Would Expos return revitalize Montreal? Winnipeg, which got its Jets back, chimes in

   Would the return of the major league baseball Expos give Montreal a boost ?
   Coolopolis asked this question to Winnipegers, who saw their Jets NHL hockey team return to the Winnipeg in the very same manner that many Montrealers would like to see the Expos return.
   About 100 Winnipegers on a Facebook general Winnipeg discussion forum recently tackled the question: Winnipeg Jets - did their return revitalize the city?
   70 replied yes the return of the Jets revitalized Winnipeg while only 6 said no it did not.

  The respondents focused on three things - the revitalization of an embattled part of the downtown area, enthusiasm and spirit it brought and the notoriety it has provided Winnipeg to outsiders.

Here's a sample of comments.

Jim Macgregor In my opinion the return of the Winnipeg Jets turned us around from collective pessimism to optimism. Optimism, the hope and promise of a future that is better and exciting, is a catalyst for growth. Since the Jets have come back Winnipeg has been growing in spades, and they and True North are directly contributing to it. There’s construction everywhere you look and it’s wonderful to witness and be part of the revitalization. I’m not saying that this wouldn’t have happened anyway, but if you don’t have reasons to cheer, or something to look forward to like a potential playoff run, you’re probably going to look elsewhere. My thoughts of moving away are long gone.

Rae Poole Reid I don't know about economically, but emotionally and psychologically - a resounding YES!!! The Jets are part of who we were and who we are. We lost that part of ourselves for a time and we grieved terribly. We have them back and we will never let them go again because we appreciate them so very much. The Jets know this and will always give their all for us. A true love story.

Grant Thomas Absolutely..in every which way..economically its revitalized the downtown area and not just on game nights..jobs created..business downtown thriving..and don's underestimate the impact its had on Wpg's psyche and how the JETS have this city feeling about itself...and I should mention it's unified and energized this city in s great way.
     
Amber Erickson I think this year proved that it brought our city together as a whole. We had massive white out parties with little problems and this all from a city that is the capital for crime.

Jerry Olenko The Jets give the city of Winnipeg a higher North American (even a world) profile. Our name is on sports broadcasts all over the world. (That could never occur with the CFL.) We have international players that bring a media presence to foreign lands. For my money, the Jets are one of the greatest ambassadors our city could ever have.

Greg Tanner Yes, there has been multiple tower erections over the past few years. New hotel, corporation and condo across the street. The new True North center, again, corporation&office tower with condos and hotel going up behind it. Now the tallest apartment highrise going up right now at Main and Graham. Lots of brand new restaurants. It'll take time, but they need people living downtown, which is starting to happen.

Suzanne Thibert Berard It totally has - many businesses have profited from the Jets being back in Winnipeg. It is wonderful for the city!

Wayne Jones Absolutely ... when the team left the city just seemed to die and when the team returned the city has been full of new energy and hope.

Brad A Kittner Could have had both, just sayin..There are many parking lots downtown esp near convention centre. The jets have brought back a synergy that we lost for all the years they were gone. Not much was happening here in downtown construction or new eateries.

Jacques Sourisseau Winnipeg is still a ghost town downtown when there is nothing going.
Need to revive all the shops and stores that were on Portage and main that made downtown someplace where people actually wanted to go. Better bus service wouldn't hurt either because driving downtown sucks.

Sharon Freed To a certain demographic group maybe, but Winnipeg had plenty to offer before and still plenty to offer without the Jets.It is nice to have them, but not everyone cares about hockey.A city is not defined by one thing, but by the sum of everything it offers.