The Urban Landscape

The land bordering the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, which flow serenely through the city centre, has been a gathering place for people for over 6,000 years.

Some 150 years ago, downtown Winnipeg emerged as an urban hub.

Anchored by Canada's most famous intersection -- Portage & Main -- downtown captures the spirit of the cultures and traditions which define Winnipeg's unique character.

Now, in the midst of a resurgence of activity, downtown Winnipeg is writing a new chapter in the city's history.

The restoration and re-use of its downtown buildings as residences, shops, restaurants, clubs, offices and galleries has created a renewed enthusiasm about urban living.

The arrival of a new college campus, expanded library and 15,000-seat sports and entertainment centre continue to make headlines, as do construction plans for the architecturally exceptional Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a globally-unique museum concept.

Today, downtown Winnipeg is home to 13,000 people. Employees in the city centre number 68,000 with thousands more on the way, while more than 12,000 post-secondary students attend classes daily downtown.