The People in Your Neighbourhood

A look at the areas where the cool kids hang out

In any city, hip areas seem to lose some cool points as they become more popular, ushering in chain restaurants and big box stores. It’s happening faster as Winnipeg gets bigger. Here’s a look at some exciting areas with their own flavor that you may not have considered.

Point Douglas

The area affectionately referred to as “PoDo” by some residents has had a bad reputation in the past, but is growing in popularity among young people. 

Ricardo Lopez-Aguilar, chairperson on the Point Douglas Resident’s Committee and volunteer for various organizations in the area, speaks to this. “Suddenly [people are] hearing of the artist communities there, the improved safety of the neighbourhoods and the other positive things happening and interest is piqued, but there are some serious issues that need to be addressed… I would invite the larger community of Winnipeg to visit the North End more often so that they are able to develop their opinions based on experience.”

Matt Allen, who has lived in Point Douglas for close to seven years, is impressed by the growth he’s seen in the neighborhood in that short amount of time. “We all want to see it become a place where kids can play outside - and they do! That’s the thing. I don’t see many neighbourhoods where kids get active together, they’re usually inside playing video games.” 

Norwood Flats

Darla McFarlane, an artist, mother and active volunteer in the community, talks enthusiastically about having “the best of both worlds” in Norwood Flats, a neighbourhood that not many Winnipeggers have even heard about, though it’s close to many popular spots. 

“It’s a small town feeling with a big city mentality,” McFarlane says. “There’s a spontaneity to living there… you can go for a walk and end up having a barbeque with your neighbours - or you can go for a quick bike ride Downtown, to The Forks or Osborne Village.”

With regular family events at the community centre and organized nights out for adults, the neighborhood is perfect for those with traditional family values that don’t want life to get too predictable.

St. Boniface

Craig Adolphe, lifetime resident and one of the directors for Transition Winnipeg, is involved in a “lot of little projects” in the area; including community gardens and a drop off site for Harvest Moon Buying Club, a great source for organic produce.

While there is a lot of fresh blood interested in the area, Adolphe feels that they will only bring new life to the distinct energy in St. Boniface, one that isn’t specifically geared to young people. “You’ll see seniors and kids watching bands together at Le Garage, and for me that’s spot on. I don’t expect new residents will turn St. B into Corydon or Osborne.” 

Hip people will always find a special place to call home, so next time a new Harvey’s location has you biting your nails, look for the many cool communities thriving all around Winnipeg.

Part of the series: The Urban Issue 2014

Published in Volume 68, Number 25 of The Uniter (March 27, 2014)

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