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![\"JESSICA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4661689_web1_220329-parking-1.jpg\")
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JESSICA LEE \/ FREE PRESS FILES<\/p>\n
The parkade at 266 Hargrave St. is seen in March 2022.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The changes will come into effect Nov. 1 for the 266 Hargrave parkade and Dec. 1 for the Cityplace tower parkade. The lots will become card-access only.<\/p>\n
Rydz said public parking for evening and weekend events will not be affected and will continue to be available.<\/p>\n
MPI wouldn\u2019t say how many parking spaces will be affected by the changes.<\/p>\n
A source, who asked to remain anonymous, said staff received an email last month about changes to hybrid work arrangements and parking lots, and an update on construction projects at MPI\u2019s headquarters.<\/p>\n
Managers and directors who were allowed to work remotely some days per week were previously told they will be required in the office full time<\/a> in October.<\/p>\n Additional employees involved in project delivery were told they will have to work full time in the office starting January, the source said.<\/p>\n The source said they expect more MPI employees to be told to return to the office full-time, ending their hybrid work arrangements, in the new year.<\/p>\n People who park at 266 Hargrave said the fact that spaces for daily or monthly users are being taken away is troubling.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t MORGAN MODJESKI \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n A sign on the door to the parking lot notifies users that the lot will become private parking on Nov. 1.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very frustrated. It\u2019s difficult already finding parking in this parking lot,\u201d commuter Kaydence Beddome said.<\/p>\n Walking through the covered parkade, she said MPI is \u201cnot at all\u201d considering the people who depend on the lots.<\/p>\n The alternative \u2014 parking on the street and moving her car every two hours, or parking in a parkade a 10-minute walk away \u2014 is a hassle when it comes to her daily commute.<\/p>\n Signs were posted earlier this month to advise parkade users of the changes. Beddome doesn\u2019t think customers were given enough notice.<\/p>\n Walking with Beddome through the lot, Gabrielle Westendorf said the loss of parking is an issue.<\/p>\n \u201cI already live 35 minutes away, so I already have to leave my house a little early to find parking, because just off the bat, this parking lot is not very reliable,\u201d she said. \u201cIt always fills up really fast.\u201d<\/p>\n Westendorf said she\u2019d rather not park her car on downtown streets.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had cars that have been vandalized in the past not too far from here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n On his way to a Manitoba Moose game Oct. 16, Glenn Hertes said he depends on the Cityplace parkade when he drives in from out of town. He worries the changes will affect hockey fans and others who use the parkade while attending downtown events.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s critical people can get to, from and move around downtown easily and affordably, whether that\u2019s by car, bus, bike or on foot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt means you\u2019re going to have to come earlier to get a spot somewhere else,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Steve Wiebe and his wife were also visiting from out of town. Wiebe said he\u2019ll likely have to use other parkades, which can be a \u201czoo\u201d after large events.<\/p>\n \u201cThere probably are other parking spots, but this one\u2019s so convenient,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Downtown Winnipeg has more than 20,000 to 30,000 on- and off-street parking spaces, according to some estimates, from a mix of public and private providers.<\/p>\n Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said figures show there is ample parking available downtown for employees and visitors.<\/p>\n \u201cA number of years ago, the issue was one that we had an oversaturation of downtown parking, in particular surface parking lots,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know that vibrant downtowns strike a balance between making sure you have available parking and alternative modes of transportation in and through your downtown.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn oversaturation of parking is a problem, but a dearth of parking, should that ever happen, that would be equally problematic.\u201d<\/p>\n The Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone echoed that position.<\/p>\n \u201cParking and mobility are an important part of supporting a vibrant and thriving downtown,\u201d a spokesperson said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s critical people can get to, from and move around downtown easily and affordably, whether that\u2019s by car, bus, bike or on foot.\u201d<\/p>\n While figures indicate the area has more than sufficient parking, some people may not be able to find spaces that are nearest to their destination, Remillard noted.<\/p>\n He said developers of new downtown buildings give a \u201cconscious, thoughtful approach\u201d that considers all transportation modes, including automobiles and public transit.<\/p>\n \u201cAn oversaturation of parking is a problem, but a dearth of parking, should that ever happen, that would be equally problematic,\u201d Remillard said.<\/p>\n fpcity@winnipegfreepress.com<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t Chris Kitching As a general assignment reporter, Chris covers a little bit of everything for the Free Press.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 Read full biography<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t
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