Getting to and from major events downtown Winnipeg is about to get a little easier. The City is introducing new taxi and rideshare loading zones designed to simplify drop-offs and pickups while easing congestion around some of the busiest venues in the city.
Starting January 17, 2026, the designated loading zones will be activated in three key location:
- Notre Dame Avenue between Donald Street and Smith Street (near Burton Cummings Theatre)
- Eastbound Portage Avenue between Carlton Street and Hargrave Street (near Canada Life Centre)
- Donald Street between Graham Avenue and St Mary Avenue (near Canada Life Centre)
These areas were selected to better accommodate high volumes of vehicles during games, concerts, and shows.
City officials say the goal is to improve both convenience and safety. Grant Heather, the City’s manager of Vehicles for Hire, noted that taxi and rideshare loading zones provide a more organized and predictable pickup option for drivers and passengers, while also helping to reduce curbside crowding and traffic bottlenecks that often occur near popular event venues.
The zones will operate daily from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., during which time parking will not be permitted. Outside of those hours, the spaces will revert to regular on-street parking. Standard parking payment rules will apply, with payment required starting at 9 a.m. on weekdays, and on Saturdays if parking exceeds two hours.
Drivers and passengers are reminded to always confirm their pickup location with their taxi or rideshare provider to avoid confusion, especially during busy event nights. With these new loading zones in place, the City hopes downtown trips to concerts, games, and shows will be smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.
