On June 26, a group of city councillors in Winnipeg, Manitoba supported Independent Jewellers’ project to redevelop its Notre Dame Avenue property. The retailer wants to rebuild this location, moving it away from the sidewalk and building a storefront parking lot.
This request comes as a response to a number of horrific vehicle crashes that have occurred at the intersection by the store, resulting in property damages as well as the death of one person. Independent Jewellers feels that by moving the building away from this corner, the area would become safer for pedestrians and motorists and the likelihood of the store acquiring further damages would be greatly reduced.
By approving this campaign, the councillors ignored Winnipeg development policies; neighbourhood plans in the area require buildings to be situated directly at the sidewalk—with parking in the rear—to generate more pedestrian traffic.
The local community, the West End Business Improvement Zone, the West Alexander residents association, adjacent businesses, a neighbourhood development corporation, and a city councillor from a close-by ward also supported the store’s proposal. CJ
Author: Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff
Canadian Jeweller Magazine Staff is the shared byline for reporting filed by the magazine's editorial desk. Founded in 1879, Canadian Jeweller is the longest running jewellery business publication in Canada, covering market reporting, retail strategy, watches, diamonds, coloured gemstones and the commerce of the Canadian jewellery trade. Work published under this byline is edited and verified by the Canadian Jeweller editorial team in Toronto.
