The Village was better in the sense that there were a lot more shops, it was safer, and not so run down. But it wasn’t a magical wonderland either. I dare not go on about it though because, surely, I must be some old man with flawed memories. But for the record, I actually lived there during the first half of the ‘90s. I remember it all, good and bad. Every street, every building, every shop, every restaurant and bar. So there’s that. But you know what? Who cares! It’s all in the past and I don’t want to be that guy reminiscing about the so-called good ol’ days.
When I moved back to Winnipeg after nearly 20 years, Osborne Street definitely looked a lot worse for wear. But I saw glimmers of hope with the new housing being built. The Village may be on the cusp of a renaissance so I’d say it’s a pretty interesting time to be there. There’s nowhere to go but up, after all. I don't ever recall seeing this much development in the Village, as the ‘90s was a very stagnant time in that respect. It would be unfair to single out OV for all its challenges today. Lots of urban neighbourhoods in lots of cities have been negatively affected by forces beyond their control. Covid, crime, drugs, homelessness, inflation, the digital age… times have changed. A lot. The crumbling infrastructure, though? That’s definitely on Katz.
But my god… where are the trees? I don’t want to put anyone on the defensive but that stretch looks so bleak, barren, and dingy. It’s in desperate need of some curb appeal, being the face of The Village and all. On Osborne Street, between confusion corner and River Ave, I counted exactly one sad little tree.
This is a Google image, but I drove down the street the other day and it's pretty much the same.[/QUOTE]
The tree & streetscaping is abysmal here and also all over the city.
I counted maybe 4 trees from Polo Park to near where Uncitiy was.
I think intoxicated drivers run over them.
No flower planters, just cemented over with wonderful weeds sprouting.......
You see it north of Portage ..on Balmoral/Colony as well.
The city used to show well, have pride and now visitors are shocked how run down many parts are.
Old ST Vital looks pretty good on St Marys. Some parts of Henderson also.
Osborne has to pull up its socks, wear the big adult undergarments and get competitive to be a leader one again.
It was a standout neighbourhood voted 1 of the best in Canada less than a decade ago. With all the new construction of residential, some new retail, now is the time to get some polish & much needed Redo.
As far as money, with all the new builds, the city & Osborne Biz should be able to do something by next year
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