Proposal would add $3.4M to city’s contribution to Bay project

The City of Winnipeg will consider providing another $3.4 million to support the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn development of the former downtown Hudson’s Bay building.

A new proposal calls on city council to approve a grant of $1.5 million to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Reconciliation Foundation for streetscaping improvements next to the development at 450 Portage Ave. It also calls for council to refer a separate $1.9-million grant for the project to be considered in the city’s 2026 budget process.

The second grant would help repair vacant spaces that extend outward from the building’s basement underneath public sidewalks, while the first would help install light fixtures and other landscaping on public sidewalks next to the building.

“The streetscaping on the west side of the building along Memorial Boulevard may also include the closure of one lane of vehicle traffic, which could allow for new trees to be planted there,” a city report notes.

The city is exploring removing the northbound curb lane on Memorial Boulevard but the impact on road grading, drainage and transit is still under review, the report says.

If both new funding requests are approved, the city’s financial support of the project would rise to $23.7 million, including previously approved tax breaks, housing grants and fee waivers.

In May, Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels told the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce the redevelopment is expected to cost about $310 million and create 373 housing units.

The city report notes it will also include a child care centre, commercial units and office space, among other amenities.