"Welcome to Winnipeg" is going to be getting a redesign. The "One Great City" signs currently in place at ten city entrances were installed in 1990 and have been an item of debate for many residents.
Winnipeggers have been asking for an updated greeting to instill civic pride and welcome visitors. In response Mayor Sam Katz opened up a call for new slogans to grace the signs.
"Winnipeggers have told us loud and clear that we need new signage that we can be proud of," he said. "Winnipeggers want something attractive, positive, and vibrant on our highway signs to let visitors know they are welcome to our City and share something about our identity and what makes us Winnipeggers."
The Mayor's office says they have received an overwhelming response to the initiative with many positive suggestions. They have selected five that they are now opening up to public vote.
The five slogans are:
- Heart of the Country
- City of Opportunity
- Centre of it All
- Heart of the Continent
- (We don't want a slogan, just a new sign!)
Destination Winnipeg, the City's economic development and tourism agency, approached the city to upgrade the highway signs. As a result, they have been tasked with the responsibility of designing and overseeing the production and installation of the signs. To keep this initiative cost efficient, the existing signs and infrastructure will be used in the replacement process.
To vote for your choice, you can either email your selection along with your contact information to feedback@winnipeg.ca , or drop off or mail your selection to: Welcome to Winnipeg, c/o Mayor's Office, Council Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1B9.
The deadline for votes is Friday, July 25th at 4:30pm. The updated signage is to be installed this summer.
