Travel Manitoba showcases new brand
Travel Manitoba released Manitoba’s refreshed brand – Canada’s Heart Is Calling – on Jan. 9. The brand will replace Manitoba, Canada’s Heart…Beats.
“The Manitoba, Canada’s Heart… Beats brand changed the way people viewed Manitoba as a travel destination. We wanted to tell the next chapter of that story,” said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “We know that travellers are seeking unique experiences that they can share with their friends and family. Manitoba is full of those experiences.”
The new brand was launched with a series of videos, with new television commercials coming this month. The brand and campaign was created by UpHouse, a Winnipeg advertising agency along with Manitoba designers, illustrators, photographers, copywriters, videographers and musicians.
“This campaign had to be made locally,” said UpHouse co-owner Kiirsten May. “We all love this place. We know that Manitoba’s stories are best told by people who live here. We’re incredibly proud of the talented group behind this brand and campaign. We asked them to capture the feeling that comes from visiting new and familiar places, and they delivered.”
Cadillac Fairview and Shindico partner on Master Plan for Polo Park
Cadillac Fairview (CF) and Winnipeg-based developer Shindico released their new new Master Plan vision for CF Polo Park in Winnipeg on Jan. 12.
The companies have collaborated on a new vision for Polo Park and surrounding lands, including the vacant former Canad Inns Stadium. The Polo Park lands encompass 84 acres, bounded by Portage Avenue, St. James Street, St. Matthews Avenue, and Empress Street, centred around CF Polo Park which is the largest shopping centre in the province.
“For more than 60 years, the centre has proudly served as a second downtown to Winnipeg and our redevelopment plan extends our long-term vision to further expand the community,” said Wayne Barwise, executive vice president, development, Cadillac Fairview. “We are thrilled to be in a position today to share the plans and will be submitting an application to rezone the Polo Park lands in the coming weeks.”
The new master plan sees the creation of a new complete community featuring residential, amenity and retail space, including new parks, open spaces and public and private streets around CF Polo Park. Phase one will begin on the former stadium site.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a vibrant community around the most successful shopping centre in the Prairies. Shindico is excited to have attracted this significant investment in Winnipeg,” said Sandy Shindleman, president of Shindico.
Barwise also says that new retailers are coming to Polo Park, with announcements for “some new first to market retailers in the coming months.”
Government of Canada invests in affordable housing in Winnipeg
The Government of Canada announced a combined $17.4 million investment for a new 69-unit affordable housing complex at 380 Young Street in Winnipeg. The Opaskwayak Cree Nation will own and operate the 7-storey apartment building located near the University of Winnipeg.
“Through important investments in affordable housing, our Government is assisting those who need it most here in Winnipeg and in all corners of the country. These investments help create new jobs and stimulate the local economy, while providing access to safe, affordable homes for Winnipeggers,” said Hon. Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and CanNor
The federal government will provide $15.6 million through the National Housing Strategy’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund, with $105,000 from Efficiency Manitoba and $1.8 million from Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
“This building not only allows our Cree Nation to start capitalizing within the real estate market, it will allow us a place in the city to house some of our own citizens who are leaving the north to begin their higher education journeys in the south. The lower rent would ease the financial stresses so that our sponsored students can focus on their school work and their career paths, which in turn, will allow them to continue to make successful contributions to not only Opaskwayak but to the entire country,” said Chief Sidney Ballantyne, Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Construction is expected to take 18 months, and should be complete by Summer 2024.
Taco Bell franchisee plans expansion in Manitoba
Ontario’s Redberry Restaurants announced plans to build 200 more Taco Bell locations in Canada over the next eight years, making it the largest Taco Bell franchisee in the country. The additional locations will be built in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, on top of Redberry’s existing locations in Ontario. The expansion begins with a new location in London, Ont.
“We’re excited to ‘Make it Happen’,” said Ken Otto, CEO at Redberry Restaurants. “Our team is committed to achieving what we say we’re going to do. This has led brands to invest in us and trust us to deliver.”
Wellington-Altus announces leadership team change
Manitoba financial services firm Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. announced on Jan. 10 that Dennis Stewner will become executive vice-president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer. Stewner takes over the role from Trevor Coates, who announced his retirement last fall.
“Finding someone of Dennis’ pedigree at this time in our trajectory, could not be more serendipitous,” said Shaun Hauser, CEO and co-Founder of Wellington-Altus. “It gives me great peace of mind knowing Dennis has direct previous industry experience in his executive role for Wellington-Altus. Equally beneficial to the company will be Dennis’ most recent experience where he was part of an executive team managing explosive growth for extended periods.”
Stewner joins Wellington-Altus from People Corporation, where he worked as chief operating officer and chief financial officer.
“I am excited to join the fastest-growing wealth management company in Canada,” said Stewner. “The company is well positioned to continue its rapid growth trajectory and I look forward to supporting that growth with my experience in financial and capital management and scaling operations.”
More trade barriers removed
The Manitoba government has removed more exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA).
Announced by Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen on Jan. 12, the government is removing:
- naming and business activity restrictions for corporations providing land-surveying services in Manitoba;
- office and practice location requirements for inter-jurisdictional law firms; and
- residency requirements for individuals applying for wild rice harvesting and export licences (also removed from NWPTA).
“As part of our government’s ongoing focus on growing our economy and securing the good jobs so necessary for prosperity and expanding social services, Manitoba continues to be the national leader in reducing internal trade barriers within Canada,” said Cullen.
The Government of Canada and all provinces and territories are parties to the CFTA.
