Mayor Gillingham Launches “Sky Economy” Strategy to Fuel Winnipeg’s Growth

Mayor Scott Gillingham delivered his 2026 State of the City address today, highlighting Winnipeg's recent progress on housing, public safety, and core services while outlining a new strategy to grow the city's aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors as a unified "Sky Economy."

Speaking to a sold-out audience at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Gillingham said Winnipeg is at a pivotal moment - with major national and global forces reshaping economies - and the city needs to be ready to seize opportunities that won't stay open forever.

"Winnipeg has built momentum over the last few years," said Gillingham. "In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, the smartest thing a city can do is build on its own strengths. We have the people, the assets, and the potential to compete, and we're going to seize the opportunity in front of us."

Growing Winnipeg's "Sky Economy"

Gillingham identified the federal government's new half-trillion-dollar Defence Industrial Strategy as a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity for Winnipeg. He noted the city is well positioned to lead, anchored by the country's third-largest aerospace cluster and critical military operations at 17 Wing and CFB Winnipeg.

To capture this momentum, the City will adopt a deliberate, coordinated approach to grow the aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors as a single, unified "Sky Economy". Gillingham pledged to take a direct leadership role in this effort - convening partners, clearing barriers, and ensuring Winnipeg is organized to secure the new investment and job growth tied to Canada's defence priorities.

"In an uncertain world, the smartest thing a city can do is build on its strengths at home," said Gillingham.

New Downtown Housing Investment Highlighted

Gillingham also highlighted a new proposed redevelopment of the historic Marlborough Hotel downtown, which is currently vacant.

The proposal would transform the building into approximately 300 units of mixed housing, a project the Mayor said would represent a major step forward for downtown revitalization.

"The Marlborough has a long history in our downtown, but it has seen better days," said Gillingham. "This proposal would bring it back to life with hundreds of new residents and exactly the kind of investment downtown needs."

Looking Ahead

Gillingham concluded by urging Winnipeg's business and civic leaders to embrace the opportunities ahead.

"Cities don't drift into greatness, they choose the hard work," he said. "They build on their strengths, and they take the opening the moment it appears. In Winnipeg, that moment is now."

Mayor's Office

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