Winnipeg | Naawi-Oodena | Kapyong Barracks Redevelopment

[TRSTN]

I wouldn't expect the Sea Bears to leave CLC even if this new arena gets built. Downtown is a great location for them.

I'm curious if a smaller arena could unlock a different tier of concerts. Right now our concert venues jump in capacity from 1,600 at Burton Cummings up to 16,000 at CLC. There's an entire tier of artists that are too big for the Burt but too small for CLC. (there's also the concert hall at 2,300 but not an ideal spot for lots of bands)

You couldn't validate an entire arena just based on these shows but it would help fill out a calendar. I imagine this is largely what True North would take issue with though. I'm sure they'd rather undersell their own arena than watch shows go elsewhere.

[CoryB]

CLC definitely hosts lots of the shows that are over 1500 and under 6000. That sort of describes most of the shows with lower bowl and floor access. It depends a fair bit too on how far in from the end of the rink the stage is pulled. For example you could potentially have the stage on the blue line near the premium lower bowl seating area looking that way and make a much more intimate feel. At some point though it just stops making sense to pull the stage forward v letting there be empty seats.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

The non-compete clause needs to be abolished. TNSE has a stranglehold on the City already. A small arena maybe drawing a curling bonspiel or some lower level hockey surely is not stealing TNSE's lunch.

The MOU between the City and True North expires in 2029.

[Wpg_Guy]

Study of proposed new arena for Naawi-Oodena could get city funding
Exclusivity agreement with True North may prohibit support for larger venue

Cameron MacLean · CBC News · Posted: Jul 06, 2026

A group of Manitoba First Nations are proposing to build a new arena at Winnipeg's largest urban reserve — and the idea's generating interest at city hall.

A proposal to explore building a new community arena at Naawi-Oodena in south Winnipeg is moving through city hall. Supporters say the new facility would address a shortage of available ice rinks in the city.

Last week, the city centre community committee voted to spend $95,000 from the Land Dedication Reserve Fund on a feasibility study for a proposed arena at the Indigenous-led development on the former Kapyong Barracks lands.

Documentation presented to the committee said the current plan is to build a 6,000-seat facility with multiple ice sheets, plus related amenities. The city has shown interest in renting ice time to support its public skating programs, the documents said.

The funding for the study requires approval from Mayor Scott Gillingham's executive policy committee and city council. EPC is set to consider the matter on Tuesday.

The facility would be built at the southeast corner of Taylor Avenue and Kenaston Boulevard.

The study would examine potential costs, servicing needs, traffic, site access and infrastructure needed to support the project, said River Heights-Fort Garry Coun. John Orlikow.

"We need more sheets of ice, because kids right now are going out to play hockey, or ringette, or figure skating, or wherever, outside the city,” Orlikow said.

“So I thought [it was] a great opportunity to.... provide some funds to the Treaty One and we can see if we can partner together to provide those sheets of ice."

City planners had recommended denying the funding request because it doesn't meet the eligibility criteria for the Land Dedication Reserve Fund, which is intended to support the acquisition, development or construction of parks and recreation facilities on city property.

Orlikow said he supported waiving the rules because, although the arena would not be built on city-owned land, Winnipeggers would still benefit from it.

Hockey Manitoba also expressed support for exploring the project.

"There is a clear need for more accessible community recreation space in all of Manitoba, including Winnipeg — including ice time for children, youth, families and local sport organizations," Hockey Manitoba CEO Trevor Buhnai said in a written statement.

Buhnai added any proposal should undergo feasibility testing, including an assessment of demand, transportation, capital and operating costs, accessibility and long-term sustainability.

“But in principle, we support serious work to expand community access to sport and recreation, particularly when it is Indigenous-led and community-focused,” he wrote.

One potential obstacle for the project could be an exclusivity agreement signed with True North, which council approved in 2001 as part of the development of what is now Canada Life Centre.

The agreement gives True North exclusive negotiation and development rights over government-funded major sports and entertainment facilities in Winnipeg for 25 years after the arena opened. Orlikow said the agreement expires in 2029.

As a result, Orlikow said the city-funded feasibility study will only examine a community arena, not a larger event venue, unless that issue is resolved with True North.

CBC News requested comment from True North and Treaty One, but no one was available before publication.

CBC Manitoba

• Video Link

[reallycoolguy]

this arena could be a cool opportunity to get another medium sized concert venue in the city for those acts that are too big for the burt but can't fill canada life.

[WildCake]

Originally Posted by reallycoolguy

this arena could be a cool opportunity to get another medium sized concert venue in the city for those acts that are too big for the burt but can't fill canada life.

Absolutely, and could definitely be a great opportunity for another group to run a PWHL franchise.

Similar to an earlier post, I have heard through the grapevine of TNSE executive chatter that a PWHL team would be untenable at CLC from the logistics side. Having to juggle the Jets and Moose schedules doesn't leave much opportunity for PWHL games at reasonable time slots. Plus a PWHL franchise will probably pull a lot from the Moose fanbase rather than open a whole new fanbase entirely, which might be another reason TNSE might not jump on that.

[NewIreland]

Originally Posted by WildCake

Absolutely, and could definitely be a great opportunity for another group to run a PWHL franchise.

Similar to an earlier post, I have heard through the grapevine of TNSE executive chatter that a PWHL team would be untenable at CLC from the logistics side. Having to juggle the Jets and Moose schedules doesn't leave much opportunity for PWHL games at reasonable time slots. Plus a PWHL franchise will probably pull a lot from the Moose fanbase rather than open a whole new fanbase entirely, which might be another reason TNSE might not jump on that.

Wasn't the plan to move the Moose to Thunder Bay if they ever built a new arena there? Also, isn't the PWHL demanding 10k minimum seats?

[CoryB]

Originally Posted by WildCake

Similar to an earlier post, I have heard through the grapevine of TNSE executive chatter that a PWHL team would be untenable at CLC from the logistics side. Having to juggle the Jets and Moose schedules doesn't leave much opportunity for PWHL games at reasonable time slots. Plus a PWHL franchise will probably pull a lot from the Moose fanbase rather than open a whole new fanbase entirely, which might be another reason TNSE might not jump on that.

In terms of PWHL, the league owns all the teams. Based on the locations of the original teams it seemed Winnipeg was well positioned to be in the next wave, if the local market would support it.

As established though, TNSE does not seem to have much interest in helping facilitate that. The report that PWHL wants 10,000 seat venues is why I suggested that Naawi-Oodena may want to consider a design for their purposed 6000 seat arena that includes a designed expansion to add 4000 seats, perhaps as an upper deck, at a later date if needed. Having a plan designed from the start on how and expansion would work could make it a lot easier to action later on than afterthoughts like the old Winnipeg Arena expansion. Also a 6k to with a 10k option might check the boxes the PWHL is looking for. While it is not a clean 10k it lets them play in the market and establish a fan base with room to grow.

[bomberjet]

If the agreement expires in 2029 with TNSE, what's even the problem then. By the time this venue would open, it will be beyond 2029 for sure.

[WildCake]

Originally Posted by CoryB

In terms of PWHL, the league owns all the teams. Based on the locations of the original teams it seemed Winnipeg was well positioned to be in the next wave, if the local market would support it.

As established though, TNSE does not seem to have much interest in helping facilitate that. The report that PWHL wants 10,000 seat venues is why I suggested that Naawi-Oodena may want to consider a design for their purposed 6000 seat arena that includes a designed expansion to add 4000 seats, perhaps as an upper deck, at a later date if needed. Having a plan designed from the start on how and expansion would work could make it a lot easier to action later on than afterthoughts like the old Winnipeg Arena expansion. Also a 6k to with a 10k option might check the boxes the PWHL is looking for. While it is not a clean 10k it lets them play in the market and establish a fan base with room to grow.

Fair point, the Ottawa team is having issues with the league because they wanted to downsize to a mid 5000 seat (5500? 5800?) arena, so there's probably a lower limit for the league in what they consider acceptable.

If this arena goes ahead I would hope that factor is considered, and I agree that easy expansion or a two bowl system to be able to have ~6000 spectator and ~10000 spectator events fairly easily would be optimal. I guess they have to identify who the primary tenant(s) will be and what their needs will look like.

[CoryB]

I think the proposal for the Naawi-Oodena is looking at NLL and WHL teams owned by the same group that owns the land. They have already directly called out how they feel NLL has strong connections to indigenous communities. There has also long been talk of Winnipeg possibly getting a NLL team with CLC at one time being talked about as the possible venue. That might have been before the NHL returned though.

In terms of the WHL, I feel the Ice showed there is a potential market here. The challenge is it will always be a lower draw with the NHL and AHL playing here.

The PHWL while they say they want 10,000+ venues is likely going to be like other leagues and start being more flexible when moving into a market and accepting less than ideal venues to start with plans to get the type of venue they want.

And if I was the group working in the proposal I would differently be giving the Sea Bears a call to ask for a meeting to discuss what issues they may be having with CLC and what it might take to get them to move to Naawi-Oodena.

Of course there is also the non-sports events but realistically here unless Naawi-Oodena has their own team actively working to connect with people in the industry few of the touring concerts will go there.

[bomberjet]

It would be awesome, obviously. I'm not holding my breath on WHL coming back.

[drew]

Originally Posted by trueviking

I can't really see the business case for a $125 million arena in a city the size of Winnipeg....who is paying for that and what tenants are creating the payback.

True North also has an exclusivity to these types of venues. Its why the Ice guys were building outside of the city.

I wouldn't go so far as to call it a "cheat code" - but partnering with First Nations opens up a vast amount of federal funding for projects, and building on reserve land (even within the City of Winnipeg) means that you technically don't need to apply for City permits, and any agreement between True North and the City would have zero application.

[borkborkbork]

Originally Posted by drew

building on reserve land (even within the City of Winnipeg) means that you technically don't need to apply for City permits, and any agreement between True North and the City would have zero application.

Is that true? I thought while the reserve land is under the jurisdictions of the FNs, they have harmonized zoning, permitting, etc.?

[drew]

^ yes. And on reserve land the only Building Code that technically applies is the NBCC - not the provincial ones (although in Manitoba that basically makes zero difference).

[bomberjet]

With Naawi Oodena first nations owned part, they've basically come to agreement with the City for services like sewer and water. In basically the same way any large scale development would. The rest of the onsite development is governed tin the same manner as any other reserve, under federal jurisdiction.

The Cities agreement with TNSE prohibits them from providing funding until 2029 for an arena. Doesn't mean one cant be built.

[trueviking]

Winnipeg has the lowest attendance in the NHL and AHL. I can’t see it being a desirable market for the PWHL. There’s a lot of sure thing markets ahead of us. The smallest market in pro sports is saturated and already tenuous for existing franchises.

I guess if the federal government is going to pay for a new arena, it could happen but I can’t see anyone risking their own money on lacrosse, basketball, or junior hockey providing a stable, long term return on an investment that large. The 12 games of Basketball could vanish as quickly as it came. Theres no evidence of any market for lacrosse. There’s a reason the Ice guys never built their arena.

As for concerts. Not sure how successful it would be to compete with TNSE and Lotteries.