Building a Community in Winnipeg's Historic Exchange District

Confessions of a former sprawl addict

Hi, my name is Hazel, and I’m an addict.

For the last 25 years, I’ve been addicted to a string of takers. Time-draining, money-grubbing, fat-building, resource-depleting, toxic machines. For the last 18 months, I’ve been clean. Ever since our move to Canada. And this last weekend, I realized I may be cured.

That’s right, when we moved here 18 months ago, I decided to get rid of my car. This past weekend, my in-laws offered me their sweet little Audi on loan as they fled the cold for the winter. But living without a car for the first time since I was 16, I realize it’s a much better way. I just said, “No.”

Living in the heart of Winnipeg, I’m surrounded by walkable neighbourhoods on every side. Going from a golf course community in Florida — let’s call it an experiment, shall we? — with a Walk Score of 9 to Winnipeg’s Exchange District with a Walk Score of 88 quickly ended my auto addiction. And the score should actually be more like 98, but Canadian transit is not yet reflected, nor are the new Exchange retail establishments that have been opening one per month ever since I’ve lived here. It’s rich.

So I’d call this a lifestyle within sustainable urbanism — walkable, transit-served urbanism integrated with high-performance buildings and infrastructure, that balances environmental, social, and economic requirements — and it also makes extreme climates livable.

The principal barrier to greening where we live is how we live. Misguided transportation planning, home and infrastructure financing systems, and zoning practices incentivize sprawling, disconnected lifestyles, and are increasingly unaffordable, unfulfilling, and unhealthy. To reverse sprawl’s unintended consequences we should incentivize compact, diverse, transit-oriented development. The foundation of Real Green is neighbourhood, district, corridor, and regional design, with high-performance infrastructure and green architecture layered upon that base. It’s cost-effective, since even $1 million invested in planning a city is less than gadget-greening a handful of buildings to which everyone drives.

So what does this mean to me personally to have kicked the habit?

My family’s average car miles per month decreased by 90%, going from a 3 car family driving 530 miles per week, to a 1 car family driving 55 miles per week. The AAA Your Driving Costs 2009 lists our combination of three cars costing $0.702/mile. Walkable, transit rich urbanism got us a 90% emissions reduction and saved us $17,206 per year. It also freed up 700 hours per year, which are entirely more fulfilling to spend in other ways than on my addiction. Oh, and all that walking has started dispensing with the weight gain that averages 10 pounds per person living in sprawl. Last Saturday’s New York Times article and CEOs for Cities study intone that my new house, with it’s above-average Walk Score will likely commanded a premium, as much as $30,000. Judging by local real estate prices, they’ve more or less pegged it.

Yearly savings tally:

- 90% less carbon emissions

- $17,206 car savings

- $30,000 house savings

- 700 hours

- 10 pounds

- Real community — priceless

Walkability isn’t about doing your duty for others. It’s about a better life for you. Or as Ken Groves put it, “I dwell small and live large.”

It feels great to come clean.

–Hazel Borys  (R:ED Member)

New Condos for Exchange

Qualico Developments has purchased the buildings formerly owned by Nygard International and has confirmed that they will be developing the properties.  This should mean about 150 new condos built behind the Concert Hall.

Qualico has stated that they expect the condos to be in the 500 - 600 sq foot range and sell for under $200,000.

There are strong rumours that a new parking structure will be built across James Street from the Qualico Development condos, with a mix of retail/commercial space on the main floor.  The parking structure would provide much needed capacity for the concert hall, the Sport Manitoba building and the new condos.

The new condos will be developed in phases, with the first expected as soon as late 2010.

The fine print: similar to a number of other projects, the developers are waiting for details on the Manitoba government's new TIF program.  The Tax Incentive Financing program, has been long awaited, and if positive, will drive a lot of downtown development over the next few years. (link: Exchange development in the media)

Olympic Torch Run: Exchange District

The on its way through Winnipeg, the Olympic Torch run weaved its way through the Exchange District.  The runners made their way down Waterfront to Bannatyne, then Bannatyne to Rorie where the flame was transferred to a new runner who when down Rorie and them Market toward Main Street.

A small crowd of excited residents awaited the torch arrival, some sipping on hot chocolate from the Exchange Cafe.  Others lit sparklers while they waited the entourage, preceded by what seemed like 20 police cars, closing off streets and ensuring the run was unimpeded.

Downtown Retail Strategy

The Exchange District BIZ along with the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, Centreventure and the City of Winnipeg and Forks North Portage Development Corp have released the results of a study on a new retail strategy for downtown Winnipeg.

The report notes that "The Exchange District was identified through its "cool factor", "casual-chic" atmosphere and the need to balance its hipster (creative pioneers of the revived Exchange) demographic with an emerging yupster (a yuppie hipster hybrid) population."

For details of the retail strategy, see the Executive Summary (18 pages!) or the Full Report (109 pages).

Downtown Residents Survey

You are asked to complete a survey sponsored by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ to help identify the needs of the people who live downtown.  As an added incentive, you could win a 42" Sharpe TV! 

Please complete the survey and send the link to any downtown residents you know who do not live in the Exchange -- their input is important too!

Survey Says...

If you live in the Exchange District, you know the truth about safety in the downtown.  If you reside in the 'burbs, you probably have some misconceptions about downtown safety.

Try the downtown safety quiz to test your knowledge -- it will take 2 min for you to learn the facts.

Free Pass for Residents?

In a December 5, 2009 Winnipeg Free Press article, columnist Morley Walker notes that while the MTS Centre has been very successful, it has, through no fault of its own, done little to stimulate downtown development.  He does mention one interesting idea -- maybe the MTS Centre should reward (and attract) downtown residents by offering a Downtowners' Pass.

The pass, given to residents of downtown, would allow free admittance to any MTS Centre event that is not sold out.  Like flying standby, residents could fill unused seats.

It sounds like a great idea, that would benefit downtown residents, provide a small attraction to those considering moving downtown, be simple and easy to administer and would cost the MTS Centre nothing.

I'm sure many R:ED members would be more than happy to participate!

Never Boring

In addition to being surrounded by the historical architecture of the Exchange, a walk through the district is never dull.  A few weeks back, walking to work, I happened upon this 'couple' sitting on a bench on Albert St. at McDermot. 

I have no explanation, but to note that the artist community in the Exchange is alive and well!

The “Secret” is Out!

We recently interviewed Bonnie Fraser, owner of My Secret Garden, a beautiful full service flower shop at 84 ½ Albert Street.  In November, they were awarded, the Style Award Of Excellence, by The Exchange Biz.

R:ED - What is My Secret Garden?
My Secret Garden offers unique floral designs. We create anything from a simple hand-tied bouquet, to the wedding of your dreams, or stylized corporate gala.

R:ED - Who are your customers?
It ranges from people walking in off the street looking for a bouquet, to couples needing their wedding done, to calls from corporate clients looking for flowers for events.  Right now we are getting lots of orders for Christmas arrangements and table centerpieces.

R:ED - How did you get your start?
Flowers have always been my passion.  After leaving Air Canada six years ago I decided to launch My Secret Garden. I worked from my home, developed a large wedding clientele, and made many connections with the top wedding and event vendors in the city.  I have studied floral design with Paula Pryke, and garden design, at The Chelsea Physic Garden, both in London, England.

R:ED - Why did you move into the Exchange District?
I have always envisioned a high end, one stop venue, offering unique floral designs, event planning, rentals, gifts, etc, in a beautiful space.  I love historic architecture, and have always been drawn to, and saw the potential, in the Exchange District.

When I first saw the space in Oct 08, it was part of the Exchange Community Church (before their move).  After extensive redesign, renovations, and new furnishing, we have a place designed to bring back the historic detail of this former carriageway, and part of the turn of the century Mariaggi Hotel.  We opened in January 2009

I love the space which I have created...it's a dream come true. It's a place where people come to visit, but want to stay.

Winnipeg's First Ciclovia

On Sunday, September 13 from 8am until 6pm, the entire north side of Broadway was closed to motorized vehicles from Main to Osborne connecting Assiniboine Park to The Forks for Ciclovia.

The event featured a hay maze, a farmers’ market, street vendors, a kids’ zone, buskers, horse drawn wagons, outdoor fitness classes and other non-motorized fun.

Ciclovia, meaning “bike way,” began in Bogotá, Colombia, where every Sunday major roads are blocked off and millions of people fill them running, walking, biking while enjoying free outdoor fitness classes like yoga and aerobics.

The Winnipeg event was well attended – many blocks of Broadway were packed with people cycling and walking past the vendors and entertainment.  It was a beautiful day, and people were relaxing on the boulevards, and taking in the bands and polo game (where the players were on bikes!).

After starting at the Forks, and taking in all that Ciclovia had to offer, it was clear riding through the regular Sunday bike-restricted roadways through Wolsley and down Wellington Crescent to get to Assiniboine Park.  After a pit-stop at Sargent Sundae’s (a sunny day requirement), an easy return ride along the bike trail ending at the Forks.

Our congratulations to the organizers – it was well planned and attendance was outstanding, especially for a first time event.  The only suggestion for improvement, maybe next year continue the marked bike path through the Forks and down Waterfront, continuing the route along the scenic Red River.

Exchange District Razed for Parking?

Uptown Magazine, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, has published a story by James Howard alleging that our City Planners have gone over the edge.  An excerpt:

The city's historic Exchange District has been a headache for civic planners in recent years, with many of its signature character buildings either demolished for newer projects or left to 'demolition by neglect' by owners. The sweeping new proposal, passed 12 to four by council yesterday, will see the entire region bulldozed and paved to make room for a district-wide parking complex. Construction estimates were set at $150 million, then immediately declared out of date and bumped to $215 million.  (full story)

Exchange Foot Patrol

The Exchange Patrol program helps to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone in the district. Members of the Exchange Patrol are always ready to help, whether you need a safe walk to your car or bus stop, directions around the area or to report an issue of concern.  Exchange Patrols are easily identified in their black and yellow uniforms. Their constant, dependable and uniformed presence sends a positive message to merchants, citizens, and tourists that the Exchange District is a welcoming destination where safety is valued.

Exchange Residents are "Green"

• 51.2% of Exchange residents walk as their primary mode of transport vs 6.2% for the City as a whole
• More than twice as many Exchange residents (10.9%) work from home vs the City overall (4.5%)

Visitor Parking

N E X T   E V E N T

R:ED Event: Winnipeg Foundation in the Exchange - join us Mar 23 for a discussion on how Wpg Fdn is investing in the Exchange.

N E W S

W E B   U P D A T E S

3/18: Added Hazel Borys' article on living downtown

2/5: New Condos for Exchange article and pics on home page

1/27: Added pics from R:ED Jan Event: Bartley Kives

1/16: Pics & article re Olympics Torch run added

12/20: Added pics from R:ED Christmas Party

12/2: Added My Secret Garden interview; added recent articles about Qualico and parking

7/25: Page added for Condos Available for sale/rent by R:ED members

M E M B E R S H I P

We now have over 100 members!  If you know someone living in the Exchange, they can apply for membership here.