside 100,000 square-feet of new commercial space, the new Transcona Library and a new YMCA-YWCA building.
“The BIZ board wanted to ensure that new development in the zone doesn’t have a negative impact on the revitalization and the existing businesses in downtown Transcona,” Alexandra Morrison, executive director of the Transcona BIZ, said. “Accordingly, the BIZ board passed its own policy to ensure the BIZ revitalization of downtown Transcona continues.”
Business Improvement Zone levies are based on average rental of commercial properties within the zones. As commercial tenants open up shop in Park City Commons, the Transcona BIZ could see a significant increase in annual revenues.
“It could be considerable, in the tens of thousands maybe, depending what goes in,” Morrison said.
While completion of Park City Commons isn’t expected until 2022, Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) is excited about the potential of the project.
“So far, we’re moving in the right direction,” he said.
The Transcona BIZ will divert all new revenues into a “Downtown Transcona Economic Development Fund.”
“The idea of the fund is to ensure growth in the expanded zone wouldn’t cannibalize investments we’ve made in downtown,” Morrison said. “We’re still working to enhance character in downtown Transcona. Ostensibly, those funds would help us do that.”
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Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist
Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112
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Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist
Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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