A major revitalization effort is going ahead for downtown Winnipeg.
On Friday, the provincial government — alongside True North Real Estate Development, the Southern Chiefs Organization, and other stakeholders — formally announced a partnership to transform Portage Place.
The site of the beleaguered mall is set for an ambitious redevelopment, anchored by the Health-Care Centre of Excellence — a planned 300,000-square foot, 12-storey tower on the east side of the site.
Friday’s announcement included a letter of intent for a 35-year lease agreement for the centre.
The centre will include a primary care clinic, mental health and addiction supports, renal dialysis capacity, and an expansion of the Pan Am Clinic. The construction project is set to begin next year, with 2028 targeted for completion.
Premier Wab Kinew called the announcement “good news” for the province.
“Winnipeg’s downtown is Manitoba’s downtown, and all Manitobans want to be proud of it,” he said.
“This project will fundamentally change what our downtown looks and feels like for the better. Our government will do its part by delivering new and improved health-care services that make Portage Place a centre of excellence for clinical care and research that is convenient and accessible for everyone.”
True North and the Southern Chiefs Organization also entered into a letter of intent to share ownership of a 15-storey residential tower, slated for the west pad of the Portage Place redevelopment.
Construction on the residential piece of the Portage Place overhaul is also anticipated to begin in 2025, with the following year targeted as a completion date.
A skywalk bridge connecting this tower with Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, SCO’s redevelopment of the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company building, is also in the plans.
“This important Portage Place initiative will provide a hub of housing and health that will strengthen our downtown,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
“Together, we have agreed to principles of shared ownership and key priorities for the multi-family housing tower that will provide much-needed safe, accessible, and affordable housing in downtown Winnipeg with direct connection to our Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project at the former HBC building.”
In spring 2022, the former department store at 450 Portage Ave., across the street from Portage Place, was formally gifted, as an act of reconciliation, to the SCO.
The redevelopment of that site is anticipated to include almost 300 affordable housing units, as well as a child-care centre, a museum, an art gallery and restaurants.
Winnipeg mayor Scott Gillingham called the overhaul a “bold step” for the city’s downtown.
“This project reflects our shared vision for a downtown that is not only the economic heart of our city, but also a thriving residential community,” he said.
“By integrating essential health care services with a diverse array of housing options, we’re making downtown more livable and welcoming for everyone.”