FREE PRESS Publisher Andy Ritchie was preaching to the converted last week, but even people who have lived here all their lives and love their home town were surprised by what he had to say about how good we've got it here.
The 38-year-old Englishman arrived here seven months ago from Toronto where he was an executive with The Globe and Mail. And ever since, Ritchie has been out there telling anyone who would listen -- and even some who would rather not -- how much he loves this city.
Warts and all.
But last week, at a table full of business types on the patio at Earl's on Main, Ritchie went a step further. He pulled out his Top 10 list of reasons for why Manitoba is on fire -- and I'm not talking stubble burning or forests.
Anyway, here they are. The Top 10 reasons Winnipeg and Manitoba is a great place to be:
1. Unemployment rate is running at historic lows -- it was 4.7 per cent for July and 3.6 per cent for June. More than 9,000 jobs were created in the last 12 months.
2. We have one of the most educated, highly-skilled workforces in Canada, generating 6,000 graduates annually from Winnipeg universities.
3. Winnipeg is the seventh largest metro market in Canada, growing at an average of 10,000 people per year.
4. Average house price in Winnipeg is $160,000. Very affordable housing. But, third fastest increase in prices, only behind Calgary and Edmonton.
5. Very rich province in terms of resources and economic advantages -- hydro electricity with the lowest electricity rates in North America due to hydro power. A diverse economy with major investments in everything from aerospace, financial services, agriculture, mining (gold) and oil exploration.
6. Retail sales grew eight per cent in Manitoba in the last 12 months, second only to Alberta.
7. Huge major capital investments in process: Wuskwatim dam -- a $1.2 billion project; Manitoba Hydro headquarters -- $258 million; Red River Floodway improvements -- $665 million; Winnipeg Airport approximately $750 million; Winnipeg airport expansion, $560 million.
8. Manitoba will post the biggest increase in export sales in the country over the next two years with an estimated combined gain of nine per cent.
9. Winnipeg is a model of multi-culturalism with over 100 ethnic groups speaking 80 languages. 10. Manitoba has one of the best immigration policies -- specifically the provincial nominee program -- of any province in Canada.
* * *
What stood out for me on that list was No. 7.
The mega projects.
That's the sound of a booming economy, even if most of the money driving the construction is coming from the public sector.
The one project that's still missing from the list is the proposed $311 million Canadian Museum of Human Rights, which -- if it goes ahead -- could serve to give this city a positive and unique national identity. And, as Ritchie points out, a huge boost to our tourism industry.
In any event, what's fascinating about the Top 10 list, is where it came from and who's trumpeting it.
A recent arrival from Toronto. |
