Negotiations are underway to revise Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries’ commitment to True North Square.
When the project was first announced under the previous NDP government, a 50,000 square foot outlet was slated to become the largest liquor store in western Canada.
But in March of this year, that plan was scrapped, with True North instead planning to use the space as a ‘food hall concept’ with a liquor store component.
Now the two sides are working out what exactly that component will be.
“We’re intent to have Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries in the liquor and lottery business. Negotiations are underway to work out a reasonable solution to this,” said Minister of Crown Services Cliff Cullen. “We certainly value our relationship with True North, and we’re optimistic an agreement can be reached in the near future.”
READ MORE: True North Square unveils next steps in construction of multi-use project
Cullen said the original proposal was a bit bizarre.
“It’s just a huge piece of property that really wasn’t necessary for a liquor store and quite frankly, probably not profitable for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries,” Cullen said.
The minister also confirmed that the province had sold the Medical Arts Building, which was originally purchased by the NDP with the intent to make it the new headquarters for the crown corporation. The PC government scrapped that idea not long into its time in power.
“We want to make sure that, whenever we invest in something, it’s going to be for the long term. That wasn’t a viable option for us at the time,” Cullen explained. “The new board had a look at it, thought it was time to look at some other opportunities, and decided to sell that property off for a modest increase in revenue.”
Global News reached out to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. A spokesperson said it has nothing to share at this time.
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