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Post by Ducky on Apr 4, 2005 21:21:29 GMT -5
If you were mayor of this city 'Winnipeg', what would you do to revitalize downtown?
I for one would rezone an area nearby the convention centre that would take about 2 blocks to build a gigantic casino like the one in Regina. Roads in between the two old blocks that once seperated them would be tunneled. This casino would cater mostly to the upper class and would stage the world renouned Winnipeg Ballet and Symphony Orchestra. And the casino would have Manitoban theme to it not palm trees and a Mcdonalds. This would be great to bring more people and especially tourist downtown.
The new stadium featuring a big bombers museum(like they have in the new NFL satdiums) would be built at waterfront drive (nearby higgins) this area is an exellent area to see the beautiful city skyline and really not an issue for routes to getting there you got main street meets with the Disreali bridge, Provencher Bridge and Portage Avenue.
Encourage the the U of W to furthur develop. Get new side by side housing nearby where present housing exist nearby downtown.
I would want Human Rights Museum build nearby Broadway and Memorial. The Museum does not belong at the forks it looks so odd beeing there. More than likely when this is built we will be getting more goverment offices setting up shop here. Having the Human rights Museum on Broadway and memorial would surely clean up the slummy buildings in that area. So having it near Broadway is ideal for the city landscape.
I would make sure the Jets have a proper place to have a Museum when we get our team and jets themed chucky cheeses . The Jets Practise facility would be built somewheres downtown and would feature many sports shops like sportcheck.
Have a manitoba music hall of fame at the Met centre.
And hopefully bring more retail, buisinesses offices moving downtown Winnipeg. And get the rest of main street revitalized with plenty stores we have on st james.
What to do about Portage and Main is a big expensive question. Myself I would build an above (over portage and main) structure that would be used as skywalk system and floor space for shops and offices.
Eventually downtown would be bustling with a rail sytem for transit would be needed.
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Post by thebandit on Apr 4, 2005 22:08:41 GMT -5
FREE PARKING 24/7
AGGRESSIVE crackdown on panhandling
NHL and 1 other tenant (NLL or WHL) at the MTS Centre
Hire more people to make sure downtown looks clean
I'll think of more later...
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Post by MOC on Apr 5, 2005 9:52:44 GMT -5
Panhandling is no worse in Winnipeg than it is in many other downtowns. Yet they're thriving...
But, anyways, to really revitalize downtown, the city needs to change the way it collects land taxes, making it not economically smart for land owners to simply leave their property as empty parking lots. Look at any successful, vibrant downtown; surface parking is very minimal. Winnipeg, though, is full of them, which makes for less business, residential and other activities to be possible. Which, in turn, leads to less foot traffic, which makes for empty streets and the "problem" of panhandlers seem worse than it really is.
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Post by DowntownBooster on Apr 5, 2005 11:44:50 GMT -5
Encourage a few large structure developments with incentives such as property tax exemption (or discounts) for a certain number of years. It would be nice to see one or two tall structures which consist of a combination of retail/office/apartments in a single structure such as Trump Tower in New York.
Even though Winnipeg is growing, it is not really evident when looking at the city skyline on the approach from out of town. The skyline hasn't really changed much since the completion of the TD Centre at Portage and Main. People won't really be convinced that a city is growing unless they see changes taking place to the city skyline. Sometimes it's hard to believe that Winnipeg's tallest structure was completed in 1969 when the Richardson Building was built. I know that technically the TD Centre is a bit taller but all 3 of the tall office towers at Portage and Main generally look the same height when viewed on the approach to the city from a distance. It would have been great if Manitoba Hydro's new headquarters were to smash the 400 foot barrier and set a new standard (say even 500 feet). However, it was quite disappointing to find out that they are only going to build a 25 storey structure. The sad part is that the square footage involved will make it the largest development in Winnipeg's history but rather than take advantage of that and build the tallest structure ever in Winnipeg, they decided not to help create the impression that Winnipeg is actually a growing and vibrant city.
It would be awesome to see a 'Trump' like structure on Portage Avenue across from the MTS Centre (home to an NHL franchise) to show that Winnipeg is indeed a city on the rise and a place where young people choose to stay and live!
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Post by joelzillmanwpg on Apr 5, 2005 20:49:19 GMT -5
Panhandling is no worse in Winnipeg than it is in many other downtowns. Yet they're thriving... It's much worse in Winnipeg than in Edmonton... To attract companies, eliminate the business tax, just like Saskatchewan cities have done. This will fill the vacant areas of downtown, and make it a more desirable place to live, something that would benefit all Winnipeggers.
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Post by joelzillmanwpg on Apr 5, 2005 20:54:44 GMT -5
I agree (or at least reduced parking fares... I agree 100%. In the cases of panhandlers harassing and scaring off pedestrians from Downtown, I would be in favor of "public humiliation". Wal-Mart does this in the states- rather than call the police, shoplifters have to display a huge sign that reads "I AM A THIEF". Shoplifting has dropped off considerably since Wal Mart implemented this. Panhandlers caught harassing or threatening passersby should be forced to wear signs that read "I AM WINNIPEG"S SHAME!" It would change the face of downtown, and get people coming back to the area... agree.... Another great idea. When applied to panhandlers who harass, we should force them to sweep the streets. They would "earn their keep"....literally! ;D Great idea! When MOC views this thread, he will literally smash his monitor.
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Post by MOC on Apr 5, 2005 22:00:46 GMT -5
Great idea! When MOC views this thread, he will literally smash his monitor. Wha...? I've viewed it, and have responded. Oddly enough, my monitor is still intact.
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Post by Ducky on Apr 10, 2005 2:15:30 GMT -5
The business tax in this city is no way near close to where other cities in the west are at, thatโs for sure. Speaking of parking the city should encourage new buildings beeing built downtown to build underground parking by giving a tax rebate or ...this would for sure give way to build more buildings downtown, especially the parking lot across the canada post building on the corner of graham. Its too bad we lost the bid in having the Canadian music hall of fame museum. But who says we cannot make our own with specialized stores and music themed restaurants in there. Really MB Hydro is not making the office taller than the Richardson. That sucks. It would of been nice that it was and have it light up the skyline with a golden and green sheafs (sheaths) (sp?) of grain and have a restaurant inside there. My idea in having a huge (2 blocks long) upscale Manitoba themed casino downtown like they have in Montreal, Ottawa and Regina with maybe a jets/bombers/goldeyes (sports) section in their. In this casino you would have the WSO and Ballet showcasing their stuff there and probably never worry about the symphony ever going bankrupt like in the past. This would for sure bring many quality tourist to this city. And probably way some more big chain hotels downtown. And one thing every old and abandoned not classified as a historical building in the city should be giving out major tax rebates to the contractor who demolishes them. These buildings have got to go and are nothing but an eyesore and a hazard.
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Post by joelzillmanwpg on Apr 11, 2005 19:56:26 GMT -5
And one thing every old and abandoned not classified as a historical building in the city should be giving out major tax rebates to the contractor who demolishes them. These buildings have got to go and are nothing but an eyesore and a hazard. If city city completely razed the Point Douglas area of those god-awful abandoned buildings along Higgins, I would personally buy a wrecking ball, and get down to business. There is nothing worse than cycling from the Forks, through the Exchange on Waterfront Drive, only to end up at a grafitti-tagged, five story fire hazard, across from the Kings Hotel, a famous spot for crack junkies,Trannies, and other undesirables....
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Post by MOC on Apr 12, 2005 11:16:22 GMT -5
There still are several buildings being used on Higgins in Point Douglas. And since when are transvestites undesireable? ;
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Post by Trent Steele on Apr 12, 2005 13:06:09 GMT -5
I've always liked the casino idea.
Get rid of all of those single level parking lots, and start going vertical with some bigger parkades, and put some buildings on top of them while you're at it.
I'd like to see a section of road made into a pedestrian only area. Possibly in the exchange district. I was in Boston last year, and they have a section like this that goes for about 3-4 blocks. It's basically like an outdoor mall, with stores, restauants, etc, along the street and it's right in the center of downtown and it was packed. Winnipeg is a tough city to please, cause in the winter, everyone wants to be inside, and in the summer, everyone likes to be outside. If you could do it in a way where the stores/restaurants can be accessed from an indoor skywalk or something, as well as from the street, it would be the best of both worlds.
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Post by MOC on Apr 12, 2005 15:35:47 GMT -5
A few pedestrian-only blocks would be great. Every single city in Europe seems to have them, and they're always hopping, even in crappy weather it seems.
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Post by hatrick007 on Apr 12, 2005 17:41:14 GMT -5
I've always liked the casino idea. Get rid of all of those single level parking lots, and start going vertical with some bigger parkades, and put some buildings on top of them while you're at it. I'd like to see a section of road made into a pedestrian only area. Possibly in the exchange district. I was in Boston last year, and they have a section like this that goes for about 3-4 blocks. It's basically like an outdoor mall, with stores, restauants, etc, along the street and it's right in the center of downtown and it was packed. Winnipeg is a tough city to please, cause in the winter, everyone wants to be inside, and in the summer, everyone likes to be outside. If you could do it in a way where the stores/restaurants can be accessed from an indoor skywalk or something, as well as from the street, it would be the best of both worlds. Hmmm, this seems like a very tempting idea! It would have to be close to the MTSC though, since at playoff time, we need a hangout to make the "White Mile"..... (We copied the Flames "C" of red, we'll do it with the red mile too... heh
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Post by joelzillmanwpg on Apr 12, 2005 19:06:42 GMT -5
I can't understand how anyone could favor building more Casinos in Winnipeg after the long-term damage McPhillips St Station, and Club Regent did to the city. Short term, they increased revenue for the city. Long-term, they led to increased crime, especially B & E, suicides, family members gambling their life fortune away. I heard for every dollar made by government on Casinos, 5 dollars goes to treatment of Gambling addicts, increased car insurance, loss of production due to stress related illnesses because of high debt, and increased need for Police, since with any addiction, Gamblers will resort to anything (robbery, etc.) to feed their addiction. Check the AFM website for more info...
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Post by jetblood on Apr 24, 2005 19:59:18 GMT -5
When I've talked to alot of people around the city it's not so much as the panhandlers scaring them as Portage place does. Notthing but drugs and gangs hanging around there and scaring people off.
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Post by blackthorne on Apr 24, 2005 20:01:08 GMT -5
We need RoboCop !
Of course, his design would need to be modified as to survive our harsh winter climate.
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Post by USApegger on Apr 24, 2005 21:36:21 GMT -5
Casino's are not the answer, didn't they used to have one in the hotel Ft. Garry. I lived in Nevada for many years, cause way more harm than good.
Downtown needs more people living down there, which means, way more condo projects, apartments etc. More people downtown, obviously more business downtown. I also agree get rid of all the surface parking lots
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Post by Ducky on Apr 24, 2005 21:48:02 GMT -5
that was then and this is now a Casino downtown will work if you make classy with the WSO and Ballet.
I totally agree there is need for more condos and housing near downtown.
If they would build a walmart, canadian tire and reno depot with condos units on top ofthem at main street near higgins. The area would start getting alot better.
Just ideas.
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Post by USApegger on Apr 25, 2005 9:05:05 GMT -5
that was then and this is now a Casino downtown will work if you make classy with the WSO and Ballet. Casinos aren't going to draw too many people downtown and certainly not many tourists. To me the casino thing is way overdone, it is not the answer for everything and causes more damage than good if you ask me.
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Post by MOC on Apr 25, 2005 11:53:51 GMT -5
If they would build a walmart, canadian tire and reno depot with condos units on top ofthem at main street near higgins. The area would start getting alot better. If Wal-Mart sets up shop downtown, I will be very, very disappointed. Wal-Mart equals huge amounts of parkings spaces (which downtown already has more than enough of) and the death of smaller, independent or less hostile retailers, and integral part to any successful business area.
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