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Downtown Transcona to undergo makeover

By Jolie Toews
Canstar News

Jan. 21, 2010



A neighbourhood with a small-town vibe and buildings dating back as far as the early 1900s is set to undergo some major changes this year.

Downtown Transcona’s business district along Regent Avenue will soon undergo a makeover that proponents hope will attract new businesses and clientele to the strip.

The area between Winona and Kanata streets will be the focus of a major revitalization plan that is expected to cost more than $2 million. The aim of the project is to inject new life into the area while retaining its historic charm.

Some of the proposed improvements include lighting powered by solar energy and wind turbines, a walk of fame, an entrance archway and storefront and streetscape improvements.

The Transcona Business Improvement Zone and Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt are spearheading the revitalization effort.

Wyatt said the BIZ’s Downtown Streetscape Revitalization Strategy 2009, funded by the city and province, is expected to begin this summer following the Hi Neighbour Festival. Work is expected to wrap up in the fall.

“My hope is that this will encourage new businesses to locate into downtown Transcona and encourage existing businesses to expand and improve,” Wyatt said.

Several local business owners say they agree with the plan, as long as the character buildings in the region don’t lose what makes them unique. They say making significant changes to the exterior of the buildings would strip downtown Transcona of its spirit.

Just ask Boyd Newton. The owner of the renowned Royal George Hotel on Regent recently made changes to the 97-year-old building to better reflect the way it looked when it was still new.

“I wanted to modernize the building and the business, but also respect the historical integrity of the building,” said Newton, referring to the new awnings and illuminated signage.

An old, black-and-white framed photograph of the building hanging inside the hotel bar shows similarities between how it looks now compared to back then.

Newton said he hopes Regent will be able to boast an impressive nightlife one day.

“I’d like to see the strip turn into a mini-Corydon,” he said.

Jean Delorme, owner of Another Look Bridal Fashions in downtown Transcona, agreed that changes need to be made for the area to flourish again.

“It needs revitalization, yes,” Delorme said. “Some of the buildings need fixing up, they really do. They’re kinda old and getting rundown. Some, I hate to see change.”

Downtown Transcona was once a bustling hub of activity when the city’s most northeastern community was growing thanks to a booming railway industry.

As big box stores began to open in west Transcona, family-owned business in the downtown area began to feel the pinch. Quality service and loyal customers helped some locally-owned stores hold their own while others suffered.

The BIZ report outlines concerns over downtown Transcona’s image, a problem that has been exacerbated by aging and vacant buildings.

It also states that the area is no longer a “one-stop shopping destination” and is in need of a better retail mix.

However, the report states there is a potential for increased activity in the area with the growth of residential property development in Transcona.

An open house for the proposed project was held last May.