Winnipeg | The Exchange District | Market Lands | U/C

[Wpg_Guy]

Market Lands South in Winnipeg

Market Lands South is a modern mixed-use building located in the Exchange District and represents the first phase of a cutting-edge, mixed-income redevelopment of the former City of Winnipeg Public Safety Building site. The property is fully managed by The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation 2.0 (UWCRC 2.0).

The building features 95 brand-new apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, with a balanced mix of 47 market and premium units and 48 rent-geared-to-income homes. A vibrant Creative Hub occupies the first and second floors, home to cultural organizations such as Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art, Mentoring Artists for Women's Art (MAWA), Creative Manitoba, and Manitoba Music.

Market Lands South is also among the first residential mid-rise buildings in Canada to receive the CAGBC Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard, setting a new benchmark for sustainable and community-focused urban living.


















The 5th floor terrace perspective is a little off lol

[Wpg_Guy]

Market Lands South: A New Vision for Inclusive City Living

Rising in the heart of the Exchange District, Market Lands South represents a bold new chapter in downtown Winnipeg’s transformation. Built on the former site of the City of Winnipeg Public Safety Building, this modern mixed-use development is the first phase of a larger vision one that blends housing, culture, and community into a single, forward-thinking space.

More than just a residential building, Market Lands South is part of a broader effort to reimagine how cities can grow prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration.

A Transformational Redevelopment

The Market Lands project replaces a once-vacant and underutilized site with a vibrant, mixed-use community. The development includes residential units, a dedicated Creative Hub, and spaces designed to support community interaction and cultural activity.

With 95 thoughtfully designed apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites the building offers a balanced mix of market and rent-geared-to-income housing. This integrated model ensures that residents from different backgrounds can live side by side, creating a more inclusive and connected community.

What is UWCRC 2.0?

At the core of this project is University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation 2.0, a non-profit development organization focused on building sustainable and inclusive communities.

UWCRC 2.0 was created to expand on the work of the original UWCRC, bringing its values-driven approach beyond the university campus into the broader community. Its mission is rooted in four key pillars:

• Environmental sustainability
• Social inclusion
• Economic development
• Cultural vitality

Through projects like Market Lands, UWCRC 2.0 applies these principles in real, tangible ways developing mixed-use, mixed-income housing that supports both people and place.

A Strong Development Partnership

Market Lands South is being developed through a partnership between University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation 2.0 and CentreVenture Development Corporation, the City of Winnipeg’s downtown development agency.

Together, these organizations formed a collaborative model that combines:

• Community-focused development expertise (UWCRC 2.0)
• Urban planning and economic development leadership (CentreVenture)

This partnership plays a key role in delivering projects that are not only financially viable but also socially impactful. The development structure even includes a dedicated entity to oversee construction, leasing, and long-term operations ensuring the project’s success from concept to completion.

Designed for Sustainability and the Future

Market Lands South is not just about housing it’s about building responsibly for the future. The project has been designed with a focus on net-zero energy consumption, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality living standards.

This commitment to sustainability reflects a growing shift in urban development, where energy efficiency and environmental responsibility are just as important as design and location.

A New Standard for Downtown Living

Market Lands South sets a new benchmark for what urban development can achieve. By combining residential living, arts and culture, and community-focused design, it creates a space that goes beyond traditional housing.

It’s a place where:

• Diverse communities can live together
• Artists and cultural organizations can thrive
• Sustainable design shapes everyday life

As the first phase of the Market Lands redevelopment, this project lays the foundation for a more vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking downtown Winnipeg. In every sense, Market Lands South is not just a building it’s a vision for the future of city living.

[Wpg_Guy]

Market Lands: A Creative Hub Rooted in Community and Culture



Market Lands is more than a place to live it’s a place where creativity, culture, and community come together. Occupying the first and second floors, a vibrant Creative Hub will serve as the heart of the development, bringing together some of Manitoba’s most impactful arts and cultural organizations.

This thoughtfully curated space will be home to a diverse group of tenants dedicated to supporting artists, amplifying voices, and strengthening the local creative economy.

A Home for Artistic Expression

At the center of the Creative Hub is Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art, a leading Indigenous artist-run centre. Known for showcasing contemporary Indigenous art, Urban Shaman provides a platform for both emerging and established artists while fostering dialogue, education, and cultural awareness. Their presence at Market Lands ensures that Indigenous voices and perspectives remain a vital part of the community.

Supporting Women in the Arts

Also joining the hub is Mentoring Artists for Women's Art (MAWA), an organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and non-binary artists. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and exhibitions, MAWA has played a crucial role in building a more inclusive and supportive arts scene. Their space within Market Lands will continue to empower artists and provide opportunities for growth and connection.

Strengthening Manitoba’s Creative Sector

Creative Manitoba brings a broad mandate to the hub, supporting artists across disciplines with resources, training, and advocacy. Their work helps creatives build sustainable careers while contributing to the province’s cultural and economic development. Having Creative Manitoba on-site creates a valuable resource for both tenants and the wider community.

Celebrating Manitoba’s Music Industry

Rounding out the Creative Hub is Manitoba Music, an organization dedicated to developing and promoting the province’s music industry. From artist support to industry events, Manitoba Music plays a key role in helping local talent thrive. Their presence will bring energy, collaboration, and opportunities for musicians and music lovers alike.

A Space Designed for Community

Together, these organizations create a dynamic and inclusive environment where creativity can flourish. The Creative Hub at Market Lands is not just about providing space it’s about fostering collaboration, celebrating diversity, and building a stronger, more connected community.

By bringing these respected cultural organizations under one roof, Market Lands is setting a new standard for community-focused development one where art, culture, and people are at the forefront.

[Wpg_Guy]

Market Lands South: Setting a New Standard in Sustainable Living



As cities across Canada continue to grow, the demand for environmentally responsible housing has never been greater. Market Lands South is helping lead that shift, becoming one of the first residential mid-rise buildings in the country to achieve the CAGBC Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard a major milestone in sustainable development.

What is a CAGBC Zero Carbon Building?

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) developed the Zero Carbon Building Standard to recognize buildings that are designed to produce zero carbon emissions from their operations. This means that the building is highly energy-efficient and uses clean, renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels.

The “Design Standard” certification specifically focuses on how the building is planned and engineered before construction or completion. It ensures that every aspect from insulation and ventilation to energy systems is optimized to reduce carbon output.

In simple terms, a Zero Carbon Building is designed to:

• Minimize energy use
• Eliminate carbon emissions from operations
• Support long-term environmental sustainability

Why This Matters?

Buildings are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. By meeting the Zero Carbon Building Standard, Market Lands South is part of a growing movement to reduce environmental impact while still delivering high-quality housing.

This certification sets a new benchmark not just for Winnipeg, but for residential developments across the country.

Benefits of a Zero Carbon Building

Living in a building like Market Lands South comes with a range of meaningful benefits:
1. Lower Environmental

• Impact Zero carbon buildings significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change and support a cleaner future.

2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

• With advanced design and efficient systems, these buildings typically use less energy potentially lowering utility costs for residents over time.

3. Improved Indoor Comfort

• Better insulation, ventilation, and air quality systems create a more comfortable and healthier living environment year-round.

4. Future-Ready Living

• As sustainability standards continue to evolve, zero carbon buildings are designed to meet future regulations and expectations, making them a smart long-term choice.

5. Community-Focused Design

• Projects like Market Lands South prioritize not just environmental performance, but also livability creating spaces that support vibrant, connected communities.

A Step Forward for Sustainable Housing

Market Lands South represents more than just a place to live it reflects a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible urban growth. By achieving the CAGBC Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard, it sets an example for what modern residential developments can and should strive to be.

As more communities look toward greener solutions, developments like this are helping shape the future of housing in Canada one zero carbon building at a time.

[trueviking]

the context of those renderings at the top of the page is wacky.

Came across this....interesting to go back and see the competition submissions. I was so mad when they chose this one....the Saucier one was by far the best....would have actually opened the north half of the site up to the south....instead we get a giant wall that completely severs any visual or pedestrian connection.


https://www.ccc.umontreal.ca/fiche_concours.php?cId=516

[neutroniks]

Originally Posted by trueviking

the context of those renderings at the top of the page is wacky.

Came across this....interesting to go back and see the competition submissions. I was so mad when they chose this one....the Saucier one was by far the best....would have actually opened the north half of the site up to the south....instead we get a giant wall that completely severs any visual or pedestrian connection.


https://www.ccc.umontreal.ca/fiche_concours.php?cId=516

I too liekd Saucier because the walkway aligned with the diagonal walkway from Albert to the corner of King & William.

[bomberjet]

Classic architectural idea.

[Wpg_Guy]

The official design jury for the Market Lands Design Competition:

Bruce Kuwabara — Founding Principal, KPMB Architects, Toronto
Eladia Smoke — Principal, Smoke Architecture, Hamilton
Angela Mathieson — President & CEO, CentreVenture, Winnipeg
John Kiernan — Director, Planning, Property and Development, City of Winnipeg
Alan Tate — Professor and Head of Landscape Architecture, University of Manitoba
Zephyra Vun — Executive Director, Design Quarter Winnipeg
Annitta Stenning — CEO, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Winnipeg

The Saucier and Perrotte was by far my favouite as well.


All the design concepts are still posted on page 1. of this thread.

[Wpg_Guy]

[peg]

I also liked the Saucier best. That axis from market square would have been so cool.

It also would have been a nice reminder of the Public safety building.

[1ajs]

yea woulda been nice to incorprait the angles from old market square to continue through the site

[trueviking]

It made so much more sense to have the plaza facing east as in the Saucier proposal. It connects to the city hall plaza and creates a view and pedestrian corridor to the north block of the site from Old Market Square. The second phase would have created the north edge of the plaza, which in the current design is the main entrance to the building. There would have been so many more design options for the second phase if the first phase didn't create a wall that cut it off from the rest of the neighbourhood.

[peg]

Originally Posted by trueviking

But also it had that o r b

[neutroniks]

Originally Posted by trueviking

It made so much more sense to have the plaza facing east as in the Saucier proposal. It connects to the city hall plaza and creates a view and pedestrian corridor to the north block of the site from Old Market Square. The second phase would have created the north edge of the plaza, which in the current design is the main entrance to the building. There would have been so many more design options for the second phase if the first phase didn't create a wall that cut it off from the rest of the neighbourhood.

1000%. Kinda hate how they didn't choose this over the current design because it "didn't match the character of The Exchange". RRC's buildings all just kept the facade and don't necessarily match the character of the Exchange either. The way it would've connected to TV's building, and the new plaza by RRC would've been so much more connective.

[drew]

^ I think this proposal would have been value-engineered into oblivion.

It looks nice - but lots of not-thought thru details for pencil thin columns, large shallow overhangs/cantilevers, inset balconies, etc. etc.

[neutroniks]

True, but even if it got value engineered down, the layout and set up still would've been better than the The Wall that currently stands there now. I hope I'm wrong and time will tell if Marketlands is successful. I'm still glad we're getting anything at all, and the patio space behind it hopefully will act as a connective line between RRC's plaza -> Marketlands -> Old Market Square (and Chinatown adjacently.)

[Unbending]

The white, mostly windowless cube portion is giving me 257 Osborne St vibes.

[Biff]

The real view from the roof. The views from the suites facing south are amazing.

[Wpg_Guy]

Very cool photo, what a view!

[Unbending]

Any word on Phase 2? I remember reading that construction was supposed to start this spring. Seems less and less probable with summer just around the corner.