Governments pledge ‘storefront success’ with downtown grants

The city and province have pledged $1.4 million to improve downtown storefronts on and around Graham Avenue. This "Storefront Success" program, launched on Tuesday, divides the cost equally between the two levels of government. Manitoba Business Minister Jamie Moses stated that the grants, which can go up to $200,000 each, will make businesses more attractive and welcoming.

Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized that the grants will encourage businesses to invest in their storefronts and create new street-facing activities. However, some business owners have expressed mixed feelings about the proposal. Aimee Peake, owner of Bison Books, argued that the funding misses the mark, as the loss of a bus corridor has left the area in a no-man's land.

She would prefer the funds be used to attract more businesses downtown, restore bus traffic, or provide direct financial support to affected companies. In contrast, Didi Chanoch, owner of Other Places Books, supports the idea and hopes the program will lead to increased foot traffic along Graham Avenue. The city's mayor stressed that redevelopment projects like Portage Place and the former Bay Downtown will help revitalize the downtown core.

However, safety concerns continue to affect some downtown businesses. A co-owner of Boujee Restaurant recently announced that he will not rebuild his building after three fires in the past year, citing repeated crime and vandalism as the primary reasons.