Last game in Winnipeg’s stadium before the CFL turns its back on 130 years of history and sells itself out by changing the field size to try and look more American.

The unscheduled encounters. The walk to the corner store. The neighbour met on the sidewalk. The bench in the park. The coffee shop where familiar faces begin to become friends. The public space where something is happening without an invitation.

Brent Bellamy@brentbellamy.bsky.social · 2w ago

I’m honoured to be one of four columnists in a Free Press feature today about Winnipeg’s upcoming municipal election. I argue that we have a responsibility to think beyond our own priorities and consider what kind of city our children will want to live in. www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...

I’m honoured to be one of four columnists in a Free Press feature today about Winnipeg’s upcoming municipal election. I argue that we have a responsibility to think beyond our own priorities and consider what kind of city our children will want to live in. www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...

Nice view of the city to start this year’s Winnipeg Jets broadcasts.

Fifteen years ago today, the Winnipeg Jets stepped back on to the ice for the first time. It was the last time I was able to go to a game with my dad. As a kid he would always get us $5 upper deck tickets at McDonald’s. Thankful for those memories.

I was once fortunate to chauffeur Jan across Winnipeg. He followed along on a paper map. Was intrigued by how many porches are closed in with windows because of winter. He appreciated the city’s bones. Loved the boulevard trees, old neighbourhoods, and downtown heritage buildings.

Brent Toderian@brenttoderian.bsky.social · 4w ago

One thing we can never do enough is celebrate our heroes while they’re still with us. Today’s the 90th birthday of the great urbanist Jan Gehl, who started as a hero to me and became a mentor & friend. I’m proud to have been asked to contribute to his celebration messages today. Happy birthday, Jan.

My first column in a long time is a personal one, a cathartic one to write. I explore how travelling the world with my mom influenced my architecture and design thinking. I highlight a project at The Forks, a place that was very special to her. www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/anal...

Gen Z are sure doing some heavy lifting when it comes to injecting new life into Winnipeg’s Exchange District. It’s been an amazing year of trendy new storefronts. Today I noticed an office space that closed a couple months ago will soon become a Matcha Bar.

I love riding my bike because I naturally take different routes past new things. Today I discovered there’s still a video store in Winnipeg’s East Kildonan neighbourhood.

Really exciting to see today’s announcement of a 5,000 seat soccer stadium in Winnipeg. An innovative prefabricated stadium that can expand over time. Will be home to the new NSL team and hopefully a return of CPL. Will be great for rugby too. www.nsl.ca/news/winnipe...

Winnipeg celebrates the opening of a restaurant that will only sell you a hamburger if you own and are driving a car. Live nearby? Can’t walk or bike over. Bus home from work? Can’t stop in unless you go home to get your car first. Teenager? Nope. www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-lif...

Canada’s first drive-thru-only McDonald’s opens in Winnipeg

One Grimace and dozens of smiles were on display Wednesday as McDonald’s staff and supporters celebrated the grand opening of the fast-food chain’s first drive-thru-only restaurant in Canada.

winnipegfreepress.com

Usually downtown parking lots suck…..usually.

There is also discussion happening about the possibility of this new rail corridor being incorporated into a green belt for the city to limit suburban sprawl.

Brent Bellamy@brentbellamy.bsky.social · 2mo ago

I am honoured to be on Winnipeg’s Rail Relocation Advisory Board. A by-pass around the city using an existing Hydro right-of-way is a game changing idea for cost and feasibility, unlocking a cascade of opportunities, including repurposing lines and yards. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

I am honoured to be on Winnipeg’s Rail Relocation Advisory Board. A by-pass around the city using an existing Hydro right-of-way is a game changing idea for cost and feasibility, unlocking a cascade of opportunities, including repurposing lines and yards. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Had a nice chat on CJOB this morning. Despite the current narrative, downtown Winnipeg is blossoming and I am uncharacteristically optimistic about its future. Listen here - set to: August 10, 11:33am. globalnews.ca/pages/audio-...

The future of window washing is here. No more guy hanging from a rope peeking into your bedroom window.

Winnipeg’s Exchange District is experiencing a renaissance, with many new shops, restaurants, and cafés opening up. The area was buzzing last night for First Fridays, where everything stays open late. Exciting to see.

I’m very proud of this building design. The 5 over 1 is an often maligned building type but this feels very comfortable on its street and in its neighbourhood.

Very happy to see that despite the noise of opposition, the City of Winnipeg is staying committed to its laudable goal of transforming a city-owned parking lot in a central neighbourhood into high-quality, net-zero, affordable housing. I’m proud to have led the design team.

Winnipeg Free Press@winnipegfreepress.com · 2mo ago

Critics of the proposed 12-storey housing project set for the parking lot of the Granite Curling Club were shut down at a city meeting Thursday as councillors allowed the development to proceed.

Winnipeg Urban Wormhole.

Nice news. With Winnipeg’s downtown Keg moving, an arcade bar called Greta will be moving in. Their fourth location, joining ones in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. gretabar.com/winnipeg/

Brent Bellamy@brentbellamy.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Sad to see Winnipeg’s Downtown Keg Restaurant closed after 50 years in the old HBC Garage. Was my favourite restaurant in town. Will be reopening later this year in a generic space that’s closer to the arena but it will certainly lack the soul and ambiance of the old building.

After letting it sit empty and rot for 20 years, it’s good to see the Church of Scientology finally doing the bare minimum to keep Winnipeg’s beautiful Peck Building standing. They removed the cornice last year. The building is on the National Trust List of Canada's Endangered Places.

Strong winds last night.

Disappointing to see the announcement of Giant Tiger closing in downtown Winnipeg. It was a good amenity for residents of the Exchange District.

Sad to see Winnipeg’s Downtown Keg Restaurant closed after 50 years in the old HBC Garage. Was my favourite restaurant in town. Will be reopening later this year in a generic space that’s closer to the arena but it will certainly lack the soul and ambiance of the old building.

My quote in this article about the first anniversary of opening Winnipeg’s Portage and Main to pedestrians is fun. I didn’t have a crystal ball. I firmly believe you can make this prediction about 90% of the new developments that people oppose. manitoba-inc.ca/why-did-we-t...

Nice to see the Sherbrook bike lane being completed in Winnipeg. Since being installed in 2014, Sherbrook has blossomed as a neighbourhood high street, contrary to the misconception that bike lanes are bad for business.

I don’t care what anyone says. Rugby is the best summer sport. I wish it was more popular in Canada.

Brent Bellamy@brentbellamy.bsky.social · 3mo ago

So exciting to have Canada’s Rugby team back in Winnipeg after so many years. My favourite summer sport.

So exciting to have Canada’s Rugby team back in Winnipeg after so many years. My favourite summer sport.

Fun fact for American politicians. Canada’s forests are the size of all these countries COMBINED: Portugal. France. Spain. Germany. Poland. UK. Sweden. Norway. Finland. Denmark. Italy. Greece. Netherlands. Switzerland. Austria. Belgium. Get out your rake.