News Summary

The redevelopment of the historic Hudson’s Bay Co. building in downtown Winnipeg, spearheaded by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, has seen its cost double to $310 million, up from the original estimate of $130 million. This First Nations-led project aims to transform the six-story building into a space featuring 200 affordable housing units for First Nations citizens, along with restaurants and office and retail spaces for entrepreneurs. The project’s cost increase is attributed to supply chain issues, inflation, and U.S. tariff threats on construction materials. Although the original plan included a health center offering both Western and traditional medicine, this aspect is currently being reconsidered due to the rising costs. The redevelopment is part of a broader effort to advance reconciliation and is expected to be completed by 2028.