Mag Ranks City No. 7

April 24, 2008
Winnipeg Sun
Written by: Ross Romaniuk

On Canadian livability index

Winnipeg is Canada's seventh-best place to live among 154 communities studied by MoneySense, according to the business-themed magazine's May 2008 issue.

The city's high ranking -- based on several factors including housing prices, unemployment, discretionary income and population growth -- stands in sharp contrast to its description by Maclean's magazine last month as one of the country's top three high-crime urban centres.

Stu Duncan, president of Destination Winnipeg, sees the survey as a sure sign the city is undergoing positive changes and gaining attention while doing it.

"People can feel change and more energy here," Duncan said.

"Winnipeg's economy and outlook have turned around, and changed positively over the past five years. Word is getting out more. There's more buzz."

'GLOWING ENDORSEMENT'

Mayor Sam Katz said the business periodical's third annual livability list is a "glowing endorsement" of Winnipeg's "significant progress" on several fronts -- including crime, an issue he has focused on since taking office in 2004.

And Katz noted the city's high ranking, even factoring what many would see as problem areas such as doctor numbers and household income, may be a "shock and surprise" to some.

"This is a wonderful story," the mayor said. "There are others who aren't buying into it. If I say it, people expect it because I'm the mayor. They think I'm supposed to say it.

"But here's a situation where a totally independent magazine has done the survey, and here are the results. I find that very gratifying."

Based on the major category groups of weather, affordable housing, prosperity and lifestyle, the metropolitan area of Ottawa and neighbouring Gatineau, Que. is rated the best place to live in Canada.

Victoria is second and Fredericton is third, followed by Kingston, Ont., Levis, Que., and Moncton, N.B.