Marsha Hanen Way

Marsha Hanen Way (originally known as the Spence Street Promenade) constructed with pedestrian and cycling-friendly paving stones, features new shrubs and trees, a stage with sound capacity for outdoor performances, space for kiosks and room for recreational activities such as ball hockey or basketball as well as low seating walls. Located in the portion of Spence Street that is already closed to vehicular traffic, the promenade is used for community street festivals and university activities such as Homecoming and Convocation events. It is a designated smoke-free area.

The Spence Street renewal project was possible because of a $1,276,680 Manitoba government grant which included creation of a bus loop to improve community transit access. Developed in partnership with the local community, this was the second phase of the Portage Commons initiative funded through the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement - the first phase involved the redevelopment of the University's front lawn into a public park in the summer of 2007.

The Spence Street Promenade project was completed in September 2009. In June 2018, the promenade was renamed "Marsha Hanen Way" to honour The University of Winnipeg’s former President & Vice-Chancellor, who served in the role from 1989 – 1999.