The Value of Investing in Canadian Downtowns - International ...

Context Map: Key Assets and Features in the Downtown
Canadian Museum for Human Rights (1)
With construction set to be completed for 2013, the museum
will become an international landmark meant to enhance the
public understanding of human rights, promote respect for
others and inspire learning and research about Canadian
Heritage. The $310 million project was funded by the
Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments as well as
The Forks North Portage Partnership and private sector
investments.
The Forks (2)
Winnipeg’s meeting place located on the banks of the
Assiniboine and Red Rivers, provides a wide range of dining,
shopping, entertainment and attractions. The 56 acre site,
which draws four million visitors annually has received
international awards and attention for design and is a model
for urban renewal and waterfront development.
Millennium Library (10)
After being renovated in 2005, the library attracted 1.5
million visitors per year. It is the single most used facility in
the Downtown as the library provides space for cultural and
education activities. The Library Park Project will provide
outdoor space for residents, shoppers, and visitors and
space for large events and public lectures.
Red River College (11)
At a cost of $31 million, the new 220,000 square foot
downtown campus home to 2,200 students and faculty has
combined historic heritage buildings with modern design to
create a state of the art facility.
Shaw Baseball Park (12)
Opened in 1999, and recently expanded in 2010, it is the
home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club. It is located
within view of Portage and Main streets as well as the
Winnipeg skyline.
MTS Centre (3)
The $133.5 million MTS Centre is one of North America’s
newest state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex
located on Portage Avenue in the heart of downtown. It is
the new home of the Winnipeg Jets and their return to the
city has helped stimulate interest and economic
development and activity within the downtown.
Union Station (4)
Opened in 1912, it still serves a passenger railway station,
and is now the only one remaining in Winnipeg. Located at
Main and Broadway, the station now also serves as a mixeduse
commercial space as well as class 1 government office
space.
Manitoba Legislature (13)
Completed in 1915, the building is home to the Provincial
Government of Manitoba. It was designed by English
architects Simon and Boddington in the Beaux-Arts Classical
style.
University of Winnipeg (14)
The University of Winnipeg dates back more than 130 years.
It was back in 1938 that the founding colleges Manitoba
College (1871) and Wesley College (1888) merged. Later in
1967, the University received its charter. The University of
Winnipeg is one of Canada’s leading post-secondary
institutions.
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Manitoba Hydro (5)
The new headquarters of Manitoba Hydro opened in 2009 at
a cost of $283 million. The 22 storey building along with its
retail component has brought more than 1,000 people into
the downtown to work.
Waterfront Drive (6)
The development of Waterfront Drive has had a positive
impact on downtown Winnipeg. It is now home to several
hundred new residents due to recent condominium
developments targeted towards young professionals. The
development in the area has been a huge catalyst for
housing and other developments as well as increasing the
population in the downtown.
Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge (7)
This pedestrian bridge connects downtown Winnipeg to St.
Boniface. The bridge itself has a restaurant on it which
provides exceptional views of the river as well as the
shoreline. It has become a landmark in the City because of
its unique design and is a first for bridges in North America.
Graham Mall (Refer to Legend)
Completed in 1995, it is a 9-block street in the downtown that provides priority for transit, cyclists, and pedestrians
where automobile use is restricted.
Exchange District (8)
The Exchange District is Winnipeg's historic district that has maintained its heritage warehouse buildings. Many of
these warehouses have now been converted into businesses, arts facilities, restaurants, and entertainment
venues. Recent residential conversions have made the neighbourhood increasingly vibrant.
Fort Garry Hotel (9)
Built in 1913, Fort Garry Hotel is a historic hotel in the downtown, was the tallest structure in the city when it was
completed, and it is located one block from Union station
Winnipeg Convention Centre (15)
Built in 1975, the convention centre was one of the first
facilities of its kind. It includes: a main exhibit hall with 7,200
m2 of open space (pillerless), a theatre, various convention
and meeting rooms, a restaurant, and five levels including
indoor parking for 560 vehicles. Tentative plans to expand
the facility have been announced.
Winnipeg Art Gallery (16)
Founded in 1912, the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is a
public art gallery (6th largest in the country) which is
considered to be Western’s Canada’s oldest civic gallery.
The gallery is located in the heart of the city; relatively equal
distance from both the University of Winnipeg and the
Manitoba’s provincial Legislature (about two blocks).
Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation (19)
Opening in 1968, the Manitoba Centennial Centre includes:
the Manitoba Museum, Manitoba Theatre Center, Centennial
Concert Hall, and the Planetarium. It started out as an urban
renewal program in 1960, the venue has a seating capacity
of 2,305, and the concert hall cost about $8 million to
complete.