President’s Letter

Letter from the President
(Robert McDonald)

Dear Members,

This past year has been a most productive year. After many years of appeal, the North End BIZ was successful in having the Transit Diamond Lane removed from the East side of Main, between Sutherland and Selkirk Avenue.  This will go along way to relieving the parking deficit in that area.

We’ve had another successful year of exterior storefront grants, and had excellent uptake on our new website grant program (for new member sites and to expand existing member sites).  Our safety lighting program is now finished and we have installed over 40 lights in our Zone. We have gained more businesses than we have lost this past year, and our Annual Rental Value has increased significantly.  The board is recommending continuing our grant programs and increasing the amount per grant, to better reflect rising supply and contractor costs.

Our falling ribbon and star pole mount lights will be installed this season.  To complement this Holiday Lights Program, the board has purchased high grade, durable exterior/interior warm LED lights.  Each string is 25 feet long with 50 bulbs.   At this year’s AGM we will be selling them at purchase cost of $20.00 (taxes included) per string; however they are for member businesses only and to decorate their storefronts.   We strongly urge you to purchase 1 or more strings and help us to “Light Up Main Street”!

We’ve continued to work together with our partner organizations, the North End Community Renewal Corporation, the North End Economic Development Centre, Take Pride Winnipeg’s summer Green Wave Program and the Exchange and West End BIZ’s Graffiti Removal.  We are excited that the Winnipeg Police Service is expanding its Community Policing Program and bringing safety presentations and workshops to organizations within the community.  In 2017, Winnipeg will be the host city for the International Downtown Association Conference, a renowned international event.

Your North End BIZ Board is committed to this Zone, committed to its members, and believes that the North End is a great place to do business, to work, to live and to play.

Discover Your North End!