Downtown Winnipeg restaurant owners plan to reopen with improved security after arson

A serial arsonist has not stopped businesses in downtown Winnipeg from planning to reopen in 2026. Several owners whose establishments were damaged by fires last year are determined to start anew once their insurance claims are settled and renovations are complete, including new security features.

Jesse Wheatland is accused of 22 offences related to arson, break-ins, and property damage at 11 locations, including the Exchange Event Centre, Commonwealth Kitchen and Bar, and Boujee Restaurant & Bar. He remains in custody and has not applied for bail. His next court date is set for March 13.

The Exchange Event Centre suffered a devastating fire on August 29, 2025, and was deemed a total loss. Owner Greg Bechard is already looking for a new location and hopes to reopen by the end of the year. He mentioned that the venue could have survived the initial fire, but multiple smaller fires and break-ins followed.

“Unfortunately, we were at a total loss in that space. But the Exchange Event Centre will be back in the city,” Bechard stated. While the new location is not disclosed, he plans to have fewer windows that could be broken and a better security system.

Meanwhile, Nikola Maharajh, owner of Commonwealth Kitchen and Bar, aims to reopen in three to four months after repairs. The restaurant’s interior was damaged when a Molotov cocktail was thrown through a window in July. Maharajh plans to install improved security cameras and lighting.

Amit Saini, co-owner of Boujee Restaurant & Bar, also intends to reopen after his restaurant was hit by arson in October. Despite the challenges, Bechard and Maharajh are committed to staying in downtown Winnipeg.

“You see drug usage everywhere, you see garbage everywhere, you see broken windows and vacant buildings, and it just doesn’t really feel like a thriving downtown,” Maharajh noted. “But we’ll give it a shot because the building we’re in is so beautiful and we want to be down there.”

La Roca, a Mexican restaurant on Smith Street, was affected by fire in November but managed to stay open. Owner Kishan Zalawadai has increased security with 24/7 camera monitoring and is focused on bringing customers back to downtown. He believes government support is crucial for safety improvements.

The province has introduced a rebate program for small businesses to claim up to $2,500 for security upgrades and crime-related repairs. However, Zalawadai argues that the program should also cover smash-proof glass.

“When this kind of scenario happens, it always starts from a window breaking, right? So let’s make it harder,” he said.

Shaun Jeffrey, executive director of the Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservices Association, stated that while more work is needed to ensure safety for business owners, the rebate program is a positive step. He noted that the response from business owners has been excellent, fostering a sense of safety in the hospitality industry.

“When you take 50 restaurants in a 10-block radius, and you add 50 cameras between all of them, that’s making places safer,” Jeffrey said. Despite the arsons and other challenges, he sees downtown Winnipeg continuing to attract businesses.

“The hospitality industry has definitely got some of the strongest, most dedicated operators and entrepreneurs by far, and they’re going to move past this,” he added.