The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ supports and promotes 1,100 businesses in the heart of our city every day!
Established in 1989, the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone is the voice of the downtown business community.
We market and promote downtown as a great place to shop, play, work and live, and advocate for continued downtown revitalization and services for our members. We host events throughout the year and offer numerous programs and services to improve downtown cleanliness, safety, transportation, and parking.
Our downtown is on Treaty No. 1 territory and the traditional Homeland of the Red River Métis.
Our Mission
We promote, care and advocate for a vibrant and inclusive downtown where business thrives and people are drawn to live, shop and explore.
Our Values
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Innovation and Excellence
- Inclusion

Strategic Plan
Winnipeggers have told us what they want: a safe, inclusive and vibrant downtown. This is our shared vision for the future.
Learn more about our core strategies and goals for 2023–2025.
Our Impact
$1+ Million
invested in keeping downtown clean, green & connected.
4,294
individuals connected to health services, community services and employment and income assistance.
82
new bike racks installed
56,849
pails of litter picked by hand
Funding
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is primarily funded by zone levies collected by the City of Winnipeg based on an Annual Rental Value (ARV) of a business operating within the designated downtown Winnipeg zone.
We are grateful to our partners and sponsors who share our belief that a strong downtown benefits us all. The success of our programs and events would not be possible without the commitment of our generous sponsors.
Our Board of Directors
Amelia Laidlaw (Chair),
Tandem Collaborative
Dorian Morphy (Vice Chair),
True North Sports and Entertainment
Shameel Thakrar (Treasurer),
IG Wealth Management
Louise Blanchard (Secretary),
Birch Wellness Center
Teri-Lynn Friesen,
Fete Ice Cream and Coffee
Erika Giannini,
Magic Room Spa
Pamela Hilderman,
MLT Aikins LLP
David Leibl
Wawanesa Insurance
Kerem Leylek,
Eckler
Andrew Parkes,
Eph Apparel Inc.
Sherri Rollins,
City Councillor
Roberto Sinopoli,
Aveda Institute Winnipeg
Dane Surtees,
Alt Hotel
Richard Thomas,
Skip the Dishes
Michelle Young,
Kum Koon Garden
Steffen Zinn,
Red Ember