Winnipeg | Exchange District | Developments & Discussions

[EdwardTH]

Originally Posted by trueviking

I don’t understand why all levels of government aren’t acting with greater urgency.

Because there's virtually zero pressure from the electorate for them to do so? The average suburban voter either doesn't care, or thinks that continuing to increase the WPS budget by tens of millions every year is going to somehow solve it. So the camps get bigger and cops get even more of our money and nothing else really changes.

[Sheepish]

I drive through this strip every morning - either via Main St or King St. It has become a total wasteland. I've lamented on these forums previously about the shameful state of affairs, wondering aloud (in the words of David Byrne)..."how did we get here''? How did our leaders, municipal, provincial, federal, and yes Metis and First Nations, allow such a breakdown in social fabric and the health of our city? There are people sleeping in front of the United Way and WRHA buildings every morning. The bunker in front of MSP is an abomination. There is garbage everywhere. Virtually every morning (including today) there is an emergency vehicle tending to a human crisis (or a fire or criminal act). And there is a massive encampment at Higgins and Main surrounding Thunderbird House (which itself is in such a deteriorated state it should probably just be demolished). Sadly, Portage Ave is heading in that direction, and unless there is immediate action, it is a risk of detriorating further. Caught in the middle will be the Exchange. For as long as I can remember, North Main was always a problem. It is now a true disaster. Where the hell are our 'leaders'? Some truely honest discourse is required. Sorry for the negativity, but when you see this every day, and it just keeps getting worse, it is impossible to sugar coat it.

[TimeFadesAway]

Originally Posted by Sheepish

wondering aloud (in the words of David Byrne)..."how did we get here''?

The relentless pursuit of austerity since the late 1980s (early 1980s for the US).

[Sheepish]

Maybe a contributing factor, but overly simplistic...in my view. There was money spent, but probably not in the right places. Too little discussion and attention to root causes. You can't really fix something if you don't identify it correctly. And Covid was like a molotov cocktail thrown at an already growing problem. It just concerns me that with the current trajectory, this will consume Portage Ave and the Exchange.

[neutroniks]

Friends of mine that have family from the North have said the forest fires that displaced people made the problem multiply, by a lot. Many of the reserves are dry reserves, and when they come down and (either voluntary or peer pressured) try alcohol and drugs and inevitably become addicted and lost. The other problem is people wanting help. We can try to help as many people as we want, but ultimately, only the ones that actually want the help will put in the work to change, clean themselves up and come back to society. I'm sure many of us know people that have been in and out of rehab numerous times because of relapse. But definitely agreed there needs to be more done.

[wags_in_the_peg]

Originally Posted by neutroniks

Friends of mine that have family from the North have said the forest fires that displaced people made the problem multiply, by a lot. Many of the reserves are dry reserves, and when they come down and (either voluntary or peer pressured) try alcohol and drugs and inevitably become addicted and lost. The other problem is people wanting help. We can try to help as many people as we want, but ultimately, only the ones that actually want the help will put in the work to change, clean themselves up and come back to society. I'm sure many of us know people that have been in and out of rehab numerous times because of relapse. But definitely agreed there needs to be more done.

some are barred from their reserves too, so it becomes the city problem now. total BS

[Biff]

Peck Building answer from CTV:

A historic building in Winnipeg’s Exchange District is currently under repair.

On Tuesday, construction fencing could be seen blocking off the pedestrian sidewalk around the Peck Building, located at 22 Princess St.

The City of Winnipeg said it received a complaint back in July that portions of the building’s mouldings were hanging loose. The city then ordered the building owner to remediate the issue, with the owner now working on the necessary repairs.


The city notes the fencing is in place as a precaution, adding that no demolition permit has been issued.

There’s no word on when the work will be finished.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/article/repairs-underway-on-historic-exchange-district-building/

[trueviking]

^ it was bought last year from the "church" to supposedly build housing....a number company from New Brunswick....i guess that's not happening.

[drew]

^ The scientologists sold the Peck building? That's potentially good news as they wanted to keep it office/cult use - not residential.

[neutroniks]

but maybe the numbered company from NB is just a shell company to cover for the scientologists. lol

[Mr Tall Forehead]

[trueviking]

Originally Posted by drew

^ The scientologists sold the Peck building? That's potentially good news as they wanted to keep it office/cult use - not residential.

Its definitely better than them owning it....hopefully they do something with it...we really need much stronger fines for vacant buildings.

[neutroniks]

Anthony Urso got some pretty amazing shots of The Bend and The Exchange.

https://www.instagram.com/anthony_urso/p/DOV-XBpDRHg/?hl=en

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by trueviking

^ it was bought last year from the "church" to supposedly build housing....a number company from New Brunswick....i guess that's not happening.

thats positive.

[Wpg_Guy]

Some great completed shots and angles of 127 Bannatyne by the ever-talented Douglas Little.

Concord Projects is all settled in to our new home on the 2nd level. We've enjoyed exploring the Exchange District all summer long! The 80 apartments are filling up fast and 2 new restaurants opening in 2026.

Nolan Ploegman

[FactaNV]

Two restaurants? Fantastic. This building is such a great addition to Bannatyne. If only the half block lot across the street could be developed.

[neutroniks]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

Two restaurants? Fantastic. This building is such a great addition to Bannatyne. If only the half block lot across the street could be developed.

I hope to see this in my lifetime, but I can't imagine how much revenue that lot makes during the day. It's always relatively filled. Esp during theatre season.

[wags_in_the_peg]

Originally Posted by wags_in_the_peg

anyone know what happening at Old Market Square. All fenced off and excavator has majority grass dug up

i'll answer my own Q! They have laid down artificial turf and surrounded with paving stones. Guaranteed green all year and no mud! looks sharp!

[Biff]

Originally Posted by drew

^ The scientologists sold the Peck building? That's potentially good news as they wanted to keep it office/cult use - not residential.

I was told just this week that the Scientologists still own the building. Apparently this is an MO of them to just buy buildings and sit on them.

It was the City that ordered them to do the safety repairs to the building.

[1ajs]

city should go after them on everything