Leasing

1. MILLENNIALS AND DOWNTOWN

Not only are they the largest generation since the Baby Boom, but they’re also about to enter their prime purchasing years, and that includes their first rental property or home purchase.
Developers and Investors recognize the growing desire of Millennials to live in areas where they work, and where they don’t have to drive everywhere. Walking, cycling and car-sharing are important to them. Downtowns across North America, with their history, uniqueness and non-auto centric genesis, are best positioned to cater to this market; and so too is Downtown Winnipeg.

Portage Place, being central to the Skywalk System fits the walking model of downtown, year-round!

2. THE RE-POSITIONING OF DOWNTOWN RETAIL

Millennials are fast becoming the largest segment with disposable income. So how do Millennials think? A recent survey done by Elite Daily released findings confirming “that millennials are highly educated, career-driven, politically progressive and develop strong brand loyalty when presented with quality products and actively engaged by brands”. Some of the things that businesses need to pay attention to, according to the study, include:
They aren’t influenced at all by advertising.

• They review blogs before making a purchase.
• They value authenticity as a higher importance than content.
• They want to engage with brands on social networks.
• They are brand loyal.
• They expect brands to give back to society.

Portage Place is host to many authentic, local businesses and services who connect with our diverse communities. And Portage Place engages our community, through unique events and promotions and partnerships with Downtown community groups.

3. THE JETS WIN THE STANLEY CUP?

No, the Jets won’t win the Stanley Cup this year (2017), but the arrival of the Jets has led to the largest re-investment strategy that our downtown has seen in decades. The MTS Centre itself has not only reversed the traffic flow of people evening and weekends, but has led to dozens of new restaurants setting up downtown. True North has helped to re-introduce density as an attractive and profitable real estate development principle, where the emergence of SHED and True North Square will introduce new and exciting places for people to work, shop live and hang out.
The great density realized will have an impact, however, the key to success will include retail storefronts along existing sidewalks. We need smaller spaces for entrepreneurship to flourish and create new experiences for guests.

Portage Place has a series of unique space options, from kiosks and skywalk retail spaces to full storefronts, that can provide year-round climate controlled access.

4. CHANGING RETAIL AND SHOPS

When you think of the most recent and exciting growth of new business, cafes, microbreweries, and restaurants in our downtown, most likely you will see a young entrepreneur who has no preconceived notions of what the downtown was 40 years ago. These entrepreneurs see the opportunity here today. As turnover happens, the next new and emerging businesses have owners who are no longer asking for more parking, but rather more bike stalls. They see business, and their customers, in a new light.

As a destination and community resource, Portage Place has a unique ability to welcome and celebrate the full diversity of young entrepreneurs who can connect with their unique audience, here.

5. RAPID TRANSIT AND STREET CARS WILL LEAD TO A DIFFERENT AND BETTER CITY

Pop-ups are trending across North America. Retail Pop-Up are temporary retail spaces that sell unique and often local products. From art to local fashion to tech gadgets, Pop-Up Shops are trending because they create temporary stores that are creative and engaging. They can enliven an urban space for a short time — and disappear, or become permanent, if the market and the opportunity dictates.
With Pop-Ups popping up downtown over the last several years downtown, it clearly indicates that there is a consumer appetite to support local entrepreneurs willing to test the market.

Portage Place connects to the Graham Transit mall through the skywalk system, which should see increasing foot traffic year-round as commuting becomes more convenient.

6. RETAIL POP UPS WILL PRIME THE NEXT WAVE OF DOWNTOWN RETAILERS

Pop-ups are trending across North America. Retail Pop-Up are temporary retail spaces that sell unique and often local products. From art to local fashion to tech gadgets, Pop-Up Shops are trending because they create temporary stores that are creative and engaging. They can enliven an urban space for a short time — and disappear, or become permanent, if the market and the opportunity dictates.
With Pop-Ups popping up downtown over the last several years downtown, it clearly indicates that there is a consumer appetite to support local entrepreneurs willing to test the market.

Welcome pop-ups! As Portage Place continues to develop our community focus through partnerships, unique events and promotions, pop-up stores and kiosks are the perfect opportunity to test your concept.

7. WALKABILITY WILL DRIVE WHERE EMPLOYEES WANT TO WORK

In the global competition for corporate headquarters, and competition for the local market share, the CEOs who want to attract the best talent and continue their growth mode are listening to the needs of their future workforce. Corporations are looking for neighbourhoods that provide a vibrant place for workers. A place comprised of multi-uses and multi-tenants including that are all connected is critical in attracting companies by focusing on the interests of their Generation X and millennial employees. This mash-up of life and urbanism is the future.

Again, as the centre of the Winnipeg skywalk system, Portage Place is well-positioned for the services that will meet the needs of large business entities. If your model is business to business, join Investor’s Group, Staples, legal and engineering firms and a full range health and wellness services for employees at Portage Place.

8. LIVE DOWNTOWN

Over $900 million has been invested in our community into 140 projects in Winnipeg in recent years. The real story is about the re-emergence of the downtown residential market.
With the population of over 16,000 residents, and the recent arrival of new residents in the newest downtown towers, downtown is becoming a neighbourhood again. Homes including Glasshouse Skylofts modern design 21 storey residential glass tower, directly across the street from the MTS Centre with approximately 200 loft-style suites and the 234-unit Heritage Landing Soaring above the tree lined Assiniboine riverbank, will spur success. Residents eagerly anticipate the opening of D-Condos on the banks of the Assiniboine River, and the beginning of construction of SkyCity. This mixed-use development will be the tallest building between Toronto and Calgary, home to over 400 luxury suites.

As businesses move Downtown, so do people who choose to live so close to work that they won’t need to buy winter boots. Portage Place provide access to Shopper’s Drug Mart, the YMCA, and a full range of health and beauty and grooming services that residents need every day.

9. INDIGENIZATION OF OUR DOWNTOWN AND CITY

A recent article in the Globe and Mail, “Canada’s growing Indigenous population reshaping cities across the country”, clearly demonstrates the changing nature of our city in the next decade with the increasing growth prominence of our indigenous community. Over the last few years there has been a concerted effort by our City Government, stakeholders and business groups like the BIZ to embrace the challenges and forge new relationship with our Indigenous community, starting with reconciliation.
This is the beginning of a process, or a call to action, strengthened with informed community partnerships, and Indigenous leadership. Together we collectively aim to amplify, inform and celebrate the full potential of our Indigenous community. Celebrating Indigenous art, heritage, culture and more has the potential to instill a collective pride and understanding. Strategic investments in youth education, training, and entrepreneurship are the cornerstones to a City of prosperity, health and stability for our Indigenous community and a more resilient Winnipeg.

Portage Place has active partnerships underway with Indigenous Community Leaders, along with groups such as the Bear Paw. Our plans to expand the breadth of diverse events and promotions at Portage Place includes many opportunities to celebrate Indigenous art, heritage and culture.