Mayoral hopeful Gord Steeves wants the city to attract more visitors from the northern U.S. to increase tourism in Winnipeg.
The candidate, in a rare Sunday announcement, said he would create a “Grand Forks Weekend” if elected to draw in residents from North Dakota.
“We all know Winnipeggers head to Grand Forks to enjoy shopping trips in the United States,” Steeves said. “I want to ensure Grand Forks residents know they can get the same experience in Winnipeg.”
The former city councillor said the special weekend could be a time when both the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers have home games, and pitched the idea of the U of M Bisons and University of North Dakota hockey teams playing a friendly game.
The city would contribute $50,000 toward the campaign, Steeves said.
He added he would also like to see a low-cost airline in Winnipeg, similar to that offered in Grand Forks, to help keep the city competitive.
