Money Mart appealing decision against pawn business in downtown Winnipeg

A downtown Money Mart is appealing a decision to add a pawn business to its store.

The Money Mart on Portage Avenue near the MTS Centre wants to use gold and jewelry as collateral against loans.

In denying the application, the city’s public service said the pawn element is not compatible with CentreVenture’s sports, hospitality, and entertainment district (SHED) concept.

CentreVenture said a pawn business does not currently operate in the area, adding they want entertainment venues and family restaurants in the hub instead of these types of operations.

But the social planning council said by denying the pawn business, used by many low income people, the city is simply shuffling poor people from Portage Avenue to what it calls the “Main Street ghetto.”

The appeal is set for Monday at city hall.

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  The Money Mart on Portage Avenue near the MTS Centre in Winnipeg wants to use gold and jewelry as collateral against loans.