Many new development projects are breaking ground in Winnipeg this year, from a new, 113-acre ‘college town’ being raised from the ground by the University of Manitoba to the redevelopment of the iconic, flagship Hudson’s Bay building downtown.
Although it's been a tough year for the industry, the housing and property development sectors are not slowing down significantly in Winnipeg, with housing starts slipping just 7% last year — better than the provincial average of -14%. Further investment will come in the form of a recent deal struck between the federal government and the City of Winnipeg to provide the Manitoba capital with $122M from the Housing Accelerator Fund, which is anticipated to bring 3,100 new housing units to the city over the next three years.
With that in mind, here’s a look at five of the most transformational developments getting underway in Winnipeg.
Centre Venture Development Corporation, UWCRC
Market Lands
Location: 151-171 Princess Street,
Developer: Centre Venture Development Corporation and UWCRC 2.0 Inc.
At the site of a now-demolished public safety building in Winnipeg’s vibrant Exchange district, a new multi-use building has just broken ground. Market Lands will be a 10-storey, modern structure featuring 102 apartment units and two floors designated for a public creative hub.
Under the design of Daoust Lestage Lizotte Stecker and Number Ten Architectural Group, the building is planned to have net-zero energy consumption, as well as an earmarked number of units that will be considered affordable. Tenants should be able to live at Market Lands by 2026.
True North Real Estate Development, Southern Chiefs Organization
Portage Place
Location: 393 Portage Ave, Winnipeg
Developer: True North Real Estate Development and the Southern Chiefs Organization
Winnipeg’s core shopping centre, Portage Place Mall, may soon get a much-desired makeover thanks to True North Real Estate Development and the Southern Chiefs Organization. The new Portage Place would be an anchor downtown. Situated across the street from the Winnipeg Jets Canada Life arena, the building would feature two acres of outdoor and public space, as well as over 1,000 heated underground parking spots.
The redevelopment would also include a full-size grocery store, apartment living, health centres, urban green areas, and community services. The renovation and additions are slated to add to the overall size of the building, growing it by an area about a third of current 439,600 square feet. The sale of the current building, however, is not finalized, with True North asking in November for six more months to decide on the purchase.
True North Real Estate Development, Southern Chiefs Organization
Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn
Location: Corner of Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard, Winnipeg
Developer: True North Real Estate Development and the Southern Chiefs Organization
The $200M renovation of the historic Hudson’s Bay department store in downtown Winnipeg is set to create a new hub in the city centre, as well as revitalize an important heritage building. The Hudson’s Bay building in Winnipeg was the company’s flagship store in Western Canada, and under the leadership of the Southern Chiefs Organization and True North Real Estate Development, the space will be reimagined into a sleek, community-focused hub with a residential component.
Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn will feature 300 affordable housing units and will celebrate Indigenous heritage with a museum and gallery. Additionally, the building will include a rooftop garden, two new restaurants (one of which will be a revamped version of Winnipeg’s famous, floating Paddlewheel Princess restaurant), a health centre, and a Governance House for the Chiefs of the southern First Nations, among other things.
UM Properties GP Inc.
Southwood Circle
Location: Adjacent to the University of Manitoba off Pembina
Developer: UM Properties GP Inc.
Slated to be the one of the biggest community developments in Winnipeg’s history, the $6B, 12-million-sq-ft Southwood Circle will eventually be home to around 20,000 people. Taking over the site of an old golf course near the University of Manitoba, this development will transform the neighbourhood into a true university town.
Spearheaded by developer UM Properties GP, the new community will feature 11,000 residences and 300,000 sq. ft designated for retail. It will be constructed in four phases over two decades, starting this year. With an intuitive masterplan design led by Dialog and close access to the Blue Bombers stadium, Red River waterfront, and 21 acres set aside for a park, it will completely transform the south side of the city, turning into a true destination.
Lotus Holdings Winnipeg, UWCRC
308 Colony
Location: 308 Colony Street
Developer: Lotus Holdings Winnipeg and UWCRC 2.0 Inc.
This $70.5M, 21-storey high-rise will be one of the newest apartment buildings at the heart of Winnipeg’s growing downtown. The building will feature 214 apartments and two commercial spaces at the ground level. Amenities will include a gym, lounge, terrace, and green spaces.
Designed by Cibinel Architecture and partially funded by the Province, it is set to have near net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and around 40% of the units will be affordable. Conveniently located across the street from the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the University of Winnipeg, the new housing units will serve a growing demand to live downtown.
