2010 Annual Report

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e plac ng i er ath g Intersections PRINTED IN CANADA Letter from the Executive Director & Chair It has been an exciting year in many respects for the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. One of the safety initiatives we were most excited about was a successful, multi-faceted pilot project to deter negative loitering in front of Portage Place. We have dubbed this program “Portage Alive” and will be pursuing it on Portage from Spence Street at the We take pride in seeing some advancement on initiatives we have championed for several University of Winnipeg to Main Street, in addition to adding a full complement of BIZ years. The commitment from government on tax increment financing, which we strongly Watch patrols in the evening, the time when Winnipeggers feel less safe downtown. believe will lead to the quickening in creating more and affordable housing in our downtown, an important advocacy area for the BIZ. Construction on the Rapid Transit corridor. The opening of the new indoor walkway connecting cityplace to the Convention None of these services the BIZ provides would be possible, without you, our members. Centre. The Winnipeg Police Service Cadets training began at the old Canada Post building on Graham, the new home of the Winnipeg Public Safety Building. The unveiling of For some of us, the answers and solutions to problems facing the enhancement of our CentreVenture’s plan for the Sports and Entertainment District around the MTS Centre downtown seem extremely clear—for others, solutions are not so apparent. What is which we truly believe will be the catalyst which will brand the new image of our downtown universally accepted though, is that the status quo is not an option. This is why the BIZ and invite thousands of Winnipeggers to hang out downtown. Further, the addition of several continues to be the voice championing our downtown successes and challenging everyone new buildings and projects opening or being announced which will continue to bring more to do more, always looking inwards and challenging our own approaches. This is why people to our downtown. the BIZ in 2010 hosted two important forums: a Mayoral Forum during the city election attended by over 250 people which garnered significant commitments from the Mayor elect, One of this year’s highlights for the Downtown BIZ itself was the Five Events: One Weekend including a commitment to eliminate surface parking lots through the development of more extravaganza this September. Over 30,000 people flocked downtown over two days for parkades and a new taxation program to stimulate more commercial development. We also Lights on Broadway, The Big Dance, the Wine & Cheese Festival, the 10 & 10 Race, and hosted a meeting with Premier Selinger and some influential BIZ members that triggered Ciclovia. What an amazing experience walking under Broadway’s beautiful canopy of trees an opening to address homelessness issues through the creation of more supportive housing Saturday night with thousands of Winnipeggers, right in the heart of our downtown. for those with mental and social issues in our community.

This fall was a time of reflection for us as we reviewed our past three-year strategic plan The downtown is the economic engine of our province, generating employment and taxation, and built our new plan for 2011 to 2013. We looked at what we have achieved in the last and creating the brand image for our city. Our downtown is the pulse of the entire city by three years and what is still needed to reach our vision of downtown. We engaged our which tourists, investors and Winnipeggers themselves judge the economic health of our business members and the public for feedback. What we heard is that while downtown province and the overall image of our community. revitalization is on a roll, we are not “there” yet. There is still much work to be done. We have achieved much over the past year thanks to the hard work, passion and Safety continues to be a top issue in our downtown. While crime continues to decrease commitment from the Management Board, our committees, our staff and volunteers, downtown, people continue to have concerns about personal safety. It seems when people our partners and sponsors, and especially our BIZ members. talk about “safety” issues, they also mean social issues: homelessness, addictions, poverty and panhandling. This year, we put an increased urgency on safety initiatives. We supported It is paramount that each one of us continues to work diligently for the solutions to improve homeless work programs like the Mission: Off the Streets Team (MOST) and supportive our downtown. Together, we can make our shining vision for the heart of our city a reality. housing initiatives like the Bell Hotel conversion. We lobbied for more police foot patrols. We fine-tuned processes for our Downtown Watch ambassadors and continued to connect more than 200 security teams through the Downtown Security Network (DSN). We were Sincerely, successful in extending the BIZ Community Outreach patrols for one more year, and we continue to advocate for its permanency. And of course we continued to run programs, host events and market all the wonderful things about downtown to encourage more people to live, work and play downtown, which will create more feelings of safety through numbers. Kevin Donnelly Stefano Grande Chair Executive Director UNIYOUTH QUE TUNITY CULTURE OPPOR

ENTERTAINMENTDICULTURE VERSITY ITY N TU R

Vision for OPPO HERITAGE

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A vibrant and thriving downtown neighbourhood that is alive with unique entertainment, dow culture, arts, heritage, retail, housing and street culture which reflects our ethnic and

ENTERTAINMENTntowsocial diversity and together leads to the creation and expansion of business,n a strong tax base, and employment opportunities that will excite our youth and attract even

more people to the heart of our city.

T N A R IB

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UNIQUE downtown biz mandate (from the city by-law) • To promote, maintain, improve and beautify the downtown • To undertake and promote economic development of new businesses in the zone • To attract and encourage the development of new businesses in the zone • To undertake other actions to carry out its mandate

Winnipeg Especially for people who are downtown, the Downtown

BIZ is the friendly and hardworking host that improves the perception

of downtown by providing a welcoming environment, keeping things our focus clean and safe, and advocating for continuous and positive change.

report annual 2010

06 SHOP PROFESSIONALLIVE COMMERCIALve RETAILthe mo downtown on

TRANSPORTATION

about • More than 72,000 people come downtown to work • There are 4 million annual visits to The Forks the downtown biz every day, with more than 5,000 new office workers downtown since 1999 • There are about 1.5 million annual visits to the Millennium Library, up .5 million from 2008 The Downtown • More than 40,000 students come downtown to learn Winnipeg BIZ was established in 1989 and is the oldest of every year • There are over 1 million annual visits to the MTS DOWNTOWN IMAGE business improvement zones. Directed by a management board—elected by our members Centre, the 13th busiest venue in North America Winnipeg’s 15 at our annual general meeting—the Downtown BIZ markets the city centre on behalf • Almost 16,000 people live downtown; in 2004 less PARKING than 12,000 people lived downtown • There are more than 300,000 annual visits SAFETY of 1,400 businesses and runs programs targeting downtown image, cleanliness, safety, to CanWest Park (ball park) • Downtown is the fastest growing high-income transportation and parking. neighbourhood in the city • More than $1.7 billion has been invested downtown We also host events and promote downtown as a great place to work, shop and live. In addition, we advocate for continued downtown revitalization and since 1999 • Over 130,000 people live within a 7 minute drive enhanced services on behalf of our members and provide a voice in the political sphere. of downtown • More than 24 million shoppers visit downtown Every retail, commercial and professional business in the zone is a BIZ member. retailers every year • 893 housing units have been constructed since 2005, with over 800 more units planned • More than 900,000 people attend downtown events every year • More than 2.8 million tourists visit Winnipeg each year with the majority of overnight visitors staying at one • 13.5 million people visit downtown arts of downtown’s 19 hotels and entertainment venues every year

• An estimated 50,000 delegates attended nearly • Winnipeg is the only city in Canada outside of Ottawa 200 meetings/conventions in Winnipeg in 2009 to host a national museum (Canadian Museum for Human Rights, to be completed in 2012)

report annual 2010

TRANSPORTATION

CLEANLINESS FEATURE: Anti-Litter Awareness Campaign beautiful A coffee cup here, a cigarette butt there...when it comes to litter, it all adds up! The BIZ showed just how it adds up by collecting garbage over five days and displaying it in 60 clear plastic garbage bags on Portage Avenue this fall. The t are beautiful and welcoming ces tha Downtown BIZ and Take Pride Winnipeg! teamed up to spread the message to downtown litterbugs through a grassroots experience campaign. Five promotional “litter pods” featured waste, cigarette and recycling receptacles and a “dispose here” sign. ting spa a positive downtown experience. Crea you The attractive modules were designed to get attention and their use was measured at bus stops and busy hubs. And the

to give give pods hit a nerve: the BIZ emptied a whole lot of trash, recyclable items and cigarette butts which otherwise may have ge & cleanliness ended up on the streets. The next step is to advocate for more receptacles downtown. ima The Power of Clean! As always, the Clean Team’s Maintenance and Promotions members were hard at work this year making downtown look clean, green and beautiful. The team was out in full force on weekdays, evenings and weekends picking litter, removing graffiti, powerwashing bus shelters, planting flowers, and scrubbing downtown’s sidewalks in their signature green cleaning machines. Over 300 people joined in their efforts at the annual Earth Day Spring Clean Up. A year-round bus shelter cleaning program in partnership with the City ensured all Transit shelters are washed and cleaned two to three times per week, in addition to daily litter picking. While graffiti is still a daily issue for the BIZ, our downtown is relatively graffiti-free because Lighting up Broadway’s Elms of our enhanced program: two people dedicated This year’s project that had everyone talking was Lights on to removing graffiti five days a week. Broadway. The design competition lit up Broadway for two special nights. Three world-renowned lighting designers lit Flower Wow up a block of elm trees with their own unique design. Each In the summer, flowers bloomed throughout downtown, display was voted on by the public, and a jury evaluated in planters, hanging baskets, and in front of businesses. all three following presentations from the teams. While The BIZ also test-drove moveable wire flower baskets the jury decided more information was needed before that sit in tree vaults to create another “wow” flower announcing the winner, the BIZ is gearing up for a capital planter project downtown. campaign to light up Broadway permanently. • 20 Clean Team members, cleaning downtown Butt Out weekdays, weekends and evenings A Banner Year The BIZ installed an additional 10 cigarette butt receptacles 8,642 hours logged by Mission: Off the Streets Team • around downtown with signage that encourages smokers Colourful street banners celebrating the Year of the Tiger (MOST) members, employing 26 people to butt out responsibly. Receptacles are offered adorned Chinatown this year. New “welcome downtown” • 102 jumbo hanging flower baskets on display along to businesses at a 50/50 cost. gateway banners will be designed and installed this winter. Portage Avenue And the BIZ came up with a creative solution for old A Hand Up street banners: they have been recycled into bags! 71 businesses received the “Neon Broom” special • Homeless people continued to be given a chance to turn cleaning treatment this summer their lives around as part of the Mission: Off the Streets Special Projects • 4 Promotions Crew members in the summer Team (MOST). Run by Siloam Mission with support from In 2010, the Downtown BIZ launched a sponsorship drive the BIZ’s Change for the Better program, members build • 25 businesses received flower planters for site furnishings for the new Millennium Library Park. self confidence and skills through paid work cleaning The BIZ continued to support two portable toilets near 30 bistro patio sets provided attractive seating • downtown. Siloam provides supports like meals and a roof the Salvation Army to deal with issues in the Main Street on sidewalks in front of downtown businesses over their heads. The goal is to move people into healthier area. Stay tuned next year for an exciting new sculpture environments and steady jobs, while making downtown • 10 new Portage Avenue poster boards project along Portage Avenue! cleaner, too. Two MOST members are now working • 26 new sculptures to adorn Portage Avenue next year full-time with the Clean Team. The BIZ contributes over

report $25,000 per year towards employing those less fortunate annual 2010 • 60% of Winnipeggers think downtown is cleaner than last year, while 80% think bus shelters are cleaner to assist in keeping our downtown beautiful. image & cleanliness

10 customers Offering programs tha t create a safe downtown for you, your family, your customers and y community safetyour staff. Keeping Watch on Downtown family The Downtown Watch continued to be a strong visual people feel threatened by the visibility of serious social • 12 Downtown Watch ambassadors presence in downtown Winnipeg in 2010. The safety issues. Homelessness, panhandling and intoxication are • 201 Downtown Security Network (DSN) members ambassadors patrol the streets and skywalks, providing social issues that do not register on crime stats unless • 188 Watch volunteers, 45 of whom are Aboriginal • SafeWalks and keeping watch for suspicious activity. they lead to a crime, which sometimes happens, but more • Over 15,000 volunteer hours logged in 2010 20 safety presentations made They help out wherever they can, from jumping in to direct often do not. But the sheer reality of simply staring into • • 85 Change for the Better donation boxes at businesses traffic if a light goes out, to assisting with panhandlers the face of poverty and the ramifications of addictions out 4 Customer Service reps • or intoxicated individuals, to calling police if they spot on the streets of downtown hugely influences the public’s • 10 Outreach Patrol, assisted 11,155 intoxicated people 12 downtown tours someone stealing a bike. perceptions about safety. The BIZ continues to advocate since the program began • 10,000 vehicle safety checks for MPI for a broad range of solutions, from greater supports for • Powered by Volunteers the homeless to the continued creation of more reasons 10 Bike Patrol staff in the summer • Crime down 9% downtown from 2009 Nearly 200 volunteers support the Watch program and for people to live, work and play downtown, and of course • 15 Watch moved on to careers in law enforcement • Over 80% of people who live downtown increase the presence on the streets. As part of the Watch increased foot patrols and policing. We have assisted with feel safe during the day Volunteer program, many students are provided with on- the At Home/Chez Soi “housing first” demonstration the-job experiences and help bolster the Watch presence. project to provide hundreds of homeless people a place to rest their heads at night. Community Outreach With the support of the City and Province, the BIZ was Downtown Security Network successful in prolonging the Outreach Program for one Now connecting over 200 downtown businesses, the more year. Aiding with the social issues visible downtown, Downtown Security Network (DSN) links security teams 10 Outreach Patrol assist intoxicated people, moving them in order to solve and prevent crimes. This year over half to safer environments and connecting them with programs. a dozen criminals were arrested by the WPS because of They have helped over 11,000 intoxicated people since the information sharing which took place between our the program began in 2006, saving the city’s emergency BIZ members under the DSN. In 2010, there were services an estimated $6 million. Over 3,000 emergency 26 E-Alerts and 111 blogs written. calls a year are now directed to the Outreach, freeing up In January there were two robberies an hour apart. fire, police and paramedic services to deal with higher- The suspects were described similarly. The BIZ sent out priority cases. The patrol’s average response time is 10 an E-Alert to members requesting security camera footage minutes or less. The goal of the BIZ is to make this program showing the suspects. An hour later we were contacted a permanent resource for the public and our BIZ members. with a video, which we shared with the police and our staff. The next day our staff spotted the suspect in the walkway Change for the Better system and immediately contacted the police. The Watch Change for the Better supports social agencies that employ followed him until he walked out of the walkway system street people, giving them skills and hope. It also provides to where the police were waiting to nab him. the public with an alternative to giving spare change to panhandlers, which feeds into the cycle and may go towards The DSN lets members share issues quickly. It also provides FEATURE: Por an addiction. In addition to 85 donation boxes at downtown tage Avenue Alive a touch point for solution building and asking questions During the summer of 2010, the BIZ launched an innovative pilot project with the support businesses, in June 73 boxes were placed in 27 Liquor Mart directly to police. DSN members can send out E-Alerts to of the Winnipeg Police Service, Portage Place and The Forks North Portage Partnership stores across the city to raise more money and awareness all members to alert them to crimes or to be on the lookout to target drug activity and negative loitering on Portage Avenue. The project saw buskers for the program. for suspects. For example, if a parking lot is hit with a rash playing in front of Portage Place at noon and 4pm, bistro patio tables were set up and of break-ins, an E-Alert is sent to all members to be extra sitting on the flower planters was discouraged. The Watch and police made a special point Safety Issues vs Social Issues vigilant about their parking lots. When we talk about safety issues downtown, often what of patrolling the area, and the Clean Team ramped up their work to show the area is cared for. we really mean are social issues. Statistics show crime Moving On and Up And it worked. Portage Place was amazed by the drop in negative loitering and the increase is going down in the city centre: Police crime stats show Fifteen Watch staff moved on to careers in law in the public on the sidewalks—”positive loitering”. Portage Avenue in front of Portage Place there was a nine per cent decrease in crimes downtown enforcement, such as former Watch Supervisor Chad was reclaimed and reborn. In 2011, the BIZ aims to replicate this success and spread it down this year over last year. But what we hear is that many Kendel, who graduated class president from the WPS Portage Avenue, demonstrating that together, we can make a difference in safety and safety Academy, along with three former Watch volunteers. perceptions in our downtown.

community safety

2010

annual 11 report living

and playing , living y day.unique y working wntown ever you to enjo WORK enjoyInviting in the unique environment of do The Web is Where it’s at Getting the Word Out The BIZ’s website continues to grow—this year receiving In 2010, the BIZ continued to get the word out about BIZ tions & marketing 60% more visits than last year. It’s a one-stop shop for programs and downtown issues through the media. For downtown events, parking information, maps, business example, this summer the BIZ issued a public challenge listings, and more. The Mingle e-newsletter—re-designed for Winnipeggers to be part of the solution by reporting

playing communica in 2010 to be more user-friendly—sends downtown events graffiti. The BIZ pledged to donate $20 to Siloam Mission and news weekly to 12,000 subscribers. for every graffiti tag reported. Of the 27 calls received, only nine were in the downtown area, and the BIZ The BIZ is Everywhere presented Siloam with $540 at a free pancake breakfast What better way to reach tech-savvy downtowners for downtown workers. Graffiti is not perceived to be a big than through social media? The BIZ’s Facebook page problem downtown, largely because the BIZ is quick to has over 1,400 fans and highlights events, photos and remove graffiti within 24 hours. media hits, while also engaging users to talk about downtown. Downtown Peggy posts regular blogs, has Follow the Trends her own Facebook page and tweets about cool downtown This year the BIZ spent time surveying and reflecting upon happenings, gaining more followers every day. the opinions of those who live, work and operate a business downtown, with the intent of better understanding trends, Introducing DTW opportunities and challenges. This has allowed us to review Downtown Winnipeg (DTW) magazine blasted into the our strategic plan as well as create the next addition of market this summer, creating buzz with a high quality the Downtown Trends market research report, which was publication featuring trendy clothes and products from circulated to brokerage firms and realtors across Canada downtown shops, recipes from downtown restaurants, to highlight the opportunities of investing in downtown stories of people who live downtown, and a complete Winnipeg. Local realtors were also toured around entertainment guide. A second issue was distributed in downtown properties to show the spaces available. early November in time for the holidays. With 40,000 copies printed, the magazine was distributed through Liquor Mart stores, hotels and throughout downtown.

• 40,000 Downtown Winnipeg magazines distributed, twice in 2010 • 12,000 subscribers to the Mingle e-newsletter • 1,476 fans on Facebook • Over 102,000 visits to the BIZ website annually, up 60% from 2009 • 2,675 visits to Downtown Peggy’s website each month (on average) • 20 billboards and 40 bus ads promoting Downtown Peggy • 1,137 Twitter followers for Downtown Peggy FEATURE: Downtown Peggy • 9% more Winnipeggers visited downtown in 2009 than 2007 She’s the go-to gal for all things downtown! Downtown Peggy was launched in 2009 and grew in prominence and popularity in 2010, through a billboard campaign, radio ads, Facebook and her very own website. Peggy tweets and blogs several times a week about downtown events, restaurants, shopping and more. She is also starting to pop up in BIZ promotions such as encouraging people to Pledge to Shop Downtown for the Holidays, giving away great merchandise from downtown stores, and even making appearances around downtown. Keep your eyes open for more of Downtown Peggy!

report annual 2010 communications & marketing

14 FEATURE: Ciclovia & Lights on Broadway Five outstanding events took place on one warm weekend this September. Thousands of people sporting blinking blue stars and candles strolled Broadway’s boulevards on a warm September weekend for Lights on Broadway. After taking in the Wine & Cheese Festival and the Big Dance on Broadway, people voted on an exhibition of three lighting displays by world- renowned lighting designers. The next day, Broadway was flooded with runners, strollers, rollerbladers, cyclists, buskers and vendors for the second annual Ciclovia. A 10 & 10 race in the morning attracted 500 runners. Altogether, the weekend offered an estimated 30,000 people a wonderful experience in the heart of their city—a chance to recapture their downtown. The BIZ gives a heartfelt thanks to our partners and sponsors for making these events possible.

Lunchtime Fun DISCOVER CHINATOWN New this year, 40 to 50 people regularly enjoyed Yoga in An exciting two-day street festival took over King the Park every Thursday in the peaceful green sanctuary Street in Chinatown this August, showcasing the unique of Memorial Park. The popular Out to Lunch concert series neighbourhood with music, Chinese martial arts, folk returned with 10 concerts. The second annual Graham Mall dances, lion dances, and more, all with the BIZ’s help. Street Festival was a hit, showcasing area businesses and The BIZ also supported lunchtime concerts in the a Farmers’ Market. Chess in the Court and Chess in the Chinese Gardens and at Air Canada Park. Park drew enthusiasts out to play their favourite game— Splash of Colour and the giant chess pieces entertained young and old. Art from 25 schools was displayed downtown for Out on the Avenue Young Artists on the Avenue. Part of an overall safety initiative, this busker series in Events Galore front of Portage Place replaced negative loitering with The BIZ continued to support great events downtown, positive pedestrian traffic. Buskers played from May to festival including Play On! 4 on 4 Hockey—a giant street hockey August at peak times: over lunch and between 4pm and Providing you with fun events and grea tournament in front of the Legislative Building; Doors t downtown experiences. 5pm. Open, showcasing the unique and historic buildings of our city; Freeze Frame Kids Festival, drawing hundreds Living the Dream of kids for a cool arts experience downtown; and Cruz This year’s Downtown Living Tour & Exhibition was held In Downtown, the car show street festival. fun events & promotions in June. Many interested downtown dwellers toured condos dance and apartments to investigate the urban lifestyle. A fun Holiday Magic • twist was Downtown Peggy’s friend Krystin “lived” in a The Festival of Trees & Lights came “Home for the 20,000 people danced and strolled down Broadway for Lights on Broadway glass-walled “condo” in Portage Place for one week prior Holidays” in 2010, moving their magical festival back • 10,000 cyclists, joggers and walkers took to the streets during Ciclovia to the event to drum up interest and visits to Downtown downtown after 30 years at the Assiniboine Park • Peggy’s blog. Conservatory. Manitoba Hydro Place’s spectacular 600 people attended the Graham Mall Street Festival with about 200 gallery is the perfect backdrop for the display of trees, attending each regular Out to Lunch concert wreathes, gingerbread houses and original Eaton’s • Art from 25 schools was displayed for “Santa’s Workshop” vignettes. The BIZ joined the Young Artists on the Avenue festivities by promoting the festival and hosting • 60,000 parade lovers at the Santa Claus Parade horse-drawn carriage rides. • 10,000 car enthusiasts at Cruz in Downtown

events & promotions

2010

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Providing you with the best events and experiences for a vibrant downtownThe atmo Downtown - member or one of the many people who live, work and shop here in the heart of the city. CAN It’s the promise we offer. It’s the voice at the end of the Downtown someone else needs help. It’s the dedication of our Clean Team as they scrub bus shelters, pick up litter in front of your store or remove graffiti from your walls. It’s in what we can do to help promote your event or your business whether it’s using our newsletters, website or hanging up posters. It’s the music coming from Air Canada Park on your lunch break or the thousands of people strolling a street festival on a beautiful fall day. It’s the constant dedication to make parking and transportation as effortless as possible for you and your employees. It’s the flower ANY baskets, banners and artwork along the streets that make downtown burst with vibrancy. It’s about the BIZ being your host, welcoming you to downtown and taking care of your

concerns, big or small. So let us know—can we get you anything?

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sy for bike easyMakingw itn whe ea ther by bus, car, bike or on foot wnto do ation, FEATURE: Downtown Spirit Restaurant Tours Who doesn’t like a lunch out of the office? The BIZ encouraged downtown workers to get out of their office over the noon hour and explore downtown. Over the summer, a BIZ tour guide escorted 138 office workers to 11 downtown restaurants

car transport via the free Downtown Spirit shuttle bus. The sold-out tours showed workers—36% of whom had never taken the Spirit

transit before—how they can get around downtown for free to experience great downtown dining and more! foot arking & p Catch the Free Spirit In addition to the Downtown Spirit Restaurant Tours, Spirit Week entertained with week- long festivities aboard the free shuttle bus. With music and fun on the buses—and the chance to win a big-screen TV—the BIZ encouraged office workers to give the Spirit a whirl and see where it can take them.

32,000 Parking Spots to Choose From A revamped parking guide—complete with coupons—was created and will be distributed late in the year to help the public park with ease. Businesses had a chance to air their questions directly to the head of the Parking Authority through three popular morning “Coffee Talks” hosted by the BIZ this winter.

Park Your Bike Here Supporting active transportation, the BIZ installed more bike racks along Broadway this summer. We also worked with the Winnipeg Parking Authority to install seasonal on-street bike parking pads downtown.

Blue Loonie Madness The Blue Loonie got a new look in 2010, with new signage and stickers distributed to participants. Fourteen businesses joined the program this year. The loyalty program offers • 5,000 blue loonies handed out promotionally a way for businesses to say “thank you” and help their customers save on parking and • 138 people enjoyed 11 sold-out Downtown Spirit bussing downtown. The BIZ’s Promotions Team also handed out the tokens promotionally Restaurant Tours during Blue Loonie Mondays this summer. • 5,000 walkway guides distributed • 350 brochure racks on street parking paystations High and Dry The indoor walkway system boasted a new link this year, connecting cityplace to the • Spirit ridership up 9% over last year Delta Winnipeg Hotel and the Convention Centre. The BIZ supported the City’s commitment through a walkway guide and by posting “W” decals in elevators to help the public access the system.

report annual 2010 transit transportation, parking &

20 strategy An important role of the BIZ is to be on top of the best practices that revitalize downtown and stimulate economic development. We advocate for policies and programs that continually move downtown forward and work in the best interests of our members and the community, which in turn allow us to capitalize on our core functions of marketing our downtown as a great place to live, work and play, enhancing downtown safety and reaching that vibrancy we so often talk about. The BIZ draws attention to issues facing downtown through editorials, letters, meetings, presentations to government officials, blogging and media interviews— we provided over 100 of them this year. The B IZ is an organization that advocates for positive change by seeking solutions through partnerships with our stakeholders. We know projects like rapid transit, transit-oriented development, downtown housing incentives, taxation to address downtown development challenges and positive other policies are needed to attract business and people downtown, making it safer, change cleaner and buzzing with life—the number one goal of the BIZ and its members.

Building a better do wntown by being your voice for positive, continuous change. 2010 Advocacy Achievements

• Mayoral Forum: the two leading mayoral candidates • Advocated to principal stakeholders for the continuation advocacy & solution building discussed downtown issues in front of a crowded house of the Outreach Patrol Program and received funding to of 250 people at Manitoba Hydro Place. run until March 2011. The BIZ is continuing in working to make this a permanent program with jurisdiction • Premier’s Forum: 40 top BIZ members had Premier beyond the BIZ’s boundaries. Top areas of Greg Selinger’s ear at a special BIZ-hosted meeting advocacy identified • Retail strategy for downtown as a priority by the BIZ Bo to discuss downtown issues. • Advocated for and played a role in the development of artd: a five-year downtown parking strategy that integrates • Encouraging the City to reinvest Winnipeg Parking • Aggressively advocated for a greater presence of foot • Enhancing downtown safety other transportation, parking and pedestrian strategies Authority (WPA) surplus revenue, other, back into patrol police downtown, and a greater presence is -- More Police presence / foot patrols as part of a renewed plan for the Winnipeg Parking the downtown, new parkades being seen. -- WPS Cadets Authority. • Rapid Transit / Transit Oriented Development (TOD) -- Downtown cameras • This year, the city has begun rolling out the new Police • Successfully advocated that sale proceeds from the • Expansion of the Winnipeg Convention Centre Cadet program that will put more trained patrols on the • Housing First, for the homeless Shops of Winnipeg Square parkade be used to create streets, including downtown. This program will augment • Downtown Lighting Strategy new mixed-use parkade structures in areas of parking • TIFs (Tax Development Policy(s) and District Planning, the BIZ’s Watch program, and the downtown will be used e.g. housing development and SHED) demand in our downtown. • Downtown Parking / Transportation Strategy as the live training theatre of cadets in training. • A joint federal/provincial housing pilot project for • Successfully advocated for Transit to broaden its those suffering from mental health issues will see 400 partnership with the BIZ in ensuring bus shelters homeless and at-risk people taken off the street and are cleaned 3 to 4 times per week. moved to a better environment, through a “housing first” • Worked with the Downtown Council in advocating for a approach. planned approach to revitalizing our downtown districts, • Advocated for Lights on Broadway, downtown festival through development plans and Tax Increment Financing and capital lighting program. (TIF), starting with the creation of an entertainment district around the MTS Centre. • Worked with the Downtown Council in advocating for the province and the city to provide proper tax incentives to stimulate the development of more downtown housing, funding downtown developments that otherwise

report would not be economically feasible. Over 800 potential annual 2010 new housing units are now under consideration. advocacy & solution Building

22 Safety Ciclovia Ken Penuita Jeff Palmer Committee Planning Assiniboine Credit Union CentreVenture 2010 Board, Development Corp. Committee Carol A. Phillips Winnipeg Arts Council Ken Penuita Doug Tesch, Chair Assiniboine Credit Union Marlborough Hotel Bob Shaer Deanne Betteridge Ash Management Group Stephanie Scherbain Steven Paulus, Vice Chair Winnipeg in Motion Exchange District BIZ Committee & Staff Members Avison Young Commercial Real Kevin Walters Estate Ron Brown Manitoba Homecoming 2010 Peter Squire Manitoba Cycling Association Winnipeg Realtors Association Charles Allsopp Richard Westwood Management Image & Marketing Susanne Dewey Povoledo Winnipeg Police Service Dave Elmore University of Winnipeg Bill Thiessen Bike to the Future Board Cleanliness & Events City of Winnipeg – PP&D REMAX Performance Realty Karen Beaudin Daniel Gravenor Committee Committee Kevin Donnelly City of Winnipeg - Community Main Street Barry Thorgrimson True North Sports Service Dept. City of Winnipeg – PP&D YOUR EXECUTIVE & Entertainment Jessie Klassen Advisory Green Action Centre Dave Stone, Chair Clare MacKay, Chair Larry Hecht Committee Kevin Donnelly, Chair Darren Downey Hecht Corp. Holdings Inc. True North Sports Portage Place Shopping Centre Forks North Portage FNP Parking Beth McKechnie Downtown & Entertainment Partnership Susan Helenchilde Green Action Centre Marileen Bartlette biz staff (to Oct. 2010) Frances Cholakis David Hill Justice Prosecutions Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Fairmont Real Estate Ltd. Desiree Blackmore, Winnipeg Parking Authority Kevin Nixon Calvin Polet, Vice Chair City of Winnipeg AT Coordinator Neptune Management Vice Chair Craig Johnson Wins Bridgman The Bay Downtown Thomas Novak Administration Staff Arthur Cohen CDI College Calvin Polet Bridgman Collaborative Millennium Library Winnipeg Rapid Transit Coalition Angie Pfeifer, Secretary Lisa Bright Kerry LeBlanc Neptune Properties Architecture Stefano Grande Investors Group Executive Director Heather Cram Crown Property Management Jessie Klassen Forks North Portage Howard Skrypnyk Desmond Burke Partnership Terence Tsoi, Treasurer Hilderman Thomas Chuck Davidson Green Action Centre Province of Manitoba – Healthy BIOS Architecture Ron Enns RBC Royal Bank of Canada Frank Cram & Associates Living, Youth & Seniors Finance Administrator Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Scott Malabar Chris McColm William Eakin Harlequin Costume Co. Manitoba Hydro Anders Swanson Rick Joyal Dave Stone, Tom Ethans Tannis Hogue Jeff Hnatiuk Take Pride Winnipeg! One Green City Manager, Safety & Development Member-at-Large Economic development Winnipeg Ian Marcil Bruce Ormiston Sport Manitoba Winnipeg Police Service Portage Place Shopping Centre Colliers Pratt McGarry Jennifer Verch James Houldsworth Trisha Hogue Kurtis Kowalke Manager, Marketing City of Winnipeg – Public Works Heather Power Angie Pfeifer Lights on City of Winnipeg – PP&D Desiree Blackmore, Portage Place Shopping Centre & Communications Contact Lens Services Investors Group Broadway Member-at-Large Tim Kennedy Susan Lewis Stephanie Voyce The Bay Downtown Loretta Martin Marci Riel Committee United Way of Winnipeg Axcan Pharma CentreVenture Anders Swanson Project Co-ordinator One Green City Manitoba Public Insurance Loretta Martin Mo Razik, Past Vice Chair Eileen Kirton Susan Parker Robb Sabo Ed Medgyes Fenton’s Wine Merchants Paul Webster CentreVenture People First HR Services Tell Us About Us Inc. Manitoba Liquor Control Ida Albo, Chair Maintenance Supervisor Forks North Portage Fort Garry Hotel Development Corp. Commission Ken Berg Jack Lubinski Rick Walker Partnership Ross McGowan Debra Tomiski City of Winnipeg – Public Works Millennium Library Dave Stone Dave Angus Co-ordinator, Human Resources Mountain Equipment Co-op Richard Wishnowski Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce CentreVenture Portage Place Shopping Centre Imperial Parking Canada Development Corp. Cheryl Mazur Beverly Watson Katherine Page Councillor Jenny Gerbasi Two Feathers Promotions Ken Taplin Martha Barwinsky Co-ordinator, Business City of Winnipeg St. Vital Shopping Centre Rennie Zegalski City of Winnipeg, Urban Forestry Glen McLennan Winnipeg Police Service Services & Events CB Richard Ellis Winnipeg Regional John Zajic Health Authority Ivan Holloway Doug Peever TelPay Inc. Rob Thorsten Stephen Borys Jolene Olive Winnipeg Art Gallery D’arcy and Deacon City of Winnipeg – PP&D True North Sports Paula Mitchell Co-ordinator, Rennie Zegalski Finance & Entertainment Mitchell Fabrics Marketing & Design Garry Pekrul CB Richard Ellis Graham L. Davis Eileen Kirton Committee Manitoba Club People First HR Services City of Winnipeg – Public Works Richard Walls Craig Strike Five Events Dorothy Dobbie ADI Designworks Co-ordinator, Volunteer Program Mary Reid Clare MacKay Parking & Terence Tsoi, Chair Pegasus Publications Forks North Portage Winnipeg Art Gallery Committee Mike Wolchock Tina Gow / Chrissy McClurg Transportation RBC Royal Bank of Canada Administrative Assistant Partnership Kevin Donnelly Neon Factory Janice Shott Committee Doug Tesch, Vice Chair True North Sports Chyan Dumas Weddings with Janice Kevin Donnelly & Entertainment Sachit Mehra Marlborough Hotel Assistant, Safety & Development East India Company Pub & Eatery True North Sports Downtown Terence Tsoi Calvin Polet, Chair Steven Paulus & Entertainment Nazra Gladu Living Steering Manitoba Hydro Nisha Tuli Steven Paulus RBC Royal Bank of Canada Neptune Management Ltd. Avison Young Commercial Real Dominic Lloyd Committee Marketing Consultant Avison Young Commercial Real Estate Winnipeg Cultural Capital Paul Jordan Estate Tricia Wasney Ken Berg, Vice Chair of Canada 2010 The Forks North Portage Downtown Winnipeg Arts Council Mountain Equipment Co-Op Partnership Watch Staff Doug Tesch Clare MacKay Nadine Delisle Marlborough Hotel Beverly Watson Jonathan Borland Forks North Portage John Kiernan Manitoba Housing Authority Wraylynn Black City of Winnipeg – Partnership Two Feathers Promotions City of Winnipeg Gary Holmes Supervisor of Safety Programs Beverly Watson Transit Services Vanessa Macrae Rob Kristjansson City of Winnipeg – PP&D Two Feathers Promotions Giselle Champagne Manitoba Homecoming 2010 Lisa McIntyre City of Winnipeg Duty Supervisor Champagne Law Office Clare Mackay Alix Sobler Forks North Portage of Safety Programs Winnipeg Cultural Capital Lloyd Kuczek Partnership Stephen Chapman of Canada 2010 Manitoba Hydro Wade Wiesner City of Winnipeg – Public Works Kevin Walters Robert Okabe Loretta Martin Duty Supervisor of Safety

Manitoba Homecoming 2010 City of Winnipeg CentreVenture Programs Development Corp.

2010

annual 23 report VEMENT ZONE THE DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG BUSINESS IMPRO

statement of financial position statement of operations (as of december 31) (as of december 31) 2009 2008

ASSETS 2009 2008 revenues: Current Assets: Business Improvement Zone levy $ 1,420,005 $ 1,222,330 Cash $ 490,658 $ 661,962 Interest income 7,684 13,871 Accounts receivable 95,671 77, 791 Contributions 1,030,490 911,779 Prepaid expenses 3,311 4,022 2,458,179 2,147,980 589,640 743,775

Capital Assets 223,503 267,871 expenses: Programs & Administration 2,491,962 2,357,397 $ 813,143 $ 1,011,646

Difference between revenues and expenses $ (33,783) $ (209,417) LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 190,062 $ 226,689 Current portion of City of Winnipeg annual rental value adjustment 85,136 78,712 Current portion of obligation under capital lease 34,420 33,100

309,618 338,501

City of Winnipeg annual rental value adjustment 50,000 100,000

Obligation under capital lease 101,935 136,394

Deferred revenue 12,798 64,176

Net assets: Unrestricted - - Internally Restricted 251,644 306,100 Invested in capital assets 87,148 66,475

338,792 372,575

$ 813,143 $ 1,011,646

report

annual 2010

2010

annual

report 25 26 VEMENT ZONE THE DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG BUSINESS IMPRO

Statement of Changes in Net Assets statement of cash flow (as of december 31)

2009 2008 net assets internally invested in cash flow from: Unrestricted Restricted capital assets 2009 Total 2008 Total Operating activities- Net assets: Cash receipts from BIZ levy $ 1,376,430 $ 1,419,408 Balance, beginning of year $ - $ 306,100 $ 66,475 $ 372,575 $ 581,992 Interest received 7,684 13,872 Investment in capital assets (31,118) - 31,118 - - Cash contributions received 1,012,610 927,941 Change in capital lease (33,139) - 33,139 - - Cash paid to suppliers and employees (2,536,910) (2,238,725) Internally restricted 54,456 (54,456) - - - (140,186) 122,496 Difference between revenues and expenses 9,801 - (43,584) (33,783) (209,417) Investing activities- Purchase of capital assets (31,118) (69,506) Balance, end of year $ - $ 251,644 $ 87,148 $ 338,792 $ 372,575 Change in cash (171,304) 52,990

Cash, beginning of year 661,962 608,972

Cash, end of year $ 490,658 $ 661,962

report

annual 2010

2010

annual

report 27 28 together strong 2010 downtown biz 2010 partnerships management board The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ levy funds core operations and programs, but strong partnerships allow us to truly make a difference downtown. In 2010, our numerous supporters helped launch new programs and enhance existing ones, contributing over $2 million in cash and in-kind support over and above the BIZ levy.

Kevin Donnelly, Chair Calvin Polet, Vice Chair Angie Pfeifer, Secretary Terence Tsoi, Treasurer Dave Stone, Desiree Blackmore, True North Sports Neptune Management Investors Group RBC Royal Bank of Canada Member-at-Large Member-at-Large & Entertainment Portage Place Shopping Centre The Bay Downtown support more enhance strong Mo Razik, Past Vice Chair Ken Berg Councillor Jenny Gerbasi Ivan Holloway Eileen Kirton Clare MacKay Fenton’s Wine Merchants Mountain Equipment Co-op City of Winnipeg D’arcy and Deacon People First HR Services Forks North Portage Partnership

Partnerachieve 2010 partners Platinum Silver Manitoba Health ($25,000 to $49,999) ($5,000 to $9,999) and Healthy Living The Downtown Winnipeg Sachit Mehra Steven Paulus Doug Tesch Beverly Watson Centre for Aboriginal Human Ash Management Midland Foods Inc. Two Feathers Promotions BIZ gratefully acknowledges East India Company Avison Young Commercial Marlborough Hotel Resources Pub & Eatery Real Estate the following business and Human Resources Skills Modern Earth organizations for partnering Independent Wine Merchants Development Canada Pattison Outdoor with us in 2010: Manitoba Liquor Control Main Street Project Power Up Electrical Commission Manitoba Metis Federation Province of Manitoba - Dr. Hook Towing Sky Waterfront Condominiums Partners ($100-$499) Ming Court Diamond ($50,000 & up) Pattison Outdoor Advertising Competiveness and Training Province of Manitoba - FWS Group Take Pride Winnipeg! Aluminum Sound Mitchell Fabrics City of Winnipeg Portage Place Shopping Manitoba Housing and Redcliff Realty Management Green Seed Development Tauren Latitude 1 Multifamily Audio Works Production MJK Consulting Fire Paramedics Centre Renewal Corporation Inc. LP Services Old Spaghetti Factory Park Services North Area Winnipeg Arts Council William F. White International Salvation Army Booth Centre Hilderman Thomas Frank Police Service Cram The Fyxx Bank of America Shelter Canadian Properties Olympia Cycle on Portage Public Works Worker’s Compensation Board Bronze Ltd. Hudson’s Bay Company The Keg Best of Friends Perth’s Transit Gold ($2,000 to $4,999) The Friends of the Assiniboine IMAX Theatre Tim Hortons Crosstown Credit Union Pylon Cultural Capital of Canada Assiniboine Credit Union Park Conservatory ($10,000 to $24,999) Knox United Timbercreek Asset Extreme Pita Rings ‘n Things Downtown Watch Volunteers HOT 103 Creswin Real Estate Winnipeg Square Merchant’s Management Kum-Koon Garden Forest Peoples Crafts Soups, Sandwiches & More Manitoba Homecoming 2010 Association AAA Alarms City of Winnipeg - Planning, Total Lighting Lea Marc Inc. Giant Tiger Staples Business Depot Manitoba Hydro Supporters Calvary Temple Property & Development Transport Canada ($500 to $1,999) Lobby on York Globe Cinema Teeka’s Aboriginal Boutique Manitoba Public Insurance CentreVenture Development Economic Development Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Canada Post Manitoba Association for Art Gooch’s Bicycle & Hobby The Ground Floor Mission: Off the Streets Team Winnipeg Company Corporation Education Shops Exchange District BIZ CI Investments The Marlborough Inn (MOST) Investors Group Financial West End BIZ Circle of Life Thunderbird Manitoba Club Hakim Optical Province of Manitoba – Services FNP Parking Winnipeg Children’s Festival Two Rivers Winnipeg Regeneration House Manitoba Housing Authority H’Attitude Mountain Equipment Co-op Fort Garry Hotel Winnipeg Chinese Cultural & Strategy CJOB Natural Cycle Holiday Inn Downtown Province of Manitoba - Fusion Communications Group Community Centre The Forks North Portage Clear 102 FM Urban Green Team Green Living Show Neptune Properties Winnipeg Clinic Hull’s Family Bookstore Partnership Communications Services RBC Pallet Busters Winnipeg Goldeyes Inlet Properties Winnipeg Parking Authority Guppy Design Manitoba Winnipeg Free Press Impark Second Cup on Edmonton WinnipegREALTORS® Inn at the Forks

report Winnipeg Regional Country Charm Romantic annual 2010 Health Authority Resort McDonalds Restaurant