Archived News
November 16, 2011 - BIZ Distributes West End Star Awards
The West End BIZ held its Annual General Meeting on November 15 at UWinnipeg’s Richardson College for the Environment. As part of the presentation, a number of awards were presented to deserving West End businesses and partners.
A 'Community Star Award' was presented to The University of Winnipeg for their passion and commitment to the West End community and support of BIZ initiatives.
A 'Lifetime Star Award' was presented to Independent Jewellers for outstanding commitment to the area, community support and becoming a Winnipeg icon. In business for over 75 years, they are known for service, quality and knowledge.
The 'Rising Star Award' went to Awesome Co., one of Manitoba’s fastest growing companies. Their unique designs and creative marketing ideas have them just about everywhere.
Congratulations to the Award Recipients!
And special thanks to Diversity Foods and UWinnipeg's events dept for their contributions to making the AGM a great one. And to Mordens' of Winnipeg for their donation of the door prizes. Press Release
For those who weren't able to attend this year's AGM, feel free to review our Annual Report
October 28, 2011 - Hiring - Street Enhancement Technician
The BIZ is currently looking to fill a part-time temporary position. Help us enhance the beauty and cleanliness of Winnipeg's West End. Start date as soon as possible. End date December 31/2011, with the potential for an extension at that point. 2-3 shifts per week. Hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Street Enhancement Technicians pick up litter, perform weeding, remove graffiti and posters, trim shrubs, clear away snow and ice as needed, and any other maintenance tasks that come up. A valid driver's license is an asset. The job requires employees to work outdoors each day, in all types of weather conditions.
Job Description. Deadline for applications is November 10, 2011.
October 27, 2011 - Rolling Around the Rink - Mural Unveiling
This morning the West End BIZ unveiled another colourful mural, "Remembering the Roller Rink." Located on the west wall of the West End BIZ office, the piece was painted by artists Annie Bergen and Marcus Bauer, with contributions from artist Ursula Neufeld, who created the mosaic mirror disco ball. The mural pays tribute to the Winnipeg Roller Rink, which stood on the corner of Portage & Langside until 2007 and saw upwards of 1,000 skaters using the rink at one time, during its peak in popularity, including dance skating groups and trick skaters. The piece was sponsored by the University of Winnipeg, who preserved the rink's wooden floorboards and incorporated them into its new Richardson College for the Environment, which was built on the rink's former site. Memorabilia from the Winnipeg Roller Rink was on display at the unveiling, provided by one-time owner Andre Atkinson.
October 12, 2011 - "Team Effort" Fundraising
Our newest initiative gives West End community groups, sports teams, service organizations and schools the chance to earn some fundraising dollars, in exchange for beautifying the neighbourhood. Date options: Saturday October 15, 22 or 29. Interested? Call the BIZ at 954-7900 to let us know!
Option 1) Fall Planter “Clean Me Out” Plant Removal
The BIZ has several hundred planters placed throughout the West End. Participating organizations will be given a list of 50 planters which need to have the flowers removed from them.
Honorarium - $400.00 per group assignment.
Option 2) Fall “Pick Me Up” Litter Clean-Up
Before the snow falls we need to do a clean-up of our walkways and boulevards to help reduce litter accumulation in the spring. Organization will send volunteers down designated routes.
Honorarium - $350.00 per group assignment.
October 4, 2011 - Hockey Sticks & Dreams - Mural Unveiling
"Power Play," a powerful depiction of Winnipeg's passion and achievements in hockey, will be officially unveiled on Wednesday, October 5 at 10:30 am. Join us at 338 Furby St (at Portage Ave) as we present this large-scale mural to the public for the first time. Painted by artists Mandy van Leeuwen and Michel St. Hilaire, the mural incorporates many local references to the game of hockey, including the recent acquisition of an NHL team and the successes of the historic Winnipeg Falcons Olympic medal-winning team.
September 27, 2011 - Celebrate 'Central Park Alive'
As part of this weekend's city-wide Culture Days celebration, Central Park will be hosting its own party.
'Central Park Alive' will feature live music, activities for the whole family (including face painting, crafts, storytelling) and food vendors. Central Market merchants will also be available.
Sponsored by Knox Centre and Manitoba's Multiculturalism Secretariat. Join the fun!
Date: Saturday, October 1, 1:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Central Park (Ellice Ave, between Edmonton & Carlton)
Poster
September 19, 2011 - Provincial Candidates Forum
As one of the event partners, we would encourage you to attend the Forum of Provincial Candidates, as presented by the Downtown BIZ. Everyone is welcome!
Candidates Dr. Jon Gerrard, Gord Mackintosh and Hugh McFadyen will be discussing a variety of issues affecting the downtown and inner-city neighbourhoods. Richard Cloutier (CJOB) and Dan Lett (Free Press) will act as mediators.
Date: Monday, September 19, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Portage Place Shopping Centre (393 Portage Ave), Edmonton Court
Poster
September 8, 2011 - Mural Honours Patrols
You are invited to join us for the unveiling of the first of our five murals painted this summer/fall. The oversized and brightly coloured "School Patrols: Carrying the Vision" mural honours the 75th anniversary of the School Safety Patrol program, which began right here in the West End.
The mural was painted as part of the Mural Mentorship program with 75+ local youth assisting Mentor Breanna with the creation process. The mural is located at Pal's Supermarket, 719 St. Matthew's Avenue, where the unveiling will be held. The show gets going at 10:30 am. The attendance by current and past School Patrols, youth participants, a video presentation and the big reveal itself will make for a memorable event.
Thank you to sponsors CAA Manitoba, Daniel McIntyre/St Matthews Community Association, HRSDC, Manitoba Public Insurance, Take Pride Winnipeg! and the Winnipeg Police Service!
August 22, 2011 - Hiring Community Patrol Ambassador
The BIZ is currently looking to fill a full-time permanent position. Are you wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement? This may be the perfect training opportunity for you: Job Description.
Please drop off a cover letter and resume in person only, Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm. Deadline for applications is August 31, 2011.
August 15, 2011 - Funding and Grants
Looking for extra funds to assist with improvements and future construction plans for your business, not-for-profit organization or residence? The BIZ has compiled a list of grants and information on how to apply for these funding sources, for you to refer to.
Note: The majority of these grants are available through external sources, not the BIZ itself. For more information, please contact the organizations administering the grants.
August 8, 2011 - Festival of Cultures, Folklorama Week 2
The second week of Folklarama features three more high energy pavilions in the West End. They run August 7-13. Take in exciting shows, dancing, music and food at:
Casa do Minho Portuguese Pavilion (Casa do Minho Portuguese Ctr - 1080 Wall St)
Indochina Chinese Pavilion (City Oasis - 435 Cumberland Ave)
Philippine Pavilion (Tec Voc High School - 1555 Wall St East)
August 3, 2011 - The Big Reveal: Gateway Feature
The International Village Gateway Feature is getting its time in the spotlight with a formal opening ceremony scheduled for Thursday, August 4 at 10:30 am. All are welcome to attend, as the multi-year project is complete and ready to be celebrated. The gateway feature is located at the intersection of Ellice and Balmoral and features metal flagpoles welcoming visitors to the West End with the word "welcome" translated into 16 languages, banners, paving and landscaping. An updated sign at the adjoining Saigon Park will also be revealed, whose space received new street furniture and the benefit of murals painted on utility boxes. Winnipeg's Mayor Katz will be performing the ribbon cutting. Join us as we welcome the city to our West End!
July 29, 2011 - Festival of Cultures, Folklorama
Folklarama, the long running festival of cultures that takes place each summer in Winnipeg, has arrived once more. This really gives the many cultures of the West End a chance to shine. Week One (July 31 - Aug 6) will see 4 pavilions open their doors, right in your neighbourhood. Take in exciting shows, dancing, music and food:
Spain Pavilion (Casa do Minho Portuguese Centre - 1080 Wall St)
Pavilion of Portugal (Portuguese Cultural Centre - 659 Young St)
Scandinavian Pavilion (Scandinavian Cultural Centre - 764 Erin St)
Slovenija Pavilion (Daniel McIntyre High School - 720 Alverstone St)
July 12, 2011 - Tour Eats Way Through West End
The first ever West End Concierge Tour took place on July 12. Hotel concierges and tourism industry professionals were invited to join the bus tour, which stopped at 6 area restaurants, where participants were able to sample menu options. En route, they listened to a narrative about area amenities and other points of interest. They were given the opportunity to get to know the West End better, with the hope that they can now pass that information on to tourists and visitors that they assist with making dining, retail and entertainment choices. The tour was hosted by Kenny Boyce from the City of Winnipeg's Film & Special Events department.
June 26, 2011 - Canada Day Festivities, Celebrate!
Looking for something to do on Canada Day, to celebrate?
Join us at Central Park this Friday, July 1. For a full day of live music, activities for the children, food and merchandise vendors. The bands and cultural dance troupes hit the stage starting at 11:30 am and don't finish until 8:00 pm. Family Fun!
The event comes to you courtesy of Central Neighbourhoods Development Corporation, Forks North Portage Partnership, Manitoba Housing and West End BIZ. More info.
June 9, 2011 - 'Taste the World' Launches
The West End's 'Taste the World' Dining Guide makes its debut with an initial distribution of 25,000 to Winnipeg hotels, attractions, tourism information spots and targeted areas of the city.
Looking to sample one of our many local and unique restaurants? Want to try a new ethnic dish? Don't know quite where to start? With over 90 choices, the decision is a difficult one, but let the guide help you. Available for download on our website, start your world-tasting journey today!
May 30, 2011 - Share Your West End Impressions
If you work in the area, live in the area, visit the area...
• Do you have a great story to share?
• A fond memory?
• Something memorable that sticks out?
Share your 'I LOVE the West End' stories with us. We want to know what you most enjoy about being here. Chosen stories will be displayed on our website. All submissions will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to your choice of West End business.
Email your stories to us. Include your full contact information (name, phone number and address). Only your first initial and last name will be published, unless otherwise authorized.
May 18, 2011 - 'Doors Open' Mural Tour
As part of the ever expanding and very successful Doors Open event, hosted by Heritage Winnipeg, 77 buildings will be open to the public for viewing over the weekend of May 28-29. This year's event will also see tours offered throughout the city. Among those is the West End Mural Tour.
Join us on Saturday, May 28, either at 11:00 am or again at 2:00 pm as we view award-winning murals, hear about the history of the area, learn some trivia and have a great time. The combination tour of our usual two routes (Ellice and Sargent) will commence at the corner of Sargent and Maryland. FREE of charge, each tour is limited in the number of participants. Duration ~ 1.5 hours.
May 9, 2011 - Cleaner
On May 6 over 150 students from General Wolfe school and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate hit the West End's streets to pick up litter and sweep sidewalks. In its 19th year, the annual Sweep Off continues to have a significant impact on our West End neighbourhoods each spring. Outfitted in white shirts, the students are hard to miss as they focus on the area's major thoroughfares.In addition, students from Tec Voc also spent a day devoted to cleaning streets surrounding their school.
This year's event sponsors included West End businesses and supporters: Assiniboine Credit Union, Encore Musical Instruments, Frank Motors, Herzing College, Manitoba Public Insurance, Sons of Italy, University of Winnipeg, Wendys and Winnipeg Parking Authority. Take Pride Winnipeg! provided garbage bags and the City of Winnipeg Public Works department picked up all filled garbage bags.
May 2, 2011 - Jane's Walk
It's a busy week at the BIZ. On Saturday, May 7 Executive Director Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner will be leading a community walk as part of the weekend's Jane's Walk series. Starts at 1:00 pm. Duration ~ 1.5 hours. Meet at the SouthEast corner of Sargent and Maryland (by the Safeway parking lot).
Discover the stories and murals of the West End. The West End is the most diverse community in Winnipeg and our award-winning murals highlight our greatest asset, our vibrant multiculturalism. Our research uncovered fascinating cultural history and many unique and inspiring stories about famous people, places and things that exist or existed within our zone.
March 14, 2011 - Speak Up
In June, 2010, City Council directed City staff to develop a Garbage and Recycling Master Plan, which will be presented to City Council in the fall. In the meantime, Winnipeg residents were invited to drop by an open house to share their thoughts on the future of the city's garbage and recycling services. Comments could also be submitted at http://garbage.speakupwinnipeg.com
February 28, 2011 - Hiring Blitz
We're looking ahead to the summer and our anticipated staffing needs for our busiest season. We have a number of temporary positions that will be required for the period of May 2 - August 26. They include:
• Mural Tour Guide (job description)
• Mural Mentor (job description)
• Community Patrol Ambassador (job description)
• Graffiti Removal Technician (job description)
• Street Enhancement Technician (job description)
Applications accepted in person, Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, by fax at 772-8604, or e-mail.
February 21, 2011 - Poster Poster on the Wall
Help Stop the Damage. Posters are being plastered on walls, poles, windows, trees and street signage. The negative impacts of this are many, including out of date posters accumulating and resulting in an unkempt look for the community. They also damage the surfaces on which they are taped, which are then costly and time-consuming to repaint. Instead, post notices on West End bulletin boards. Or, inside shop windows. Help improve the look of your neighbourhood.
February 7, 2011 - Lace 'Em Up
It's time for the 2nd annual "Skates and Badges" event. Join us for a skate at Central Park on February 23, between 3 and 6 pm. The Winnipeg Police Patrolmen Hockey Team will be on hand to assist those who are learning to skate. And skates will be available for loan/use for the duration of the event. Co-sponsored by the Central Neighbourdhoods Development Corp and the West End BIZ.
January 31, 2011 - Vacant Buildings and You
The City has updated its Vacant Buildings by-law. This by-law targets vacant buildings that are dilapidated, dangerous, improperly secured, or subject to public complaints. The City counts on the community to report any buildings of concern. If you know of a residential or commercial building that fits these descriptions, please call it in to 311 to report it.
January 17, 2011 - $ Available
The BIZ grant coffers are overflowing once more. We're here to see your business succeed. With just 2 pricing quotes, West End businesses can qualify to renovate the exterior of their properties, improve the safety of the property/merchandise or install bright exterior night lights. The BIZ cost-shares these grants on a first come, first served basis. Apply now! Applications available. Contact the BIZ office for more information.
January 10, 2011 - Introducing your Board
Your 2011 BIZ Board is now in session. Elected during November's Annual General Meeting, these local business owners serve in a voluntary capacity. They meet eight times per year to discuss BIZ programming and financials. Shane Storie returns as Chair, Melanie Matheson as Vice-Chair, Rennie Zegalski as Treasurer and John Unger as Secretary. The Board is here to serve you.
January 4, 2011 - Celebration
Great attendance at the 5th annual Christmas Eve Feast, held December 24. Hosted by the BIZ, X-Cues, Sons of Italy and Sorrento's and supported by a large group of sponsors and donors. The event provided a traditional holiday meal for 250+ from the community, including a number of recent immigrants to the city who were experiencing their first Canadian Christmas.
Event website
November 22, 2010 - Reports Are In
After a successful 2010 AGM, with one of the highest attendance rates to date, the annual report is now available for your viewing pleasure. At the meeting, West End BIZ Star Awards were distributed to X-Cues Billiards & Cafe (Block Star); Belinda Squance (Community Star); Mordens' of Winnipeg (Lifetime Star) and Black Sheep Diner (Rising Star). Daniel Palomeno was awarded the BIZ Patrol Volunteer Appreciation and departing board member Joe Putaro was a recipient of the "World of Thanks" award.
November 8, 2010 - Santa's Coming
The Santa Claus Parade is back. On Saturday, November 13 join other Winnipeggers along Portage and Main to catch sight of the 80+ floats and entertainment along the route. Parade begins at 5 pm at the corner of Portage & Young. Fireworks to follow at the Forks at 7:30 pm.
November 3, 2010 - Meeting Time
Your invitation has arrived. All West End businesses, non-profits, area stakeholders and partners are invited to attend the 2010 West End BIZ Annual General Meeting. The AGM is scheduled for November 17 at De Luca's (950 Portage Ave). Registration begins at 11:30 am, with the presentation set to begin at 12:00 noon. An overview of BIZ programming will be presented and eligible businesses will vote on the 2011 budget and board membership. Register by calling the BIZ office at 954-7900.
October 8, 2010 - In Print
The fall edition of the West End World newsletter was printed and distributed/mailed to all West End businesses. This issue contained a copy of the previously touted Safety Guide, info on the upcoming AGM and program summaries for our summer projects.
Available for download.
September 22, 2010 - 'Partners in Prevention Safety Guide' Launched
On September 22 the BIZ introduced
the second edition of its very successful "Partners in Prevention: Crime Prevention & Safety
Awareness" guide. This resource helps prevent businesses and individuals from becoming victims of crime through education and increased awareness.
First printed in 2008, the 2010 updated version includes excerpts from the original Winnipeg
Police Service Counter-Action Handbook, information on vehicle and identify theft prevention as
well as West End BIZ safety programming & initiatives. A 'who do you call' numbers reference
sheet is included.
The guide was distributed to all West End BIZ businesses and stakeholders, but is Also available for download.
The West End BIZ extends its sincere appreciation to Chief McCaskill of the Winnipeg Police
Service for supporting the guide and to the Community Relations and Crime Prevention
units for providing their assistance in its creation. The guide was also sponsored in part by MPI
and SI Alarms.
September 21, 2010 - 'International Cafe' Unveiled
The West End's multicultural community was captured in the summer's third and final Mural Mentorship collaboration. Depicting a fictional cafe and vibrant streetscape, the piece at 510 Sargent Avenue portrays a variety of ethnic foods that can be eaten in the area's many award-winning restaurants. The unveiling saw good media coverage and featured artist mentors Michelle and Roberta speaking to the concept behind the mural.
September 1, 2010 - TV Spots Now Airing
Running on Global TV through the month of September are 4 commercials, as part of the 6-week Marketing Campaigns. The TV spots were cost-shared with some of our proud West End businesses: Homer's Restaurant, Valu Lots, McNaught Automotive and SRS Signs & Service. (Click on individual links to view commercials).
August 26, 2010 - Central Park Launch
Exciting changes! The rejuvenated Central Park, a proud part of the West End BIZ zone, made its grand debut on August 26. After a $5.6 million investment, the park now boasts a new playground, splash park with wading pool and soccer field (which will be turned into a skating rink over the winter). The historic Waddell fountain was also beautifully restored, with the fountain's water being turned on once more. These additions were launched with speeches, programming and multicultural entertainment throughout the day. Truly a great reason to celebrate.
August 25, 2010 - Street Scene Energy Captured by Mural
On August 25 the the West End BIZ unveiled its latest mural, "Life on Langside." Completed by this summer’s student artists, the piece was painted on panels which now hang on the west side of the West End BIZ office, at 581 Portage Avenue.
Michelle and Roberta, hired under the award-winning Mural Mentorship program worked together on the piece. At the unveiling, the artists once more spoke to the concept behind their mural.
The three smaller panels contain elements representative of life on Langside Street, shown hanging from a clothesline. The larger panel depicts a street scene of the area’s recent revitalization and residents enjoying all of these amenities, including the University of Winnipeg student residence, neighbourhood homes and MERC spray park. A final panel has the word "welcome" depicted in various languages on welcome mats.
The mural was co-sponsored by HRSDC, Take Pride Winnipeg! and the West End BIZ.
August 16, 2010 - Spreading the Word About our West End
On August 16 the West End BIZ launched its first Marketing Campaign to promote the West End. The month-long campaign, facilitated by Tripwire Media Group, features radio, television and newspaper ads, and the use of the new and unique taxi toppers. This exciting media blitz showcases many of the area's unique amenities and businesses, promoting the West End as the place to be!
The West End BIZ also formally launched its new branding - colours, banners, logo and tagline. This brand new website, created and sponsored by proud West End business Awesome Co, was also heavily promoted.
August 11, 2010 - Local Youth Contribute to Award-Winning Mural
On August 11 the West End BIZ unveiled its latest mural, "Nostalgic Notre Dame." Completed under our award-winning Mural Mentorship program, the mural is located at 710 Notre Dame Avenue, on the western wall of Roy's Florist.
Two mural mentors, Red River College graphic design students Michelle and Roberta, worked together on the piece. They were accompanied by enthusiastic local youth and community groups who learned to transform a blank wall into a colourful work of public art. In addition to contributing to their community, the youth learned basic painting skills and art techniques and shared their ideas for incorporation into the mural design.
At the unveiling, the artists spoke to the concept behind the mural and their experience working alongside the youth, many of whom were also in attendance. "Nostalgic Notre Dame" depicts a whimsical, historical perspective of Notre Dame Avenue. Images featured in the streetscape include the one-time Winnipeg General Hospital, iconic to the Avenue, along with many others.
The mural was co-sponsored by HRSDC and the West End BIZ, with the wall space contributed by Roy's Florist.
July 21, 2010 - BIZ Groups Team Up to Fight Graffiti
On July 21 the West End BIZ and Exchange District BIZ groups launched the newly formed TAG Team (Teaming Up Against Graffiti). The launch took place outside the West End BIZ office. A new portable sprayer, used to remove graffiti quickly and easily in tight spots, was also showcased and demonstrated for the first time at the launch.
The goal of achieving a graffiti-free environment for area businesses and residents is a priority shared by both BIZs. Teaming up makes better use of our individual resources, equipment and personnel. This exciting partnership therefore allows both organizations to remove an even greater number of graffiti tags and do so in a timelier manner, with less duplication and more effective overall spending.
This idea of working cooperatively may be used as an example for other business improvement zones. Exchange District BIZ Executive Director Brian Timmerman and West End BIZ Executive Director Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner have been invited to present on the unique TAG Team partnership at the upcoming International Downtown Association (IDA) conference in Fort Worth, Texas in October.
TAG Team sponsors include SRS Signs & Service, Brent McNaught Automotive Center and the City of Winnipeg Graffiti Control. The TAG Team partnership is also supported by the Academy Road BIZ, Corydon Avenue BIZ, Mosiac Market BIZ, Osborne South BIZ, Osborne Village BIZ, West Broadway BIZ and Take Pride Winnipeg!.
