A Guide to Office Space in Winnipeg

As Manitoba's economic and cultural heart, Winnipeg is an attractive area for many entrepreneurs. Countless businesses seek office space in Winnipeg, as the area boasts all the benefits of a large city while enjoying a small-town feel.

A wide variety of businesses and industries enjoy affordable workspaces in the city. To help accommodate this, Regus offers several office solutions in Winnipeg, each suiting companies of different sizes.

Geography of Winnipeg

Winnipeg sits at the meeting point of the Red River and Assiniboine River, 95 km north of Minnesota and 65 km southwest of Lake Winnipeg.

In 1885, Winnipeg opened the Canadian Pacific, the country’s first transcontinental railroad. Thanks to this railway, the city soon became the Prairie Provinces’ major grain market. It also became a go-to warehousing and distribution point.

Today, Winnipeg has retained its position at the forefront of Canada’s grain industry. The city also boasts several other roaring industries, including manufacturing, real estate, and IT. Together, these industries support Winnipeg’s booming business ecosystem.

The city is the capital of Manitoba. It’s also the most populous city in the province, with a total of 777,346 residents in 2024. Based in the middle of Canada, Winnipeg is conveniently placed as the northern hub of the Mid-Continent Trade Corridor.

Key business areas in Winnipeg

When choosing your office space in Winnipeg, these five business areas could prove ideal:

• Downtown Winnipeg: The historic Downtown scene comprises numerous BIPOC-owned businesses, resulting in a melting pot of diverse industries. Winnipeg Transit’s 640 buses follow 48 routes that pass through Downtown Winnipeg every day.
• The Exchange District: This Downtown neighborhood has inherited the nickname “Chicago of the North.” Creative ventures, like architecture firms and photography businesses, often choose this area. Multiple buses run through the district, which is one of Winnipeg’s most connected service areas.
• Portage and Main: This Downtown corner of commerce sees a high level of footfall. A business address at the famous intersection makes an organization instantly recognizable. The city’s comprehensive bus network offers many connections around this district.
• St. Boniface: This neighborhood sits at the heart of Winnipeg’s Franco-Manitoban community. It holds Western Canada’s largest francophone community. By extension, St. Boniface has become popular with French businesses. Four key bus lines pass near the district.
• Fort Garry: This diverse district has a young population given that it houses the University of Manitoba. Businesses in the entertainment space also often choose this district, which is popular with tourists. The Line 11 bus drops passengers off near the district.

With plenty of office space in Winnipeg, entrepreneurs can find workspaces in or near these areas.

5 businesses based in Winnipeg

Innumerable businesses enjoy a huge level of success in Winnipeg. Five of the biggest include:

• New Flyer: As North America’s bus leader, New Flyer creates transit buses and motor coaches. These vehicles travel throughout the U.S. and Canada every day.
• StandardAero: This aerospace industry leader launched over 100 years ago in Winnipeg. The company is now one of the global industry’s top maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers.
• Great-West Life: This insurance, investments, and retirement company supports many with their finances. The agency serves individuals and businesses all over Winnipeg.
• Cargill Ltd: Headquartered in Winnipeg, Cargill links farmers to markets where they can sell their products. The company was recognized as one of Canada’s top employers in 2020 and one of the country’s biggest merchandisers and processors.
• Mondetta: One of Winnipeg’s leading fashion firms, Mondetta opened with a line of simple sportswear. Over 30 years later, the brand has become a global fashion house crafting lifestyle and activewear.

There are many offices for rent in Winnipeg. Securing one can position your business among names like these.

Why you should rent office space in Winnipeg

Winnipeg is one of Canada’s biggest communications, industrial, financial, and commercial centers. Given its multi-industry opportunities, the city attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world.

Here are eight reasons to rent office space in Winnipeg.

1. Competitive advantages

Many entrepreneurs rent office space in Winnipeg to make the most of the city’s competitive advantages. These include its skilled workforce, cost-effective energy, and healthcare provisions.

Skilled workforce

Four local universities shape talented graduates, many of whom go on to work for Winnipeg’s many companies. These include the likes of the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, and the Canadian Mennonite University.

With an office space in Winnipeg, you could recruit high-level talent from these universities to cultivate the skills you need to grow your business.

Cost-effective energy

Winnipeg is famous for its cost-effective hydroelectric power. This power allows the city to offer some of North America’s lowest electricity rates.

Manitoba Hydro is one of the biggest electricity providers. The company generates over 98% of its electricity from self-renewing water power. Not only is this electricity cost-effective, but it also helps businesses keep their carbon footprint low.

More jurisdictions in Canada are enforcing carbon-tax legislation. As such, this clean energy is a huge advantage to businesses.

Healthcare in Winnipeg

Manitoba Health supplies public health insurance to people in Winnipeg at no charge. Eligible residents have full access to physician care and hospital services when necessary. Canadian citizens and immigrants qualify for these healthcare provisions.

Plus, Manitoba’s pharmaceutical reimbursement program Pharmacare helps eligible residents cover prescription costs.

2. Supportive business community

Various associations and bodies in Winnipeg help business owners ramp up the success of their ventures.

Economic Development Winnipeg, and it's ‘YES! Winnipeg’ team, assists companies with scaling. They offer market insights, specialized services, and connections within the entrepreneurial community.

There is also the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, which supports growth planning and connects businesses to a robust network. This is alongside the World Trade Centre Winnipeg, a member of the World Trade Centers Association, who provide information and guidance for Manitoba-based businesses.

Finally, the Business Council of Manitoba brings together influential leaders focused on the province's economic well-being. With this extensive support network and ample business space for rent, Winnipeg creates a welcoming environment for companies to establish roots and flourish.

3. Diverse economy

Thanks to its abundance of strong sectors, Winnipeg enjoys a highly diversified economy. It’s also the home of the Royal Canadian Mint, which produces Canada’s coinage. Some of the city’s most prosperous industries include:

• Agribusiness
• Finance
• Telecommunications
• Energy and environment
• Life sciences
• Aerospace

With so many successful industries, Winnipeg presents new companies with a huge array of potential. Many of these businesses scale rapidly by hiring local talent, leading to the city’s low unemployment rate of 4.1% in 2024.

4. Affordability

Winnipeg’s affordability and low cost of doing business make the city an appealing location for many entrepreneurs. For those looking to relocate to the area, Winnipeg offers some of Canada’s most affordable houses.

When it comes to corporate taxes, Manitoba has two rates. Small businesses enjoy a 0% rate up to the CAD 500,000 small business limit, an attractive prospect for many startups. The federal and Manitoba combined rate for these businesses is 9%.

On the other hand, Manitoba’s general corporate tax rate is 12%. The federal and Manitoba combined rate is 27%.

5. Advanced manufacturing hub

Winnipeg has emerged as a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing.

From food production with industry leaders like General Mills Canada and Safeway Canada, to transportation innovation driven by companies like Motor Coach Industries and Ford Motor Company. These illustrate Winnipeg’s diverse range of expertise.

Machinery manufacturers like Johnson Controls and MacDon Industries further solidify this robust industrial base. And beyond these giants, Winnipeg fosters a thriving ecosystem for chemical, fabricated metal, and aerospace manufacturing.

This vast array of specialist industries creates a dynamic environment, suited for businesses seeking to establish or expand their manufacturing operations.

6. Dedicated workforce

Winnipeg’s educated, dedicated workforce supports the city’s competitive edge. In 2020, workers in Manitoba stayed in their jobs for an average of 110 months, four more than the average in Canada.

The Provincial Nominee Program is essential to the continued growth of Manitoba’s dedicated workforce.

This economic initiative encourages immigrants with particular skills to work in Manitoba. The program has seen tens of thousands of workers move to Winnipeg. Over 95% stay in the city when they take up residence here.

7. Travelling for business in Winnipeg

No matter where your office space in Winnipeg is, getting around is easy via the trains, transit buses, and the free Downtown Spirit buses.

When it comes to traveling across Canada, Winnipeg is a key transportation center between Toronto and Vancouver. It’s also the only major city between Vancouver and Thunder Bay offering direct train links to the U.S.

Winnipeg is within easy reach of Ontario, Saskatchewan, North Dakota, and Minnesota. The city is also only 100 km from the U.S. border.

On top of this, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport makes overseas travel easily accessible. Flights depart from this airport to global destinations every day, serving over 3.8 million passengers per year.

8. Winnipeg culture

Known as Canada’s “cultural cradle,” Winnipeg’s diverse community fosters a welcoming atmosphere for people from all backgrounds.

Its arts scene is always buzzing, offering attractions like the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Manitoba Opera, and the lively Winnipeg Folk Festival. Winnipeg also boasts a passionate sports scene, with professional teams like the Blue Bombers and the Jets.

Food is also a key part of the city’s culture. Manitoba is famous for its smoked goldeye and Winnipeg rye bread. Sausages and perogies are also popular culinary staples among residents.

How much is it to rent office space in Winnipeg?

Average net rental rates for Winnipeg’s class A office spaces come in lower than most of Canada’s major centers. Regus office spaces in Winnipeg range from CAD 169 to CAD 405 per person per month over a 24-month contract.

These rates are cost-effective compared to other Canadian cities where business costs are higher. For example, our Calgary offices range from CAD 255 to CAD 485. Our Montreal offices range from CAD 295 to CAD 429.

Businesses can save on their Winnipeg workspaces with our flexible contracts. These contracts allow you to work your way, whether you want to rent your workspace by the hour or by the year.

Another way to save is to book one of our small office spaces for rent in Winnipeg. Reserving a smaller office can keep costs down, which works especially well for companies with hybrid models.

Office space for rent in Winnipeg

Exploring office space in Winnipeg can help you find the workspace that best fits your needs. These Regus office centers position businesses in prime locations, ready to scale in the city.

1. 93 Lombard Ave

93 Lombard Ave offers many inspiring Winnipeg office spaces. This office center enjoys a prestigious location in the middle of the Exchange District and Downtown area. This prospering arts and culture hub attracts many businesses in the film, music, and arts space.

Inside the office center, a welcoming foyer and reception area lead into breakout areas and workspaces of all kinds. Professionals enjoy waterside views of the Red River as they work in their comfortable, fully furnished offices.

Highlights include:

• Collaborative break-out areas
• Fully stocked kitchens
• Waterside views of the Red River

Information about 93 Lombard Ave

• Location: 93 Lombard Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3B1
• Starting costs: From CAD 169 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Southbound Main at Lombard Bus Stop (a seven-minute walk away), Westbound Notre Dame at Albert Bus Stop (a 10-minute walk away), and Union Train Station (a 12-minute walk away)

2. 330 St Mary Avenue

330 St Mary Avenue provides office space in Winnipeg’s lively city center. Businesses across many industries flourish here, each enjoying offices filled with natural light.

The glass skyscraper connects to a hotel via a glass bridge. As such, clients and other visitors can stay on-site. Professionals can host guests at an array of bars and restaurants just a few minutes’ walk away.

Highlights include:

• On-site sandwich/coffee bar
• Business lounge
• Secure underground parking

Information about 330 St Mary Avenue

• Location: 330 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3Z5
• Starting costs: From CAD 365 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Southbound Donald at St. Mary Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), Northbound Smith at St. Mary Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away), and Union Train Station (a 16-minute walk away)

3. 201 Portage Avenue

Those searching for office space in Winnipeg will find everything they need at 201 Portage Avenue. Not only is there a great choice of office space, but floor-to-ceiling windows fill each with natural light, aiding productivity.

201 Portage Avenue enjoys a location in Downtown Winnipeg’s historic Portage and Main. The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce relocated to this famous intersection in 2024. As such, Portage and Main has become a hub for business growth, development, and prosperity.

Highlights include:

• Gym and fitness room
• On-site lunch restaurant
• Sandwich service

Information about 201 Portage Avenue

• Location: 201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3K6
• Starting costs: From CAD 405 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Union Train Station (a 15-minute walk away), Eastbound Portage at Main Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away), and Westbound Portage at Main Bus Stop (a four-minute walk away)

Explore office space in Winnipeg with Regus

There are several office spaces in Winnipeg for rent. As such, finding the right one for you is crucial to scaling your business. Regus can help you secure the best workspace for your needs, whether that’s a private office or coworking in a shared office.

While a private office gives you your own space, a shared office positions you among like-minded professionals. Either way, you can also book meeting rooms to hold your private conferences, meetings, interviews, and other events.

To find your Winnipeg office space, inquire with Regus today.