Briefing on Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley

Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley is a federal electoral district located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The district encompasses the southwestern part of Winnipeg, extending to the western edge of the city limits, including the communities of Charleswood, St. James, Assiniboia, and Headingley.

Population centres

Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley is home to several significant population centres, including the following:

• Charleswood: a suburban area of Winnipeg, characterized by its tree-lined streets, large yards, and proximity to several parks and natural areas.
• St. James: a primarily residential area located in the central part of the district, home to several schools, parks, and community centres.
• Assiniboia: a mixed residential and commercial area located in the southwestern part of the district, encompassing several shopping centres and public facilities.
• Headingley: a small rural community located just outside of Winnipeg, known for its proximity to the Assiniboine River and its many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Issues and events

Several key local events and issues have occurred in Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley in recent years, including but not limited to the following:

• In 2019, a controversial proposal to rezone certain areas of Charleswood for higher-density housing sparked significant public debate and opposition from local residents and community groups.
• In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of many local businesses and community facilities, resulting in significant economic and social impacts throughout the district.
• In 2021, the Manitoba provincial election saw significant voter turnout in Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, with several local candidates running for office on platforms focused on improving access to healthcare, addressing climate change, and supporting local businesses.

Economy

The economy of Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley is primarily driven by several key industries and employers, including the following:

• Health care: The district is home to several hospitals and medical facilities, including the Grace Hospital and the Riverview Health Centre, which together employ thousands of healthcare professionals.
• Retail: Several major shopping centres and retail outlets are located within the district, including the Outlet Collection Winnipeg and the Polo Park Shopping Centre.
• Tourism: The area's natural attractions, including the Assiniboine River and several local parks, draw thousands of visitors each year.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the local economy, leading to the closure of many businesses and institutions.

Important landmarks

Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley is home to several significant landmarks and attractions, including the following:

• Assiniboine Park: A large public park located in the central part of the district, featuring several gardens, walking trails, and a zoo.
• Fort Whyte Alive: An outdoor recreational facility located in southwestern Winnipeg, featuring several hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and a vintage farm.
• John Blumberg Golf Course: A public golf course located in Headingley, Manitoba, featuring 27 holes and several practice facilities.
• Assiniboine Forest: A large natural area located in the southwestern part of the district, known for its hiking trails and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Arts and culture

Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley is home to several significant cultural institutions and events, including the following:

• The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre: A professional theatre company located in downtown Winnipeg, featuring several productions each year.
• The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: A professional orchestra based in downtown Winnipeg, featuring several performances each year.
• Winnipeg Folk Festival: An annual outdoor music festival held at Birds Hill Provincial Park, featuring a wide variety of folk and world music performers.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, several key economic and social issues were at the forefront of political debates and discussions in Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, including access to affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and pandemic recovery planning.

Community organizations

Several important community organizations are active in Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, including:

• The Charleswood Historical Society: A local historical organization that promotes the preservation of the area's heritage and history.
• The Westgrove Family Resource Centre: A community centre that offers a range of resources and support services for families in the area.
• The Assiniboine Park Conservancy: A non-profit organization that manages and maintains Assiniboine Park and several other local natural areas.

Multicultural groups

Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley is a culturally diverse district, with significant populations of people from several different cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, Filipino Canadians, and members of the African and Caribbean communities.