KLEIN: Portage Place project shows what we can accomplish when we act cooperatively

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The redevelopment of Portage Place into a vibrant, multi-use space is a step forward for Winnipeg.

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This transformation is being made possible by the collaboration between True North Real Estate Development, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), and all three levels of government — federal, provincial, and municipal. It serves as a powerful reminder that partnerships are not just beneficial, they are essential to solving the challenges that we face as a city and as a province.

It fills me with pride to see these different entities working together to bring about meaningful change. Portage Place has long needed a revival, and this $650 million project promises to do just that by creating housing, health care services, community spaces, and economic opportunities.

As Mayor Scott Gillingham pointed out, the city’s $40 million in incentives will leverage over $600 million of investment from other partners. This is an excellent example of how public funds can be used to unlock much larger private investments, resulting in a net gain for everyone involved.

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While this project represents a significant win for downtown Winnipeg, it also highlights an important point: working with the private sector is not something to be feared. Too often, we hear criticism of public-private partnerships (P3s) as if they are inherently flawed or harmful. The truth is that they can provide the resources and expertise needed to tackle large, complex infrastructure projects that might otherwise be out of reach for governments alone. The success of the Portage Place redevelopment is an example of why we should not shy away from these kinds of collaborations.

The involvement of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, alongside True North and the provincial and federal governments, adds another layer of significance to this partnership. This project is not just about economic development — it’s also about reconciliation and healing.

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The inclusion of affordable housing units, some of which will be specifically for Indigenous families, and the development of public spaces that commemorate Canada’s commitment to reconciliation are critical components of this project. It demonstrates that when we bring diverse voices to the table, we can achieve outcomes that are both economically and socially beneficial.

This project offers a blueprint for other pressing infrastructure needs in Winnipeg and Manitoba. One such need is the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, which is in dire need of upgrades. The North End plant is one of the most significant pieces of infrastructure in the province affecting not just Winnipeg but many surrounding communities. Modernizing this facility will require considerable investment, and the question is, how can we finance it responsibly?

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The answer lies in partnerships similar to what we see with the Portage Place redevelopment. Public-private partnerships (P3s) are used successfully in provinces across Canada, and there is no reason we can’t use them to help finance infrastructure projects here in Manitoba. P3s allow governments to access private capital while spreading out the financial risk. They also bring in the expertise of the private sector, which can often deliver projects more efficiently and cost-effectively than the public sector alone.

In the case of the North End treatment plant, the private sector and Indigenous governments could play a crucial role in keeping costs in line and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. By working with private partners, the city and province can share the burden of the project while ensuring that the necessary upgrades are made to protect our environment and support future growth. Given that infrastructure projects like this often take years to complete and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, it makes sense to explore all available options to fund and manage them.

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We need to recognize that the private sector is not the enemy of the public good. In fact, when done right, partnerships between the public and private sectors can benefit everyone. The Portage Place project is a clear example of how this can work. The combination of public funding, private investment, and community input is creating a development that will serve the needs of downtown Winnipeg for years to come. It is a model that we should look to replicate in other areas, including infrastructure projects like the North End treatment plant.

This is not to say that P3s are without challenges. There must be transparency, accountability, and clear expectations on all sides. Governments need to ensure that the public interest is protected, while private partners need to be held accountable for delivering on their promises. But when these elements are in place, the benefits can be significant.

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The Portage Place redevelopment shows us what is possible when we work together. It also shows us that we don’t have to be afraid of partnering with the private sector to achieve common goals. As we look to the future, I hope that this kind of collaboration becomes the norm, not the exception. Whether it’s revitalizing downtown Winnipeg or upgrading critical infrastructure like the North End treatment plant, partnerships are the pathway to success for all of us.

Now, as we celebrate the progress being made with Portage Place, let’s use this momentum to tackle other challenges facing our city and province. By embracing partnerships, we can unlock new opportunities and build a brighter future for everyone in Manitoba. The Portage Place project is just the beginning, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve when we work together.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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