City extends Portage Place purchase granted
City council has approved a three-month extension to True North Real Estate Development’s option to purchase Portage Place, which would make way for a $650-million redevelopment.
On Thursday, city council approved moving the deadline to Sept. 28 from June 30.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES City council has approved a three-month extension to True North Real Estate Development’s option to purchase Portage Place.
The real estate division of Winnipeg Jets owner True North Sports and Entertainment Ltd. plans to create a residential tower, main-floor grocery store, community centres and office space for social agencies, as well as a 12-storey health-care centre.
The City of Winnipeg, provincial government and federal government are shareholders in The Forks North Portage Partnership, which owns the land, parking and “air rights” (to build upwards) at the site.
Kenaston project moves forward
A controversial mega-project to revamp Kenaston Boulevard that will cost at least $586 million is moving forward for further study.
Council voted Thursday to pursue an independent business case to assess the project, which would overhaul Kenaston between Taylor and Ness avenues by widening the street to three lanes in each direction and adding active transportation pathways and sewage upgrades.
The city could have to pay another $151 million if it becomes the sole funder and uses debt to pay for it.
If the project is ultimately approved following the business case, the city hopes to receive funding from the provincial and federal governments to help pay for it.
Transit network overhaul approved
A network transformation that’s set to alter nearly every bus route in Winnipeg is officially on the way.
Council approved the exact changes Thursday, which will take effect on June 29, 2025.
Winnipeg Transit officials expect the overhaul to roughly double the number of people who are within walking distance of frequent transit service, with a bus arriving at least every 10 minutes on the most frequent routes during rush hour.
Council appoints interim CAO
It’s official, the City of Winnipeg has named a new interim top bureaucrat.
Sherwood Armbruster was named to the interim chief administrative officer position on Thursday by a council vote.
He has been the city’s senior election official and manager of strategic initiatives since 2012 and will take on the new role Friday.
The city is searching for a permanent CAO after Michael Jack submitted his resignation last week.
— Joyanne Pursaga
Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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