Gather, connect, and celebrate at Suncatch Plaza - where community comes alive!
Suncatch Plaza is a downtown market square in Morden, Manitoba, that has been created to increase pedestrian traffic and promote the downtown core as a destination. The plaza is located between Appelt's Diamonds and the iconic clock tower building on 8th Street.
Suncatch Plaza Aerial View
Background
The idea of a market square has been discussed for years by Morden's city council, and finally, on Friday, April 28th, 2023 the council unanimously decided to create Suncatch Plaza.
Features
Suncatch Plaza is a pedestrian-only area that will host a variety of activities and community events throughout the summer. The plaza will feature seating areas, greenery, and a suncatch area that will be a great place for activities. The plaza also has a stage for live music and performances.
Benefits
The creation of Suncatch Plaza is expected to increase pedestrian traffic downtown. A community plaza downtown can provide numerous benefits to its community, from fostering a sense of community to improving the environment and promoting inclusivity. Additionally, this type of space can help to alleviate pain points such as a lack of public gathering spaces, uninspiring urban environments, and the exclusion of marginalized groups.
Looking for a vibrant public space to gather, connect, and celebrate with your community?
All residents, community groups, and businesses are welcome to utilize this space for hosting community events, company barbecues, or simply gathering and connecting. If you're interested in booking the space, feel free to ask us how!
Outdoor seating and gathering areas
Provides a space for community members to socialize and relax outdoors, creating a sense of community
Public art installations
Adds visual interest and encourages community engagement, fosters a sense of pride and ownership
Events Programming
Offers space for a variety of activities and events for community members to participate in and encourages repeat visits to nearby businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No. The plaza will be open on a limited basis from June 10th through August 19th, 2024. If not enough events are booked for the summer season, the street will be reopened to traffic.
-
No, the back lane will remain open to allow local transit as usual.
-
The traffic lights will remain operational. If you use these lights to cross Stephen Street on your vehicle, please turn east or west to reach your destination.
-
The city’s engineering department is currently working on parking solutions north and south of the plaza.
-
We are working on a traffic-clearing strategy to increase downtown pedestrian and driver safety.
-
No, booking the plaza for an event is free. Book your event by calling 204-822-5431 or email to recreation@mymoren.ca
-
All events need to be done by 10 PM according to our noise by-law.
-
The creation of Suncatch Plaza is expected to increase pedestrian traffic downtown. A consumer on foot is more valuable than a consumer in a car driving by and is far more likely to go into stores. The plaza will also provide a space for local businesses to showcase their products and services. One of the goals is to promote the downtown core as a destination and increase consumer spending downtown.
-
Yes, and the results show the impact would be minimal for local traffic.
-
Only if you try to access through 8th Street. The back lane and adjacent streets will remain unaffected.
-
Our hope is to increase pedestrian traffic, consumer spending and promote the downtown core as a destination.
-
Other parks’ proximity to residential dwellings makes it impossible due to our noise by-law.
