Grocer in Exchange District closes doors, citing safety concerns

A corner grocery store in downtown Winnipeg is closed. CTV’s Harrison Shin explains why.

A corner grocery store in downtown Winnipeg is putting a period on its storybook.

Ashdown Market, co-owned by Josh Giesbrecht, first opened its doors as a cannabis shop three years ago. With time, the store expanded its operation into grocery – now, the market closed its doors on Feb. 1.

“We started to see a steady decline in traffic, specifically people coming to the neighbourhood within Winnipeg,” he told CTV News. “We saw a huge drop and that goes to all the crime and public safety concerns that downtown Winnipeg has unfortunately been experiencing.”

The closure is bringing a wave of reactions, since the store was serving as one of the few grocery stores in the Exchange District.

For a worker at a neighbouring coffee shop, it’s going to be tough without the market.

“We often rely on Ashdown Market for emergency groceries – like, if we need to pick up milk or tomatoes in a pinch,” lead supervisor of Sam’s Place Cinnamin Moar said.

“I am sad to see them go because Point Douglas, the Exchange District does continue to face some food insecurities,” said Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas).

She said while the city has been working to address the safety concern, more should be done.

“Needless to say, it’s still not an excuse for our Exchange District residents.”

Ashdown Market also hosted Luci’s Comedy Club – named after the market’s another co-owner Marley Mecas’ dog – at the back of the market. The club will try to find a new home in Winnipeg, Giesbrecht said.

While the safety issues became serious for Giesbrecht, he is also ready to close this chapter of his life and move on.

“We wanted people to know we are thankful. We’re not angry or bitter, or anything like that. We are very thankful we got the chance.”