Entreprises Riel plays a pivotal role as a valued partner in numerous BIZ initiatives, contributing significantly to their success. Often, we take the initiative to launch projects and collaborate closely with BIZ organizations to facilitate physical improvements and deliver impactful programming, all with the ultimate goal of bolstering local businesses.

In St-Norbert, our commitment remains unwavering as we lead the charge for the creation of a canoe and kayak launch on the La Salle River, while actively exploring other opportunities for positive community development.

Our continued collaboration with the Provencher BIZ has borne fruit, including the implementation of several projects outlined in their 2020 Strategic Development Plan. We actively encouraged the BIZ to apply for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, supporting key components of the Strategic Development Plan for the Boulevard. Specifically, we assisted in crafting a compelling proposal that focused on illuminating the Boulevard’s trees and introducing captivating art installations in the walkways. We are pleased to report that this project was selected, and progress has been made in its partial implementation.

Additionally, we are pleased to work with the City of Winnipeg and the Norwood Grove BIZ to drive forward the realization of the Moving on Marion development plan. The city has undertaken the functional design phase of the Moving on Marion, which aims to determine how to improve the roadway, traffic flow, safety, and livability aspects of Marion Street – from St. Mary’s Road to Lagimodière Boulevard; and Lagimodière Boulevard – from Marion Street to Dugald Road.

Vue Taché is a new 7-storey concrete and steel condominium development by StreetSide Development Corporation (Winnipeg) and Qualico Winnipeg nearing completion at 780 Taché Avenue across from Parc Elzéar Goulet in old St-Boniface. The development is mostly complete and is 95% leased. Vue Taché has a total of eighty-seven units and underground parking with apartment sizes range from 786 to 1,868 square feet.

This property is also the result of a land assembly undertaken by Entreprises Riel. This unique 6-storey development will include 3 one-bedroom units, 16 two–bedroom units ranging in size from 776 square feet to 1,109 square feet, and 1 three-bedroom unit. The 8 single room occupancy units will be located on the second floor and have access to a shared kitchen/lounge room.

This property represents the culmination of a strategic land assembly effort spearheaded by Entreprises Riel, spanning several years. We diligently sought out a developer who not only embraced our vision for the site, but we also assisted them throughout the design, public engagement, and zoning processes. Last year, we were thrilled to announce that the city had granted approval for an impressive 8-storey mixed-use building, featuring two levels dedicated to retail and commercial spaces, along with 96 rental units. Construction was slated to commence in the 2022-23 season but for many reasons including the rising cost of borrowing, the project has been delayed, marking a pivotal milestone for the Provencher area.

This project is poised to make a substantial impact on Provencher, bringing new vitality into the neighborhood by attracting new residents and businesses to the vibrant strip.

In this realm of activity, our primary objective is to bolster local businesses by boosting population density in specific regions within our communities. More residents translate to a larger customer base and an expanded array of consumer choices. Our concerted efforts have been concentrated on North and Central St-Boniface in recent years, an aging community that had experienced a notable population decline, as is characteristic of such communities in their natural life cycles. This demographic downturn, although cyclical, had been adversely affecting the vitality of local businesses. Fortunately, a substantial reversal of this trend has been achieved.

Another community that has benefited from our assistance is St-Norbert, which faced its own unique challenges. In this case, a different issue was at play, but the result was the same – insufficient local population support for businesses. We take pride in the considerable progress that has been accomplished in both communities.

Our involvement takes various forms, such as recruiting developers, offering guidance throughout the zoning process, aiding in design concepts, and providing support during the public consultation phase.

While some projects have advanced well into the construction or occupancy stages, others are currently in the planning and marketing phases.

Entreprises Riel owns three distinctive kiosks on the Esplanade Riel footbridge. Their design was inspired by the first trams which traversed the old Provencher Bridge in 1908, the year of the incorporation of St-Boniface as a city. With these, we seek to create an inviting entryway into St-Boniface by offering bilingual services: Tourisme Riel information services, French inspired culinary experiences, and entertainment.

Over the 2022-23 season, a couple, originating from the Brittany region in France, operated a traditional creperie, Crêperie Ker Briezh and had a highly successful season.  Their success has inspired the entrepreneurs to open a new restaurant on Sherbrook Street while still operating the crêperie. They also partnered with two former USB students who had launched the successful Le Monkey bar and operated the second kiosk for the 2023 summer season.