The iconic Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg is undergoing a multi-phased, $130-million transformation, making it one of the largest redevelopment projects of its kind in Canadian history. Led by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) in consultation with the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), federal, provincial, and municipal Treaty partners, and Number Ten Architectural Group, plans for the site include 300 affordable housing units, an art gallery, offices for Indigenous entrepreneurs, a healing centre, a memorial for residential school victims and survivors, restaurants, a museum, and more.

Marking an important act of reclamation and a significant step in corporate Canada’s reconciliation journey, HBC transferred ownership of the aging department store to SCO after permanently closing its doors in November 2020. Since then, plans have been underway to repurpose the landmark building into something equally historic—a hub of economic opportunity for the city of Winnipeg and a celebration of First Nations heritage and culture for years to come.

“Many of our leaders and communities embrace a holistic approach to economic development—an approach in which the primary value of development is in providing a means to reinvest in the community for the benefit of all,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Today can be another step toward that brighter vision, where we can work together on building the future our ancestors dreamed of—one with hope and opportunity for all.”

Called “Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn”—which means “it is visible”— plans for the building involve maintaining the exterior heritage features such as the concrete structure, limestone cladding, bronze storefront windows and entries, while the interior is to be repurposed completely.

Environmental sustainability will be championed throughout the project, which aims to reduce energy consumption by 35 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent, exceeding National Energy Code requirements. In the meantime, the project will create significant long-term employment opportunities with over a million working hours estimated for the construction phase alone—and once complete, it will become a catalyst for revitalizing and repopulating Winnipeg’s downtown core.

“As we considered the future for the Winnipeg building, it was important to ensure a sustainable plan for the site that also had meaningful purpose for the city of Winnipeg,” said Richard A. Baker, Governor and Executive Chairman of Hudson’s Bay Company. “HBC’s Truth and Reconciliation journey requires actions that demonstrate our commitment to moving forward together with Indigenous communities. We believe SCO is the right steward for this location and can create a new community landmark that will help advance reconciliation.”