Winnipeggers' views sought on 'One Great City' replacement

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz is asking for his constituents' input on a handful of proposals for a new slogan to replace "One Great City," which is the phrase currently on signs welcoming drivers to the city.

The 10 blue and gold welcome signs have been on major routes leading into the city since 1990, the last time the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup.

Earlier this week, the city's executive policy committee asked the civic marketing agency, Destination Winnipeg, to consider replacing them.

Friday afternoon, Katz said the mayor's office had received an "overwhelming response" to the idea of replacing the signs and many suggestions for alternate slogans.

He encouraged Winnipeggers to give the city their opinion on the top five selections:

• Heart of the Country.
• City of Opportunity.
• Centre of it All.
• Heart of the Continent.
• No new slogan — just put up new "Winnipeg" signs.

"Winnipeggers have told us loud and clear that we need new signage that we can be proud of," Katz said in a news release. 

"Winnipeggers want something attractive, positive and vibrant on our highway signs to let visitors know they are welcome to our city and share something about our identity and what makes us Winnipeggers."

Katz himself has been using "city of opportunity" as an unofficial slogan but said last week that he would leave the final decision to Destination Winnipeg, which will oversee the production and installation of the new signs.

To keep costs in check, existing signs and infrastructure will be used, officials said Friday.

To vote on the five slogan suggestions, Winnipeggers can either e-mail their choice along with contact information to feedback@winnipeg.ca or drop off or mail the selection to: Welcome to Winnipeg, c/o Mayor's Office, Council Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1B9.