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
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.