Manitoba Government Signs Historic Agreement with True North Real Estate Development to Revitalize Portage Place

September 27, 2024

The Manitoba government has signed an important agreement with True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) that further supports the redevelopment of Portage Place shopping centre in Winnipeg into a campus for housing, health-care services and other community supports, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.

“Together, we are going to transform Portage Place into a centre where you can come to get the health care and the services you need,” said Kinew. “With this project, we can all feel more optimistic about the future of our downtown. This is a great example of what we can accomplish for the people of Manitoba, when we work together.”

As a shareholder in The Forks North Portage Partnership, the Manitoba government has authorized the sale of Portage Place and committed to a long-term lease agreement for the Health-Care Centre of Excellence that enables further development to revitalize the downtown core.

“The future of Portage Place mall is an exciting opportunity for the province to work with our partners to create a downtown that Manitobans deserve,” said Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Jamie Moses. “By addressing the housing, health care and public safety needs of the community, the project is an exciting beacon of what downtown Winnipeg can be. Once fully operational, approximately 1,800 Manitobans will be employed full-time at the site, offering a springboard for further economic opportunities to save our downtown. This is a legacy we can all take pride in.”

This agreement solidifies the government’s partnership with TNRED, ensuring the Health-Care Centre of Excellence remains a cornerstone of the redevelopment plans, noted the premier. The tower will include a primary care clinic with integrated mental health and addictions services, as well as surgery, diagnostics and renal dialysis, and an expanded Pan Am Clinic.

The Manitoba government recognizes the historic partnership between TNRED and Southern Chiefs’ Organization to establish the not-for-profit entity TN-SCO 92 Inc., to deliver on market and affordable housing including accessible units.

“Just days before observing Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, True North and its partner, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, applaud the Manitoba government for its support of a revitalization project that contributes to our downtown, including a leading state-of-the-art health facility, much-needed not-for-profit housing and wraparound community services,” said Jim Ludlow, president, True North Real Estate Development. “Together with the government of Canada and the City of Winnipeg, this collaboration is an historic example of economic reconciliation.”

TNRED’s $650 million plan will revitalize Portage Place into a modern multi-use complex that aims to meet community needs and includes the Health-Care Centre of Excellence, a not-for-profit multi-family housing development with affordable units, a grocery store, neighbourhood wrap-around services and public green spaces, including a heritage plaza and park commemorating Canada’s commitment to reconciliation.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

NT5