Winnipeg
City of Winnipeg
Country Canada Province Manitoba Region Winnipeg Metropolitan Region Founded 1738 (as a French fur trading post), incorporated as a city in 1873 Population (2021) 749,607 (CMA), 749,534 (city proper) Area 464.08 km² (city proper) Demonym Winnipegger Time Zone Central Standard Time (CST; UTC−6), Central Daylight Time (CDT; UTC−5 in summer) Postal Codes R2C–R3Y Area Codes 204, 431, 584
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of the province of Manitoba, Canada. Situated near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, Winnipeg is a vibrant metropolitan hub known for its rich cultural diversity, economic importance, and storied history. The city serves as a vital transportation, financial, and cultural center for the Canadian Prairies.
Population and Demographics
Winnipeg continues to experience robust population growth, with the city's population estimated at 854,100 in 2025, representing an increase of 10,500 or 1.2% from 2024. The broader Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) population stands at 857,000, up from 849,000 in 2024. This growth has been driven primarily by both permanent and non-permanent immigration to the city, with annual growth averaging 23,000 people per year from 2021 to 2024, more than double the typical annual growth observed between 2010 and 2019.
The city's population is projected to reach one million residents by 2049, though this timeline has been adjusted due to federal immigration policy changes that are expected to slow population growth in the near term. The Winnipeg CMA experienced a population growth of about 26,250 people over July 1, 2023, representing a growth rate of approximately 2.9 percent.
Winnipeg remains one of Canada's most diverse cities, home to a vibrant mix of ethnicities, languages, and cultures. Major ethnic groups include European (notably British, Ukrainian, German), Indigenous, Filipino, South Asian, Chinese, and African populations. The city has one of the largest Indigenous populations among Canadian cities, with strong Métis and First Nations communities.
History
Winnipeg's history spans thousands of years, with Indigenous peoples, notably the Cree, Ojibwe, and Métis, inhabiting the region for millennia. European settlement began in the 18th century, with the establishment of Fort Rouge (1738) and Fort Garry (1822) as trading posts by the French and later the Hudson's Bay Company.
In the late 19th century, the city became a pivotal junction for railways, fuelling its growth and earning it the nickname "Gateway to the West." The 1919 Winnipeg General Strike was a landmark event in Canadian labor history. Over the decades, Winnipeg evolved into a major commercial, cultural, and administrative center for Manitoba and Western Canada.
The city celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024 with various commemorative events and exhibitions, including the Winnipeg 150 Archives Tour, which featured historical panels and images displayed in public places throughout the city.
Geography and Climate
Winnipeg is located on the flat Red River floodplain, which contributes to its wide, open landscapes. The city experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers.
- Average January Temperature: -16°C (3°F)
- Average July Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Annual Precipitation: 521 mm (20.5 in)
Flooding has historically impacted the city, most notably the Red River Flood of 1950, leading to the construction of the Red River Floodway to protect the city from future flooding events.
Economy
Winnipeg serves as a major economic engine for Manitoba and the Prairies, with a diverse and resilient economy. The city's economy is expected to grow by 1.1% in 2024, with momentum projected to pick up to 2.6% in 2025. Key economic sectors include manufacturing, transportation and logistics, finance, insurance, health care, education, information technology, and agriculture.
Major Employers include the Government of Manitoba, Winnipeg Health Region, Great-West Lifeco, Manitoba Hydro, Investors Group, Boeing Canada, Canada Life, and Maple Leaf Foods. The city's central location makes it a key hub for rail, trucking, and air transport, highlighted by the presence of CentrePort Canada, one of North America's largest inland ports.
Recent Economic Developments
CentrePort South, a major development project, officially broke ground in 2024. The 1,800-acre development features a 500-acre residential project and 1,100 acres of industrial development. Once fully developed, the area is expected to generate over 16,000 person-years of employment and nearly $80 million annually in tax revenue for Winnipeg.
The city's commercial real estate market continues to show strength, with the industrial sector performing particularly well. Vacancy rates in the industrial sector remain among the lowest in the country at just under 3%, with strong demand from owner-occupiers and investment activity prevalent.
For 2024, Economic Development Winnipeg reported significant success in attracting investment, with $476.6 million in capital investment and the creation of 527 new jobs between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. For the seventh consecutive year, Winnipeg was selected by Site Selection magazine as one of Canada's best locations to invest.
Technology and Innovation
Winnipeg's technology sector is experiencing steady growth, with the city increasingly recognized as a Canadian innovation hub. The tech sector saw employment growth of nearly 40% in 2024, faster than most major Canadian tech hubs. The city now employs approximately 16,900 people in the tech sector.
Notable emerging companies include Plannin (a travel booking platform), ConstructionClock (automated time tracking), Click Maint (maintenance management software), and U-Pro Soccer (sports technology). The city's tech ecosystem is supported by organizations like the Manitoba Technology Accelerator and North Forge Technology Exchange, which provide mentorship, technical resources, and investor connections.
In 2024, Premier Wab Kinew created an Innovation and New Technology department, appointing Mike Moroz as the Minister of Innovation and New Technology to further support the sector's growth.
Culture and Arts
Winnipeg maintains its reputation as a cultural center, home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (Canada's oldest ballet company), Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and Manitoba Opera. The city's arts scene continues to thrive with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals.
Museums and Galleries
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights continues to showcase cutting-edge exhibitions, including "Dimensions in Testimony" (interactive Holocaust survivor testimonies), "Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge" (January 2025 to early 2026), and "Reclaiming Power and Place" (May 2025 to April 2030).
The Manitoba Museum remains the province's largest center for heritage and science learning. It features immersive, world-class dioramas and science exhibits and continues to expand its programming with new exhibitions and educational initiatives.
The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq (WAG-Qaumajuq) launched significant new exhibitions in 2025, including "Threads of Kin and Belonging: A Trinnipeg Live Mixtape Project," which highlights the histories of Indigenous and Black people in Treaty One territory. The gallery houses the world's largest collection of Inuit art and continues to expand its representation of diverse artists.
Festivals and Events
Winnipeg's festival calendar remains robust, with major annual events including:
- Winnipeg Folk Festival (July 2025) featuring Lake Street Dive, Gillian Welch, Ani DiFranco, and other renowned artists
- Festival du Voyageur (February 14-23, 2025) celebrating French-Canadian culture
- Folklorama (August 3-16, 2025) showcasing world cultures
- Manito Ahbee Festival (May 15-19, 2025) celebrating its 20th anniversary
- Great Outdoors Comedy Festival (July 18-20, 2025) at Assiniboine Park
Transportation
Winnipeg underwent the most significant transformation in its transit system's 142-year history in June 2025, launching a completely overhauled network. The new system replaced the decades-old "hub-and-spoke" model with a "spine-and-feeder" system featuring:
- Primary Transit Network with high-frequency routes along major arteries
- Feeder routes connecting residential areas to the primary network
- On-demand service expanded to 12 zones across the city
- Buses running as frequently as every 5-10 minutes during peak hours
The transit overhaul coincided with the June 2025 launch of the Graham Avenue pedestrian placemaking pilot, which transformed four blocks of Graham Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly corridor with protected bike lanes and community amenities.
Infrastructure Investment
The city allocated $164.61 million for local and regional street improvements in 2025, with crews working on nearly 150 lane kilometers of road, bridge, and active transportation infrastructure. Major projects include:
- Continued rehabilitation of Pembina Highway bridges over the La Salle River
- Construction of the Pembina Highway Overpass at Abinojii Mikanah
- Interim repairs to the Louise Bridge and Midtown Bridge
- Major street renewals on Inkster Boulevard, McGregor Street, and Dugald Road
Housing and Downtown Development
Winnipeg is experiencing significant housing development, particularly in the downtown core. The city received substantial federal investment through the Housing Accelerator Fund, with 11 projects sharing $25 million in grants to create 1,135 new housing units—597 of which are affordable housing and 613 located downtown.
CentrePlan 2050
The city approved CentrePlan 2050 in 2024, a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan aiming to add tens of thousands of new housing units over the next 25 years. The plan sets goals of creating 350 new housing units per year until 2030, then 500 per year until 2050.
Portage Place Redevelopment
A major redevelopment of Portage Place is underway, with the federal government providing $10 million for the creation of retail, food, and community spaces. The full project includes a multi-story Health Care Centre of Excellence, affordable housing complex, and support for local Indigenous businesses.
Healthcare
Manitoba's healthcare system continues to evolve under the NDP government elected in 2023. The province allocated over $65 million in 2024 to reduce emergency room wait times, including funding for 151 new acute care beds.
Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg received 50 new beds (35 medicine, 10 psychiatric, and 5 surgical) as part of the provincial investment to expand inpatient capacity and reduce emergency department pressure. The healthcare system is undergoing a comprehensive review to improve accountability and put patient experience at the center of care delivery.
Education
Winnipeg's education sector continues to innovate with new programs and partnerships. The Winnipeg School Division partnered with Red River College Polytechnic to offer free programs to employees and area residents, including administrative assistant, library technician, and power engineer programs.
New educational infrastructure includes a 16,700-square-foot vocational school in southwest Winnipeg. It serves students in the Pembina Trails School Division and offers programs in machining, welding, culinary arts, and pastry arts.
The University of Winnipeg continues its "Build from Within" program, which provides Indigenous high school students with college-level courses so that they can become certified educational assistants while earning their degrees.
Sports and Recreation
Winnipeg's sports culture remains vibrant, with professional teams including the Winnipeg Jets (NHL), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), and Winnipeg Goldeyes (baseball). The Blue Bombers won the West Division title in 2024 and continued their community investment, contributing over $930,000 to amateur football in Manitoba in 2024.
The city's sports infrastructure includes Canada Life Centre, IG Field, and Shaw Park, along with numerous recreational facilities and the historic Assiniboine Park system.
Environmental Initiatives
Winnipeg continues to advance its climate action goals through the Community Energy Investment Roadmap, approved in 2022. The roadmap outlines targets for reducing emissions in five sectors and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The city's 2018 Climate Action Plan remains a guiding document, with greenhouse gas emissions profiled at 4.79 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2016, averaging 6.2 tonnes per person. Key focus areas include vehicle travel (50% of emissions), building natural gas use (34%), and waste disposal (15%).
Food and Culinary Scene
Winnipeg's culinary scene continues to gain national recognition. Petit Socco ranked No. 5 on Air Canada/enRoute's Canada's Best New Restaurants list, while Bar Accanto made the longlist. The city's diverse food scene reflects its multicultural population, with restaurants representing cuisines from around the world, including Filipino, West African, and other international influences.
The city's food culture is celebrated through various festivals and events, including the annual StrEAT Feast Festival and numerous food-focused community events.
Government and Administration
Winnipeg operates under a mayor-council system with Mayor Scott Gillingham leading the city and 15 councillors representing city wards. The city's 2024-2027 budget emphasizes strategic investments in essential services, infrastructure, and downtown revitalization.
Key budget priorities include:
- 45% increase in Urban Forestry budget over four years
- New library in Northwest Winnipeg
- Three Neighborhood Action Teams by 2026
- Downtown Arts Capital fund
- Nearly $1 billion for road renewal over six years
Sister Cities
Winnipeg maintains international relationships through sister city agreements with:
- Minneapolis, United States
- Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
- Lviv, Ukraine
- Taichung, Taiwan
These relationships foster cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding between Winnipeg and its international partners.
Future Outlook
As Winnipeg continues to grow and evolve, the city faces both opportunities and challenges. With a population projected to reach one million by 2049, the city is investing heavily in infrastructure, housing, and transportation to accommodate this growth. The downtown revitalization efforts, including CentrePlan 2050 and major housing developments, position Winnipeg for continued economic and cultural vitality.
The city's commitment to climate action, technological innovation, and cultural diversity ensures that Winnipeg will remain a vital hub for the Canadian Prairies and continue to earn its reputation as the "Gateway to the West" for generations to come.
