Economic Development in Winnipeg

In May 2007, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz appointed the Mayor’s Trade Council (MTC) to develop recommendations for the city of Winnipeg around trade growth opportunities and supportive transportation asset investments.

The work of the MTC included developing strategies and priorities to support a new long-term Economic Opportunity Framework for the city of Winnipeg. The MTC held extensive discussions and meetings with stakeholders as well as conducted related research.

A fundamental principle underpinning the work of the MTC, is priorities that the three levels of government and the industry are aligned, coordinated and mutually supportive. As a result, the MTC developed recommendations that provided appropriate and strategic direction for taking action.

Recommendations of the report include:

• Funding necessary infrastructure
• Seeking out innovative financing approaches including the strategic use of Public Private Partnerships (PPP)
• Identifying opportunities to gain efficiencies
• Developing strategic projects, such as an inland port
• Determining priorities through a coordinating body of key stakeholders

Winnipeg can become the eastern hub of the Western Canada Transportation System and the northern hub of the Mid-Continent Trade Corridor linking Canada, the United States and Mexico. In addition Winnipeg’s strategic location enables the city to be a first or second port of entry for polar trade linked through the Port of Churchill to Russia and Eurasia.

The overarching goal presented by the Mayor's Trade Council looks to position Winnipeg as a central link in the development of an integrated, connected, national system, for global trade.