Manitoba partners with True North on Portage Place development

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The Manitoba government has signed an agreement with True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) to redevelop Portage Place shopping centre into a hub for housing, health-care services, and community support. Premier Wab Kinew announced the initiative, calling it a significant step for downtown Winnipeg.

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“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,” Kinew said in a press release.

Kinew expressed optimism about the future of the downtown area, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the government and TNRED.

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 for the Health-Care Centre of Excellence. This lease will facilitate further development aimed at revitalizing 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 Minister Jamie Moses about the potential impact of the project.

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The province said that once fully operational, approximately 1,800 Manitobans will find full-time employment at the site, creating further economic opportunities in the downtown area.

The agreement ensures the Health-Care Centre of Excellence will be a key part of the redevelopment plans. The centre will feature a primary care clinic with integrated mental health and addictions services, surgery, diagnostics, renal dialysis, and an expanded Pan Am Clinic.

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

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“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,” said Jim Ludlow, president of TNRED. He described the collaboration as an historic example of economic reconciliation.

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

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