Winnipeg proposing two-year COVID recovery plan
The City of Winnipeg wants to increase affordable housing units downtown, upgrade park space, and keep some business supports going as part of a two-year pandemic recovery strategy.
A 118-page report outlines how the city could tackle the social and economic obstacles created by COVID-19 shutdowns.
A number of measures would need to be approved as part of the upcoming 2022 budget process at Winnipeg City Hall.
For businesses, the report recommends the small business tax credit threshold keeps increasing, as well as a continuation of the temporary patio program to the end of next year. It also says permit fees should be waived to encourage more block parties and festivals.
It also says the city should work with Economic Development Winnipeg to bring national and international events here, which could help the struggling hospitality industry.
“When you look at our attractions our restaurants, our venues, you know that industry is predicated on bringing people together," said Dayna Spiring, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg.
Under the plan the emergency line of credit for the convention centre would be extended.
The big budget ask is around affordable housing. The report says the Downtown Biz and other partners are calling for $30 million from all levels of government for their own recovery plan.
The city report says to meet its share, the city should offer $20 million of property tax grants to bolster construction of affordable housing downtown.
"You don’t have to go far to see the impacts we’re having right now on the lack of affordable housing, including transitional housing," said Coun. Jon Orlikow.
The other $10 million would be used for infrastructure projects and open spaces.
"We’re really trying to focus in the short term on connectivity and mobility throughout the Downtown, and by that we mean pedestrian experiences and people coming downtown being able to get from one area to another," said David Pensato, executive director of the Exchange District Biz.
For parks and recreation, a $10 million request is being made to improve regional park infrastructure for social distancing, adding splash pads, converting closed wading pools to playgrounds, and upgrades for active transportation infrastructure.
There is also a section on help for community centres.
One recommendation says the city should eliminate a requirement for centres to match a renovation grant by 50 per cent in order to qualify.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.