Community News

If you are aware of some new happenings in the Exchange District, whether it be community events, business changes or things to do, please send us an email with a couple of lines of detail and we will post it here.

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).

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!

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.

Currently there are two full time personnel: Lisa Knievel and Josiah Cook.  During the busy summer months, volunteer Exchange Patrol personnel will be added.

The goal of the Exchange Patrol program is to enhance the quality of life in Winnipeg’s Exchange District by placing a uniformed presence on the street, and by providing visitors with ambassadors who can be of service in a variety of situations. Patrols address issues such as panhandling, litter and nuisance behaviour, and they are trained in mediation, conflict resolution and first aid.

Josiah and Lisa were in attendance at our recent R:ED Meeting: Safety on the Streets to talk about their experiences walking the Exchange 'beat' every day.

Exchange Residents are "Green"

Some statistics from the 2006 Census that are very interesting, and illustrative of how living in the Exchange is very "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

Although residents of the Exchange District are clearly living a green lifestyle, we do have visitors who bring their cars.  Sometimes parking can be a problem for those visitors, with all the nearby spots taken up by office workers, business patrons and theatre-goers.

David Hill, COO of the Winnipeg Parking Authority spoke at our April 21st R:ED meeting.  Dave outlined many of the initiatives the Parking Authority has undertaken to make parking easier.

He also described residential parking permits, and told us that there is now a permit available for Exchange residents.  For those who were not at the meeting, check out Dave's parking permit FAQ.

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)

New Market / Deli to Open on Portage

Marcellos' Market and Deli, a Canadian company that specializes in locating their European style market store in busy office buildings will open a new location in the Manitoba Hydro building on Portage Avenue. 

While the focus is to provide busy professionals with a healthy and delicious alternative for food-on-the go, there will be much to appeal to local residents.  According to their web site, each of their locations features:

• Hot fresh muffins and pastries every morning
• Large hot and cold buffets daily
• A large coffee bar, including self-serve choices, cappuccino, espresso, and more
• Wide variety of cold beverages: milk, fruit juice, vegetable juice, water, sodas, and more
• Fresh bread, pastries and baked goods
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Superior-quality meats
• Imported and domestic cheeses
• Deli-fresh sandwiches
• Soups and Salads
• Pasta dishes
• Meat dishes...

Unfortunately, its focus on serving the downtown worker means that it will close by 5:30 daily.  While it will be a welcome addition to the downtown scene, unfortunately it will not be the grocery solution Exchange residents seek.

Winnipeg Parking Rates Soar

A recent Free Press article quotes from a Colliers International annual global parking survey that Winnipeg parking rates have increased 72% over last year -- one of the highest increases in the survey.  The huge increase contrasts with the Canadian average of 9.9% for monthly rates.

The survey reports the median daily rate is now $18 and the monthly median is $190 ($110 last year).

Espresso on Bannatyne

As summer nears, new life springs into the Exchange District.  The Exchange Café has opened in the 126 year old Swiss Building at 137 Bannatyne.  The café features authentic Italian espresso, cappuccino, American coffee and teas.  The bright café serves an assortment of panini, soups, salads and desserts.  For a refreshing taste, try their assorted flavours of Italian gelati.

The heritage decor is a throw back to a provincial café found in Southern Europe.  Co-owners Abby Mann (pictured above) and Mario Aiello are “excited to be in the Exchange District and provide a comfortable gathering space for residents.”  The café will be open 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 pm Monday to Thursday.  Friday and Saturday this will be open until 11 pm.  They will also be open in conjunction with special events happening in the Exchange.

Exchange Café is supporting local artists. R:ED member Heather Boyd (pictured at right) is the first to display her art (all of it offered for sale) on the brick walls.

R:ED members received an exclusive after-hours access as we will hosted our Summer Cocktails 101 event at the Exchange Café.  Check our gallery page for pictures of the event.

The District is Open

The District Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge is open!  The former Liberty Grill restaurant and Bull and Bear lounge space have been updated looking fresh and new while retaining its heritage glory.  The bright open restaurant features a wide assortment of high-end offerings. 

The lounge is dark and inviting with lots of cushy lounge seating, jazzy art and subtle music -- a great backdrop for conversation.  There are six full size billiard tables making it a great place to spend a casual evening.

Co-owners Glen Tate (pictured, left) and Doug Vossen (right) are thrilled to be open and to be part of the community. 

Survey Says ... Barriers Down!

A question that keeps popping up every few years: how to make Portage and Main pedestrian friendly.  The concrete barriers may help traffic, but how do they affect pedestrians or residents who need to get around the area but don't want to go subterranean.

We asked the survey question: Should the barriers at Portage and Main come down on our home page over the past many weeks.  78% of the over 40 respondents said 'yes':

Exchange District - Downtown of the Month

The International Downtown Assn has named Winnipeg's Exchange District as Downtown of the Month. (article)

Concert Season begins in Exchange

The opening event in the Exchange District summer outdoor event calendar was the Rockin' the District Block Party.  The event drew a large crowd who took in a fashion show, wake and skate demos and a big evening concert featuring Shiny Toy Guns.

Now the newly upgraded Old Market Square prepares for the week long Jazz Festival with a weekend of free concerts at Old Market Square in addition to some lunch concerts. 

July 15 - 26, the focus will shift to the very popular Winnipeg Fringe Festival.  This is the 22nd year of the Fringe, and it will feature 146 theatre companies from around the world.

Yes, another busy summer in the Exchange.

Over Weight in the Exchange

Looking to lose some of that "winter weight" now that the promise of spring is upon us?  A recent article in the Winnipeg Free Press suggests that we should walk for groceries.

Apparently a University of B.C. study reports that "people who live within a kilometer of a grocery store are half as likely to be overweight, compared to those living in the neighbourhoods without grocery stores."  And more is better: each additional store within a kilometer meant a further 11% reduction in the likelihood of being overweight.

Residents of the Exchange District (R:ED) have been vocal in our need for local grocery stores.  We are able to walk to work, to theatres and coffee shops, and to restaurants.  But the true urban lifestyle eludes us as we have to hop into our cars (or board a bus) to go for groceries.

We are aware of one young entrepreneur's plan to open a small grocery store by summer, and there is no doubt that residents will support it. 

It would be great to see a second option, not just for choice, but apparently it would help keep the weight off!

Winnipeg Parking Rates Soar

A recent Free Press article quotes from a Colliers International annual global parking survey that Winnipeg parking rates have increased 72% over last year -- one of the highest increases in the survey.  The huge increase contrasts with the Canadian average of 9.9% for monthly rates.

The survey reports the median daily rate is now $18 and the monthly median is $190 ($110 last year).

Exchange Income Levels Highest in City

CBC TV has reported on the one of the finding of the 2006 Winnipeg Census -- the Exchange District has the highest income level of any neighbourhood.  Is the Exchange a gated community, only open to those of high income?  Well, no and yes.

The CBC report, featuring R:ED resident Justin Friesen (flash player required for video):



No gate, no need to flash your personal equity statement, and no secret handshakes.  The high incomes should come as no surprise -- almost all of the housing available in the Exchange are condo buildings.  There are very few rental units available.  As for the condos, they are expensive meaning only the higher end of the income scale can afford them; hence the census report (report) of high incomes.

Development in the historic exchange district is expensive.  The only way we can get affordable housing is if the government stops trying to revitalize downtown with mega-projects and instead support 20 or 30 small developments.  With government assistance, many of the existing heritage buildings can be converted to affordable housing: rental and condo units that young professionals and students can afford to rent or buy.

This is the only way to create a vibrant downtown -- fill it with vibrant people.  Not a difficult concept, but one that has avoided our political leaders.

Planning for a Sustainable Winnipeg

On Saturday April 25th R:ED attended the “Mayor’s Symposium - A Sustainable Winnipeg.”  The full day session brought together 200 people representing various groups as well as individual citizens.  The morning started with participants speaking about their vision for a sustainable Winnipeg.  Yes, that was 200 speeches!

While that sounds like it could have been a disaster, the carefully orchestrated event allowed each person only 30 seconds each to give their vision, which was to be crafted in 90 words or less. 

I must say it was quite interesting to hear the wide-ranging views.  It was easy to pick emerging patterns -- most people were thinking along the same lines, looking for the same things.

The vision stated for the Residents of the Exchange:

"The Residents of the Exchange District have a unique perspective on a Sustainable Winnipeg.   We see first hand how our city has grown at the edges but has allowed its core to rot.

Our vision is a city that through its planning, bylaws and tax structure, encourages a green downtown lifestyle where residents live in energy efficient multi-family buildings, walk or use public transit to get to work and play and are part of a vibrant downtown community that is the pride of Winnipeg and the envy of tourists."

Following the first 200 mini-speeches, an expert panel gave their views.  Then the participants spent 20 minutes each at three round table discussions.  Detailed notes were quickly analyzed and the discussions were summarized into a single PowerPoint slide on each topic.  At the end of the busy day, these were presented back to the group.

While this strategic planning exercise was interesting, it will take a year for the City to complete the new plan.  It is only after this, will we see if the new plan is parked on the shelf like the current one, or if it indeed is used to guide the decision making process.  Time will tell.

Downtown Living

The Downtown BIZ sponsored "Downtown Living" on May 8 and 9.  This two day event included exhibitions as well a tours.  R:ED hosted an exhibit -- who better to talk to about living downtown than people who live downtown?  Other exhibitors include: CentreVenture, Forks/North Portage, 5468796 Architecture, The Bay, Hosteling International, Residences on York, Sky condos, etc. (full list).

Downtown Living coverage in the Winnipeg Sun included a quote from R:ED member Heather Boyd who was at our booth: "I don't find [living downtown] dangerous at all. I'm quite comfortable wandering around the Exchange District and downtown.  It's a big misperception that people have about the downtown area."  The full article can be found here.

Building Facade Saved -- Parking Added

   After threats by the City to expropriate, and temporary work last year to prevent the building from falling down, Bedford Investments has announced a deal with the City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture to save the facade of the crumbling building and build a parking structure on the empty lot next door.

   The 112-year-old King Building at the corner of King St. and Bannatyne Ave. will be turned into an 186-stall parkade with 8,000 square feet of commercial space on the main floor.

   The parking is much needed in the area and will be a boom to residents, local businesses and visitors to the area. 

While the press release notes that the facade will be removed then reassembled in exact detail, there is no detail on what the parkade next door will look like.  Here's hoping that the new structure will fit well withing the historical nature of the surrounding buildings.  (News article)

Residents Know Best

   Everyone lately seems to have an opinion on downtown development, demolition, design, parking issues, etc. but who has the best handle on the problems?  We, the residents, do!

   A Winnipeg wish list in a local blog included the following item:  "Living downtown should be a job requirement for anyone involved in downtown revitalization organizations.  If you don't have a personal stake in the neighbourhood you're trying to improve, how can you fully understand the intricacies or connections or history that has made it what it is and will shape it in the future?"  

   We second the motion!

Church Purchases Building

(Nov 30/08 by Justin Friesen)  Exchange Community Church officially purchased 75 Albert St. (at McDermot Ave.) on Oct. 1st 2008. For the past 5 years we have leased a small space at 84 Albert Street, which is now The Haberdashery. We are currently occupying the 2nd floor of the building, while the main floor is leased by commercial tenants and the 3-5th floors are rented by artists for studio work spaces.

Our intent is to transform 75 Albert St. in to a self-sufficient building with community meeting space and affordable residential-zoned studios. With it becoming increasingly apparent that the Exchange District offers few options for affordable rental living and while many buildings are filled with artists' studios, the artists are being forced out by commercial developments. Most spaces inhabited by artists are not zoned as residential and are not necessarily fit for safe living quarters. The Exchange Community Church feels deeply connected to the artistic community and it is our hope that other organizations may follow this model.

The building is currently set up as a not-for-profit and the development of the building will take place over years through the acquisition of funding through various foundations and donations. We have established an on-line forum to acquire feedback from the community as we work towards developing the building (http://www.exchangeonline.ca/forum/index.php).

No Skating on the Red River this Year

(Nov 26/08)  If you have looked at the ice on the Red River lately, there is a huge buildup of "frazzle ice" (see photo).  This will make it impossible to build a skating trail between the Forks and Waterfront Drive or Festival Park. 

The Forks has announced it will instead extend the river skating trail further down the Assiniboine River all the way to Assiniboine Park -- a 8.5 km skating rink!  This year, with a short walk to the Forks, Exchange residents will be able to skate all the way to the park, have coffee, lunch or a drink and skate back!

Kelly House -- Not a Parking Lot (yet)

(Nov 25/08) Kelly House at 88 Adelaide St. is the last intact house from the city's Exchange District building boom of 1882.  Left to deteriorate over the past 15 years, the owner has asked for permission to destroy the house to create yet another parking lot!  Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development decided to vote down the motion to remove the historical designation.  The Queen Ann style house has a 3 month reprieve as the owner is to work with CentreVenture to find a solution.  Further info:  Free Press Article   West End Blog with pics & history

Destination Stores Continue to Unfold in Exchange

(Nov 24/08) A new retail store opens today in the Exchange.  UnFold Apparel, with a focus on men's clothing has taken over the location at McDermot and Albert after Cake clothing moved to a larger location further up McDermot.  Finally a store for men to shop at!  Unfold Apparel is owned by R:ED member Mike Nava.  Mike also owns Connect Four Clothing at 223 McDermot Avenue.  Hats off to Mike, who lives in the Exchange and has opened two businesses!

Dash to haberdashery, guys and girls

(Nov 23/08) Speaking of hats, the Haberdashery, guys and girls opened just two weeks ago at 84 Albert Street.  With a great selection of hats for style, fun and warmth, Haberdashery is a welcome addition to the Exchange's expanding selection of clothing stores.  Luke Nolan, the owner, has moved his store from Corydon Avenue to take part in the Exchange District's blossoming as Winnipeg's fashion destination.

South Point Douglas - Open House for Secondary Plan

(Nov 22/08) Our neighbours in South Point Douglas have started the secondary plan process with the City of Winnipeg.  This is a process we hope to undertake shortly.  They are having an Open House and workshop on Tuesday Dec 2nd at 7 pm at Argyle School.  I would hope some of our members attend to learn about our neighbours and to better understand the secondary plan process.  Further details: meeting invitation(PDF)  secondary plan info