[esquire]

Based on the information we have on hand, this project sounds absolutely demoralizing.

All attempts at private-sector market-driven redevelopments have failed, so here we are. An enormous heritage building will be given away and redone on the cheap to put up something that will do little or nothing for the downtown area beyond keeping the lights on in a prominent building.

I would love to see the total project budget... will it even result in more affordable housing units than several cheaper, smaller new builds around town? I have my doubts.

This announcement is a bitter pill to swallow and a harsh reality check for anyone who thought downtown Winnipeg was turning a corner and becoming a place that could draw people and investment.