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Responses to questions

Here are responses to the asked questions that we have received thus far, feel free to comment based on the response or to the questions in general...

What do you Hate?

There is a lot of empty buildings and a lack of vision. Parking sucks. There could be more encouragement of small affordable restaurants or pubs. It would be better to create a district like a fashion district or a pub district or a restaurant district. More activity of that kind in clusters so it seems like a scene that supports itself and not so sporadic. I also hate that people are trying to yuppify it and condo-ize it without looking to the market – students and arists are the market – lower rents and rawer spaces.

What do you Love?

I like that people can create their own type of spaces with the raw spaces that can still be found. I like the gallery spaces and the market square festivals. The kings head and bands playing is great. The albert and its scene is great. The architecture is fantastic. The trees and green spaces are nice.

Like Food? Where do you get yours?

The Giant Tiger, The Bay and the Chinatown grocers are good options. I go to Safeway in Osborne. The Mondragon has groceries. The Asian grocery store on William is great. In the fairchild lofts on the main floor there could be a grocery store or a market. Whole Foods or a fruit/veg type market

What is missing in your exchange?

Lower rents, affordable spaces, rezoning to residential, grocery store, change people's perception about safety of neighborhood, change racist attitudes of some.

What is your favourite place?

I like asian food the most so a few closer to Chinatown. Coffee the fyxx, sometimes lunch at Mondragon or the Underground. King's Head. It's fun to people watch and eat good food. More patios needed in summer.

Whats up your stairs?

 There are artist studios, upholstery business, craftsman, musicians etc. Having the city subsidize the owners of the buildings to support more creative types to be able to rent them at lower rates would be ideal. The prices are too high and no natural culture is emerging from those spaces as much as they used to.

How do you get around?

 I bike in the summer, bus it in the winter and walk in both seasons. Parking is the worst in the exchange. People do not want the hassle. Too many tickets. If they want Winnipeggers to come downtown they have to get rid of the move your car every two hours on Saturday rule. 

Why are you here?

 I work and live in the exchange. And sometimes play.

What do you want?

 More choice of affordable interesting cafes and lunch spots like the underground cafe, or a street level diner type place. More affordable smaller night spots where you can take in some music or that plays good ambient music, and that you can have a beer and maybe some good dessert. The fyxx is okay, but back in the day Pure Lard was a good one. More casual, cheaper, diner style if you want to appeal to younger crowds. There should be tonnes of students hanging out with red river and u of w. Also late night burrito shop or slice of pizza shop. More interesting lighting on the buildings.

Why are you scared?

 I am usually not scared but some of my friends are. Usually beggars are intoxicated so are easily outrun of pushed over if they become threatening. There are poor people around who can do desperate things in desperate times so I think it is good to be aware of that especially because there is not a lot of people on the streets.

your opinions on the exchange

What is missing in your exchange?
The exchange is seen more as a destination than a livable district. What do you think it would take to change that?

Like food? Where do you get yours?
Currently there is a lack of grocery stores in the exchange. How and where do you get your groceries? Do you have any ideas on how this could be improved?

How do you get around?
What is your means of transportation? Do you bike, walk, drive, use public transportation, etc…
What do you think is effective and/or what should be changed?

What do you hate?
What issues do you have with the exchange?

What do you love?
What specifically do you like in the exchange?

Why are you here? Live/work/play
Why do you choose to use the exchange and what purpose does the exchange have for you?

What do you want?
What would help make the exchange a better place for you?

What is your favorite place?
Where do you most enjoy spending the your time and why?

Why are you scared?
Do you ever feel unsafe and why?

What’s up your stairs?
There is a disparity between occupancy on street level and the upper floors of buildings. Many of the buildings in the exchange are vacant above the first floor. We want to know what exists in your building, and what you would like to see fill the vacant spots?

What is your story?
Who are you? What do you do? Where are you from (neighborhood / city)? We want to know about you.

general comments what is missing in your exchange? like food? where do you get yours? how do you get around? what do you hate? what do you love? why are you here? live/work/play what do you want? what is your favourite place? why are you scared? what's up your stairs? what is your story?


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