Introduction
Home to the historic park of the same name, the Central Park area is bordered by Notre Dame Avenue to the north, Donald Street to the east, Ellice Avenue to the south, and Balmoral Street to the west. This downtown Winnipeg neighbourhood continues to benefit from redevelopment and rejuvenation efforts.
Lifestyle
A historic neighbourhood in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Central Park is home to a large urban park, a number of heritage sites, and a diverse and active immigrant population. The city's first designated urban green space continues to welcome residents and visitors to its vibrant outdoor events, while residents enjoy affordable rents and convenient walking distance access to downtown amenities.
Dollars & Sense
Though Central Park has enjoyed some gentrification, it is still considered a low income neighbourhood with a median household income of $18,473 as of the 2006 census (roughly one-third the citywide average). The majority of residents take advantage of affordable rents here rather than owning homes, and the pedestrian- and transit-friendly location reduces transportation and parking costs. Tim Hortons and Jumbo Supreme 3 for 1 Pizza offer affordable dining options.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Once a middle-class neighbourhood, Central Park fell on hard times as wealthy Winnipeggers relocated to the suburbs. By the 1980s, it had developed a reputation as being unsafe and throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, drugs, public drinking and gang activity were reported often. But revitalization efforts – including a major overhaul of the park in 2009-10 and engaged immigrant residents – have renewed community pride.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
With its convenient central downtown location, the majority of Central Park residents walk or take advantage of the Winnipeg Transit system as their primary form of transportation. As of the 2006 Statistics Canada Census, drivers were outnumbered by those who walked or took the bus by almost 40 per cent. The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is just a 16-minute drive or a 25-minute transit trip away.
In the Area
Take a stroll through the area to check out many spots of historical architectural significance, including the gothic Waddell Fountain and Knox United Church. Or catch a performance of world-class comedians or musicians at the opulent Burton Cummings Theatre. In the warmer months, kick a ball around the impressive soccer pitch in the park or walk to one of the many shopping and dining destinations in downtown Winnipeg.
Meet the Neighbours
According to the 2006 Census, Central Park features a culturally diverse population with no one dominant ethnic group. The community's central location and affordable housing continues to attract new Winnipeg area immigrants. This vibrant neighbourhood is home to many Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, Chinese, First Nations, Filipino, and African residents. Most are single, with one-person households comprising 55% of the population here.
The Vibe
While the park at the heart of this long-standing Winnipeg neighbourhood developed a reputation as a hotbed of criminal activity in the '90s, the area has undergone major revitalization efforts including a $5.6 million update in 2009-10. It now offers this ethnically diverse community a safe place to gather and enjoy outdoor concerts, the beautifully restored Waddell Fountain, a water park, and a top-notch artificial turf soccer field.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts
Catch a concert or performance in this beloved Winnipeg theatre and National Historic Site of Canada. Originally the Walker Theatre and then the Odeon Cinema, it now bears the name of a Winnipeg-born entertainment legend.
more infoCentral Park
You'll find the actual Central Park at the heart of this neighbourhood. Highlights include an artificial turf soccer field, water park, the historical Waddell Fountain, and outdoor concerts and events throughout the year.
more infoKokeb Restaurant
Enjoy the fresh flavours of Ethiopian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this downtown Winnipeg eatery. Happy hour specials served Monday through Friday and authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremonies available.
more infoThe International Centre
As Central Park is home to many new immigrants, the conveniently located International Centre provides newcomers with employment, vocational and educational counselling and assistance, as well as a computer resource centre.
more infoKnox United Church
Knox United Church is the largest of its kind in Manitoba. It was designed by prominent Winnipeg architect, J.H.G. Russell, and constructed between 1914 and 1918. It was designated a provincial heritage site in 1990.
more infoThe Waddell Fountain
This iconic Winnipeg fountain was constructed in the memory of Emily Margaret Waddell, who passed away in 1908. After years of disrepair, restoration was completed during a major facelift of Central Park in 2010.
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