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What’s next for Mark Chipman’s ‘paused’ downtown development

WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg city councillor says the Mayor Brian Bowman owes him an explanation about what he knew about the proposed True North development along Carlton Street.

“I have to admit I feel inadequate, I feel embarrassed and I feel that we need to talk with the mayor,” said rookie Elmwood councillor Jason Schreyer. “He deserves to give us an explanation.”

Last week councillors voted unanimously to ask CentreVenture to call for public expressions of interest for the site of the former Carlton Inn even though True North had signed an option agreement to develop the land.

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“We might just have to re-look at the vote and I’m sorry for this,” said Schreyer.

CentreVenture’s board chair, Curt Vossen, says he doesn’t want to ask for other offers.

“My recommendation to the board would be we stand behind any agreement we put forward with a good faith partner which is exactly what we have got here,” said Vossen.

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He plans to ask the board to ignore the city hall vote and keep dealing with True North. It would mean CentreVenture would lose out on $3.75 million for the city.

“I have absolutely no intention of breeching an agreement, a valid legal agreement,” said Vossen. “I have no intention of doing that.”

Chipman’s plans are backed buy David Thompson, the richest person in Canada. CentreVenture fears the development could remain permently on ice.

“It could very well be dead,” said Vossen.

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