Tower Crane Installation Marks Major Milestone in Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn Construction

March 19, 2025

“The installation of this tower crane is more than just a construction milestone—it’s a symbol of progress, reconciliation, and a new future for this historic building. We are reclaiming this space and transforming it into something that reflects First Nations values, strength, and aspirations.”– Grand Chief Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — A tower crane was installed at the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn construction site, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s (SCO) transformative redevelopment of the former Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg. This installation signals a significant advancement in the construction of this historic project.

“The installation of this tower crane is a powerful symbol of progress, and every beam lifted into place is another step toward a brighter, more inclusive future,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “To date, most of the work has been interior demolition and remediation—none of which has been seen by the public. This project is about economic empowerment, creating opportunity, and bringing new life to the heart of Winnipeg in Treaty One Territory.”

The tower crane, which stands as a visible sign of transformation in the city’s skyline, is approximately 190 feet tall or 19 stories tall, with a maximum lifting capacity of 44,000 pounds. Caissons that are four feet in diameter were drilled directly into the bedrock and capped with over 70 cubic meters of concrete to construct the base.

The tower crane will facilitate the structural work required to repurpose the 650,000-square-foot heritage building. As construction moves forward, the project remains a beacon of First Nations empowerment, urban renewal, and downtown revitalization.

The redevelopment, led by SCO in partnership with multiple levels of government, aims to revitalize an iconic building into a space that prioritizes First Nations cultures, economic development, and community services.

Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn is creating social and economic opportunity and serving as an example of true economic reconciliation. The project is creating significant long-term employment of Indigenous workers. With the help of Miikahnah Connect—created to help construction companies find skilled workers and fulfill their project needs—Indigenous employees make up 77 per cent (1042) of the entire workforce on the project, working a total of more than 111,800 hours to the end of February 2025. These figures include 667 workers and nearly 73,000 hours from members of Nations that SCO represents.

The project, first announced in April 2022, represents a bold vision for reconciliation, urban renewal, and economic empowerment. Once completed, Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn—meaning “it is visible” in Anishinaabemowin—will feature:

• 373 housing units
• 200 affordable housing units for First Nations citizens
• Office and retail spaces to foster First Nations entrepreneurship

With the tower crane now in place, construction will begin on the center atrium and accelerate through 2025, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2028. This milestone reaffirms the project’s mission: to transform a symbol of the past into a vision for the future—one that is truly visible to all.

The total redevelopment budget for Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn is currently $310 million. This is attributed to a combination of increasingly accurate budgeting since the general contractor has been confirmed, supply chain pressures, inflation, and tariff threats on construction materials in addition to heritage building upgrades, structural reinforcements, and modern energy efficiency standards.

“The Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn redevelopment has drawn national attention for its commitment to truth and reconciliation,” shared Chief EJ Fontaine of Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation. “The initiative reflects a growing movement toward First Nations-led development that fosters long-term sustainability and community well-being.”

For more information about Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, visit our website.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

For media inquiries:

Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca

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