Happy summer, Union Station!

Union Station

I am pleased to share some exciting updates about the work our government is doing to make downtown Winnipeg safer, stronger, and more affordable for the folks in Union Station.

This summer, our government is investing $2.2 million to strengthen community-led safety initiatives across downtown Winnipeg. By investing in organizations like the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, West End BIZ, West Broadway BIZ, and Exchange District BIZ, we’re supporting the people who know our constituency best. This funding will help build stronger community partnerships based on public safety, de-escalation, and wellness. Whether you’re living, commuting to work, or visiting a local business, everyone deserves to feel safe in our community.

A safer downtown also helps bring in new businesses and services to Union Station. That’s why I’m excited to see that Red River Co-op grocery store and pharmacy are planned as part of the redevelopment of the former Portage Place mall, with an expected opening in 2029. This is a welcome addition for our community as it brings greater access to fresh food and pharmacy services. For many years, Union Station residents have advocated for a grocery store like this and it’s wonderful to welcome a proudly Canadian community owned grocer.

As more grocery options come to Union Station, I know that affordability matters. Families are feeling the pressure of rising food costs every time they shop. That’s why, beginning on Canada Day (July 1), our government removed the provincial sales tax (PST) from groceries through Bill 53, helping Manitobans save money every time they shop.

We’re also taking action to make grocery prices fairer for you. Our government introduced first-in-Canada protections that ban retailers from using your personal data to charge you higher grocery prices. No more predatory pricing. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, companies should not be able to use your purchasing habits or personal information to inflate the costs of everyday essentials. These protections, paired with the PST cut and Manitoba’s grocery price study, which identifies ways to increase competition, improve transparency, and tackle predatory pricing practices that drive up food costs, work to create a fairer grocery market while putting money back into the pockets of Manitoba families.

Whether it’s making downtown safer, supporting revitalization, or helping you save on everyday essentials, our government is focused on building a stronger Manitoba. While there is still more work to do, I am proud of the progress we are making together.

As always, please reach out to my office at uzoma.asagwara@yourmanitoba.ca or call 204-306-8581 if you have any questions or need assistance. You can also visit us at 210B-254 Edmonton St., open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.