As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Winnipeg’s founding, we pay tribute to the pioneers of our city’s business community whose ingenuity and determination shaped our history and continue to influence our economic landscape today.
It was the vision and drive of early entrepreneurs that transformed a small prairie settlement into a thriving metropolis—a legacy that remains ingrained in our city’s identity.
In my recent State of the City address, I emphasized the importance of tapping into Winnipeg’s unique strengths and competitive advantages to drive economic development forward.
Drawing inspiration from our entrepreneurial roots, I reflected on pivotal moments such as the creation of the Winnipeg Grain Exchange in the 1880s. This bold initiative catapulted Winnipeg into the forefront of western Canada’s agricultural industry, laying the groundwork for decades of prosperity and growth.
JH Ashdown’s efforts to get Canada’s first national rail line routed through Winnipeg established this city as a key transportation hub, a strategic advantage that continues to this day with the growth of CentrePort Canada.
Henry McKinney’s decision in 1862 to build his hardware store on a swampy piece of land north of Upper Fort Garry led to the development of Portage and Main, and influenced the growth pattern in our downtown forever.
Just as our founders embraced innovation and took risks, we must embody that same spirit in today’s economic development efforts.
That’s why I am particularly drawn to Paul Soubry’s vision for Winnipeg as an Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence. By combining local expertise in electric bus manufacturing with Manitoba’s clean energy grid and the City’s upcoming brand-new transit system design, this concept presents a compelling opportunity to drive Winnipeg into a new era of economic growth and sustainability.
However, one vision alone is not enough. To truly transform our city, we need a collective effort from the business community. That’s why I’ve issued a challenge for greater collaboration and innovation. I’ve called for a private-sector-led economic summit, organized by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, to coincide with our Winnipeg 150 celebrations.
This summit will serve as a platform to not only commemorate 150 years of Winnipeg business but also to generate actionable ideas that will drive tangible economic change.
I encourage business owners and leaders to actively participate in this summit, to identify new markets, foster collaboration, and explore opportunities for growth. Together, let’s envision a future where Winnipeg’s economy thrives, powered by innovation, creativity, and partnership.
The Winnipeg 150 Economic Summit promises to be an action-provoking event where ideas are sparked, partnerships are formed, and strategies are crafted. It’s an opportunity for us to shape the direction of Winnipeg’s economy for generations to come.
The Winnipeg 150 Economic Summit will be held November 27, 2024.
