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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.