Partnership formed to advance Winnipeg projects
The groups plan to coordinate their projects to transform the city’s downtown.
True North Real Estate Development Limited and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization have entered into a memorandum of understanding. – SCO
Key Takeaways:
- True North Real Estate Development Limited (TNRED) and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) are joining forces to collaborate on two major Winnipeg projects.
- The projects are the Portage Place redevelopment and Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project.
- The groups each noted that there are synergies between the two projects and they plan to work together to improve downtown Winnipeg.
The Whole Story:
True North Real Estate Development Limited (TNRED) and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will see new collaboration on two major downtown developments in Winnipeg: the Portage Place redevelopment and Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project.
TNRED and SCO stated that they will bring a shared focus on key downtown priorities including multi-family and affordable housing, healthcare, food security, and community spaces, along with the principles of reconciliation, inclusion, and building thriving communities.
The groups explained that The Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project, which will redevelop the downtown HBC Building, will be a place where economic and social opportunities are created, and First Nations heritage is celebrated. They added that the Portage Place redevelopment will complement this revitalization with a mandate to serve and reconnect north and south downtown Winnipeg neighbourhoods with public greenspaces, essential and community services, culture and arts, affordable housing, and a healthcare centre.
“Our collective vision for both the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn and Portage Place developments weaves together the many layers we believe are necessary for a successful downtown transformation,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Our innovative partnership demonstrates the benefit of respectful and collaborative dialogue to improve the urban health of downtown Winnipeg, creating a catalyst for others to follow from their respective communities and organizations at the local, provincial, and national level.”
Earlier this month, TNRED received approval for a six-month extension for its plan to buy and redevelop Portage Place. The two projects total nearly two million square feet of downtown development.
“As we have explored the avenues for social and economic opportunity through the Portage Place redevelopment, we have become increasingly more cognizant of the synergies with Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn,” said TNRED President Jim Ludlow. “Together, we will bring forward thinking solutions to our collective pursuit of market and affordable housing, healthcare, Indigenous relations and reconciliation, and downtown revitalization to realize exponential social and economic benefit.”
