The corner of Graham Avenue and Donald Street in downtown Winnipeg. (GOOGLE STREET VIEW)
The City of Winnipeg has officially launched a placemaking pilot to transform Graham Avenue into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space.
The initiative coincides with the June 29 rollout of the city’s new primary transit network, which will reroute buses off much of Graham Avenue, leaving four blocks open for pedestrian amenities and protected bike lanes.
“This is a great opportunity to change how people experience this part of our downtown,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We’re turning Graham into a street full of life and local creativity. This transformation will bring more people and energy downtown — and it complements re-opening Portage and Main, launching our new transit network, and investing in new residential and commercial developments.”
The pilot marks the first step in the city’s long-term “Reimagining Graham Avenue” project, part of the CentrePlan 2050 strategy aimed at revitalizing downtown.
Officials say the plan will breathe new life into the area through public spaces, local art, and community-focused design. Future development phases will be considered in upcoming budgets.
Construction work for the pilot project is being funded by a $100,000 USD grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative.
