While there is no shortage of fun and free things to do in Winnipeg, how much do you really know about the city? Those looking to visit may be surprised to learn that the city has some facts that might not be well-known, even to residents.
Let’s take a look at some interesting things you might not know about Winnipeg.
It Has a Low Cost of Living
If you live in Winnipeg, you’ll be happy to know that you enjoy one of the lowest costs of living in Canada. Ranking a full 5.47% lower than in Toronto, the city boasts average new-home prices of approximately $300,000, about $165,000 less than the Canadian median.
And as the city’s economic development agency notes,
“The City of Winnipeg’s competitive property taxes and its various rebate programs, combined with the Government of Manitoba’s tax structure, make Winnipeg an affordable option for the cost-conscious.”
With this stable economic climate, it’s no wonder that there is such a stable of Winnipeg shopping outlets downtown and throughout the city, offering access to consumer goods that in some cases are lower than the rest of Canada.
The Climate is Distinct
Winnipeg boasts a climate with four distinct seasons, with spectacular autumn colours, warm summers, and snowy winters. It also boasts long summer days thanks to its latitude.
From Tourism Winnipeg:
“Winnipeg experiences a continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Average temperatures range between -12° Celsius (+10.4° Fahrenheit) in the winter months to +26° Celsius (+78.8° Fahrenheit) in the summertime. Due to its northern location, Winnipeg residents enjoy 2,300 hours of sunlight annually and up to 16 hours of sunlight daily during the summer months. Winnipeg averages approximately 51.4 centimetres (20.2 inches) of precipitation each year. ”
911 Emergency Service Was Developed Here
In 1959, Winnipeg Mayor Stephen Juba decided his city needed a centralized emergency dispatch system. That year he implemented an emergency system modelled after London’s 999 service. At the start, residents would access the service via the same 999 number.
Shortly after, the number was changed to 911 to align with the United States government’s recommendations. However, as it already had an emergency dispatch service in place, it was able to beat other jurisdictions; it would be decades until 911 service became widespread throughout North America.
It’s Home to the Only National Museum Outside Ottawa
Inaugurated in 2014 to explore the issue of human rights both in Canada and around the world, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the only national museum to be located outside of the National Capital Region.
In order to provide the widest-possible access, the museum offers several free admission policies. The first Wednesday evening of every month is free for all, while Aboriginal Peoples including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are granted free access anytime.
The growing economy, access to services, and vibrant Winnipeg nightlife all underscore the fact that the city is a unique and fascinating place.
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