Annual Report
Message From The CEO
Partnerships are central to who we are and what we do. In fact, without the initial tripartite partnership agreement between three levels of government (The Winnipeg Core Area Agreement -1981 to1986) it is unlikely that The Forks or North Portage development would have occurred. It was an innovative strategy that spawned many downtown and inner city projects and has set a foundation for broader partnerships and strategic alliances. Political leaders of the day set a standard for cooperation and collaboration between governments and with community and business groups. Many cities look at Winnipeg’s collaborative agreement and the partnerships it created with a certain envy as they attempt to replicate a similar model.
Partnerships arrangements are not always easy but almost always worthwhile. It is important to understand the priorities of others and find ways to move the collective vision forward. In my role as CEO of The Forks North Portage Partnership I have the privilege of being involved in many varied partnership arrangements throughout our organization:
• The Downtown BIZ is an important partner as they address the clean and safe
agenda and play an important marketing role;
• CentreVenture and North Portage collaborate on development projects;
• Destination Winnipeg works to keep the focus on economic development and
Winnipeg as a tourism destination;
• The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is a proponent and advocate for a
revitalized downtown;
• The University of Winnipeg has a strategy that is creating a new and expanded
urban campus with strong community relations;
• Knox United Church is working hard to create a healthy neighbourhood in the
Central Park community;
• Hostelling International is creating a signature hostel in the heart of the North
Portage neighbourhood:
• Private developers are looking at new initiatives that require collaborative efforts
with the public sector;
• All of our tenants, both at The Forks and North Portage who are helping to create
the vision for a revitalized downtown;
• Our family of corporate sponsors allow us to do our summer and winter
programming and education programs at IMAX;
• City of Winnipeg works with us and others to identify strategies to enhance the
downtown;
• Department of Science Technology Energy and Mines (Government of Manitoba)
has provided advice and guidance as The Forks works to reduce its energy
consumption;
• The federal government and their Infrastructure Works program;
• Individuals within the community approach us with ideas and projects that may
result in a public art display, a fund raising event, or a festival at The Forks;
• Our Board of Directors provides our organization with guidance;
• Our dedicated team at The Forks North Portage Partnership who provide
commitment, expertise and innovation to our organization; and finally
• The people of our city for their support of both The Forks and North Portage.
Our partners each bring a level of commitment, passion, expertise, and sometimes money to the project at hand.
The downtown challenge is to build on existing successes, identify new opportunities, and address negative aspects that impact urban revitalization. It is the partnership model that will continue to create a healthy community in downtown Winnipeg.
Jim August
Chief Executive Officer