Infrastructure Canada funding of $25 million and PrairiesCan funding of $6 million to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) will advance economic reconciliation and help revitalize downtown Winnipeg through the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn Project – “It is visible.”

 

May 24, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Government of Canada is investing in the transformational development of the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project at the site of the former Hudson’s Bay Company building in downtown Winnipeg.

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan announced a joint federal investment of more than $31 million. Infrastructure Canada is investing $25 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, while PrairiesCan is investing $6 million through the Community Economic Development and Diversification program. This joint investment will support the Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project as a downtown economic, housing, and cultural hub.

SCO is a First Nations organization representing 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 people that works to promote the rights, cultures, and prosperity of its member Nations. The development of the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project will see the creation of new housing, business, and cultural spaces accessible to both First Nations and non-First Nations citizens. One goal is to build community by attracting tourists, students, the downtown business community, and others into the space. The plan includes affordable housing units, assisted living units for Elders, a childcare centre, a museum and gallery, space for entrepreneurs, two restaurants, and public spaces that honour the land and commemorate residential and day-school Survivors and the children who did not return home. In addition, the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn redevelopment will include a Governance House for the Chiefs of the southern First Nations in Manitoba.

The PrairiesCan investment for this project includes the development and launch of Miikahnah Connect, a First Nations-focused workforce development app, as well as activities to prepare the former HBC building for redevelopment. It is anticipated that more than 400 people will be hired to work on the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project through the app. Overall, this investment is expected to provide necessary resources and spaces for First Nations people in downtown Winnipeg.

The Infrastructure Canada funding will support vital repairs and upgrades to the building. This includes transforming the main floor into a public space. Overall, the enhancements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 44.6 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 356 tonnes.

These initiatives demonstrate Canada’s commitment to supporting projects that advance economic and social reconciliation and revitalize downtowns.