Hudson’s Bay Re-development: A Symbol of Economic Reconciliation

Winnipeg’s historic Hudson’s Bay building, a long-standing emblem of the city’s commercial heritage, is set for a new life with the unveiling of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) project to redevelop the establishment into a multi-purpose facility.

This redevelopment initiative aims to transform the iconic structure into a new hub of culture, commerce, and healing to promote Indigenous economic development and reconciliation.

The Vision Behind the Transformation

The project which officially began during the pandemic, shortly after the Hudson’s Bay ceased its operations downtown, is the product of a collaborative partnership between the private and public sector. Recognizing the building’s potential, the SCO spearheaded a vision to repurpose the space into a hub that fosters economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and the community at large.

Renovations have been ongoing for nearly two years, and while the SCO is at the forefront of the project the development is greatly benefiting from contributions by the municipal, provincial, and federal governments.

A Path to Reconciliation and Indigenous Empowerment

For centuries, the Hudson’s Bay has been involved in fur-trading with Indigenous peoples throughout the land that is today Canada. This dynamic often involved complex relationships with the Indigenous communities, marred by Canada’s colonial origins.

Redeveloping the historic building into a facility which champions Indigenous economic empowerment represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation and is a further testament of the incredible progress that has been made between the business and Indigenous communities.

While the building is still undergoing construction, with plans to have some access to the public in 2026, the facility is envisioned as a vibrant space encompassing broad uses.

Up to 289 accessible housing units have been proposed, in addition to an art gallery, restaurants and cafes, an atrium, and medical services. By offering a multifaceted space, the SCO project seeks to stimulate the downtown area while celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage.

As the project progresses, it is important to recognize that this symbolizes much more than just the revitalization of a historical building. It embodies a collective aspiration for a future where both the public and private sector can engage in economic empowerment of Indigenous communities in the hope of building a more prosperous future for all.