Winnipeg | Downtown | Hudson’s Bay Building | Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn | U/C

[cheswick]

[Wpg_Guy]

Proposal would add $3.4M to city’s contribution to Bay project
By: Free Press Staff
Posted: 2:58 PM CDT Wednesday, Jul. 2, 2025

The City of Winnipeg will consider providing another $3.4 million to support the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn development of the former downtown Hudson’s Bay building.

A new proposal calls on city council to approve a grant of $1.5 million to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Reconciliation Foundation for streetscaping improvements next to the development at 450 Portage Ave. It also calls for council to refer a separate $1.9-million grant for the project to be considered in the city’s 2026 budget process.

The second grant would help repair vacant spaces that extend outward from the building’s basement underneath public sidewalks, while the first would help install light fixtures and other landscaping on public sidewalks next to the building.



“The streetscaping on the west side of the building along Memorial Boulevard may also include the closure of one lane of vehicle traffic, which could allow for new trees to be planted there,” a city report notes.

The city is exploring removing the northbound curb lane on Memorial Boulevard but the impact on road grading, drainage and transit is still under review, the report says.

If both new funding requests are approved, the city’s financial support of the project would rise to $23.7 million, including previously approved tax breaks, housing grants and fee waivers.

In May, Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels told the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce the redevelopment is expected to cost about $310 million and create 373 housing units.

The city report notes it will also include a child care centre, commercial units and office space, among other amenities.

Winnipeg Free Press

[FactaNV]

I knew it wasn't going to be cheap and I know its about great project but man, almost a million bucks a unit is eye-wateringly expensive.

[pspeid]

I'm all for the street-scaping; it's going to be people's homes, so let's make the area as attractive as possible.

I wonder what the spaces under the sidewalks are...or were...or will be? Was it just the size of the basement when the building was constructed? I guess I picture the extent of the basement to match the outer walls, like it would on a residential build.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by pspeid

I'm all for the street-scaping; it's going to be people's homes, so let's make the area as attractive as possible.

I wonder what the spaces under the sidewalks are...or were...or will be? Was it just the size of the basement when the building was constructed? I guess I picture the extent of the basement to match the outer walls, like it would on a residential build.

Contribution Towards Repairs to the Areaways and Streetscaping for the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn Development located at 450 Portage Avenue (The former Hudson's Bay Building)

[cheswick]

[cheswick]

[Biff]

Great shots.

Neat they are stripping off the roof as well. It will be interesting to see what type of structure they are planning for the roof (drainage wise) as I believe they will have a walking path and some features up there too.

[1ajs]

4 slabs left to cut i gues and that roof i imagin they will be putting a green roof system of some sort to go with those path systems going to cool to watch

[cheswick]

[BAKGUY]

Originally Posted by cheswick

That's a Smokin photo. Does anyone know when more recently the top edge was painted that tealish colour? I've been meaning to ask for awhile? Might be a year or so? The colour is appropriate with surroundings buildings like IG etc.

[Mr Tall Forehead]

I think those are construction tarps. If you zoom in on an earlier pic it looks like they say PCL on them.

[ColdRain&Snow]

Maybe the Beer Can can open a second location on the roof once the renovations are finished

[Authentic_City]

^That would be amazing! Haha. That rooftop area could be something really cool, like the WAG rooftop garden. People mentioned a green roof and path. Is there a specific plan for the roof to be used by residents, as an outdoor space or amenity?

[buzzg]

Originally Posted by pspeid

I'm all for the street-scaping; it's going to be people's homes, so let's make the area as attractive as possible.

I wonder what the spaces under the sidewalks are...or were...or will be? Was it just the size of the basement when the building was constructed? I guess I picture the extent of the basement to match the outer walls, like it would on a residential build.

It was all just extra storage for the (grocery) store. Most of them except the west side had been blocked off for years due to asbestos. When the province redid the streets and sidewalk on Memorial a few years back, you'll notice they stopped short of redoing the sidewalk right at the start of the main building. This was because that sidewalk was actually HBC property (it was their responsibility to maintain it) and it was essentially attached to the roof of the basement. Curious if there was changes to this when SCO took over.

[BlackDog204]

I hate the name they gave this project. People are just going to refer to it as the "old Bay building." It will be like Bishop Grandin, which everyone still calls it.

[rebl]

Originally Posted by BlackDog204

I hate the name they gave this project. People are just going to refer to it as the "old Bay building." It will be like Bishop Grandin, which everyone still calls it.

Most people stopped calling it Bishop.

[theruler462]

My entire circle, for what it's worth, calls it Abinoji.

[bon_vivant]

Originally Posted by BlackDog204

I hate the name they gave this project. People are just going to refer to it as the "old Bay building." It will be like Bishop Grandin, which everyone still calls it.

We call it Abinoji now, but Bishop still slips out sometimes. Old habits die hard. As for the new name of the Bay building, that will take some practice. The thing is, they're not going to choose names based on whether or not non-indigenous folks can pronounce them. This is about them, not us. If you still want to call it the "old Bay building" nobody's gonna stop you.

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by rebl

Most people stopped calling it Bishop.

Many people still call it Bishop Grandin, or the "old" Bishop Grandin.