Written by Adam Scarpino, Chamber Relations Administrator, Johnston Group | Leadership Winnipeg Class of 2025/2026
3-minute read
Our recent Leadership Winnipeg session was an incredible glimpse into a network of organizations working diligently to create a safer, more vibrant and more connected Downtown Winnipeg. Regardless of which neighbourhood you spend most of your time in, you’ve likely cheered at a Jets game at Canada Life Centre, watched a performance at Centennial Concert Hall, or enjoyed a meal at one of the many amazing restaurants in the heart of our city. A lot of these experiences would not be possible if not for the work of some incredible people and organizations working together toward a common goal of fostering communication and collaboration with the community to make Downtown Winnipeg the true “heart” of our city.
Did you know that the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg (the Y) is more than a fitness centre? Along with their three other locations, their Downtown Community Hub offers services such as youth activities, ESL courses and childcare for newcomers, and youth mental health services. We learned from Kevin Hunter — VP, Philanthropy, Marketing and Government Relations — that the Y is an expert in providing these services and has stepped up whenever an opportunity to support its community has arisen. For example, the Y generously provided complimentary access to their facilities including showers and personal care amenities to support wildfire evacuees who were temporarily housed at the RBC Convention Centre this summer.
Gavin Johnstone — COO and VP, True North Real Estate Development — shared with us some exciting updates about the work being done to Portage Place. In partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, we will see a new multi-family housing tower connected to the former Hudson’s Bay building. In addition, the 1.6M ft2 development will also see a robust and accessible health care facility and grocery store that the downtown community greatly needs. What stood out to me the most was the considerations made for the community, and the deliberate collaboration with other agencies and organizations who are the backbone of Downtown Winnipeg.
Another organization facilitating growth is CentreVenture Development Corporation. We heard from CEO Rochelle Squires, who talked about the shift from downtown being primarily for work and shopping, to a place where people live. Since it’s inception in 1999, they have been pivotal in coordinating efforts between the public and private sectors with regards to development, planning and execution of economic development opportunities in Downtown Winnipeg.
We heard from Jackie Hunt —Senior Director of Strategy and Impact, and Interim CEO at End Homelessness Winnipeg — who spoke about their leadership, support, and coordination efforts to end homelessness in Winnipeg and, more broadly, across Manitoba. The organization focuses on systems change and advocacy in measurement and evaluation, prevention, person-centred care and housing supply. Since 2019, End Homelessness Winnipeg serves as the city’s Community Entity for Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, administering Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit and HIFIS (Homeless Individuals and Families Information System) — the Coordinated Access system used by 30 organizations and 94 programs to support the day-to-day operations of homelessness service providers by helping to coordinate services and improve outcomes for families experiencing homelessness.
Another incredible community organization is the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP). Executive Director Greg Burnett talked about their work offering safety and wellness checks, first aid for non-emergency situations, safe walks and a number of other services as stewards of the community. The work of their dedicated team of lived and living experience volunteers have alleviated strains and demands on the city’s emergency services, mitigating an estimated $2.7M in emergency services costs.
And finally, Jino Distasio, Professor, Urban Geography, University of Winnipeg, shared an insightful and personal retrospective of Downtown Winnipeg over the years. From the days of the last streetcar in 1955, to the recent reopening of pedestrian crossing at Portage and Main, our downtown has been through a lot of changes. With the private sector leading economic development, population growth through residential investment, education sector expansion and investment, we look forward to the future with optimism knowing that we are in the midst of the largest boom period in more than a century, with over $4B invested in Downtown Winnipeg since 2005.
I came away from the session with a renewed appreciation for Downtown Winnipeg. Not for what it is on the surface, but for what it is because of everything going on behind the scenes. For the community of people who support it. For the private sector firms fostering collaboration and reconciliation. For the investments of time, energy and money that have been ongoing to ensure we have a downtown to be proud of. The best thing we can do to support, as the larger community of Winnipeg, is participate in the community of Downtown Winnipeg. Spend time exploring, experiencing and advocating for our downtown. We all benefit from a vibrant, healthy, diverse Downtown Winnipeg so listen, learn and lean in.
