Quote:
Originally Posted by esquire
Next up it would be nice to see Portage Place get a little refresh. It has aged fairly well so the need isn't dire, but even an updated paint palette and maybe some updated fixtures would make a difference.
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I disagree. Portage Place opened in the late 1980s and has seen little updating since beyond basic maintenance. While the tile floor is not worn out the colour pallet is so far retro it is due to come back in style in a couple of years. The challenge is Portage Place as a whole needs to re-examine its entire role and figure out where it is going in the next 10 to 20 years. The vacant movie theaters clearly need a long term plan, it needs paint, update floors and other changes to make it an attractive place. It feels like there is a possible role to play as "the place to meet up downtown" especially before and after MTS Centre events.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverman
I went to the Forks last weekend, could not believe how run down it is getting. I'm glad Bindy's is still there.
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Not any one vendor specifically but in general in has the feel that some of those places invested in their look when they opened approximately 25 years ago and haven't spent any money updating them since. The Forks really needs to put a clause in come lease renewals about general up keep and complete over hauls. If you need to tape over your menu board and have dog eared printed pages as part of your signs you are long over due for an update. Move to mandated digital sign boards that most restaurants are using now to solve some of that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by esquire
What that place could really use is a true farmer's market that is closer to what I understood was the original vision for that place. I wonder if they could carve out maybe 1/3 of the place and turn it into something like that, maybe roughly along the lines of Kensington Market. Given how popular markets are these days (e.g., St. Norbert), I wonder if a smaller market could last on a year-round basis?
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The challenge with a "year round farmer's market" is that we live in a very seasonal climate. The vendor that might be selling fresh produce in a month will not have much to offer in February regardless of the location in Winnipeg. Sure they are a great thing in the warm months and they are greatly missed in the cold months but there is a reason they don't work here. What ends up happening is the cold months end up being home style baking and crafts with little to offer in terms of unique, fresh and local food. Over the long term what ends up happening is the market wants to fill those "vacant" stalls in winter and establishes permanent, year round vendors leaving little or no room for the seasonal produce vendors.
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