MMF expands investment in downtown Winnipeg through historic property acquisition

September 28, 2023

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, proudly announced the acquisition of 200 Main Street and adjacent 165 Fort Street.

"It's a proud day for all Red River Métis Citizens, as we increase our footprint in the heart of our Homeland, in what is now called Winnipeg," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "This beautiful, well cared for building will become a cornerstone of our government operations, housing MMF affiliates and departments, while inspiring pride in our Citizens."

The property was built in 1990 and was acquired and extensively renovated by the current owner in 2003. It features seven storeys, with 111,778 square feet of space, as well as 320 underground parking stalls and 35 electrified surface parking stalls.

"Wawanesa Insurance is committed to the future of downtown Winnipeg and congratulates the Manitoba Métis Federation on this significant acquisition," said Wawanesa's SVP & Chief Financial Officer, Gord Dowhan. "As Wawanesa looks forward to our new headquarters at True North Square - a major investment in the future of Downtown Winnipeg and the Manitoba economy - it has always been important to us that we find a purchaser who is going to be a positive force downtown. There is no doubt that the Manitoba Métis Federation is the right occupant to move into this building and develop it for the future."

More than half the building's space will be occupied by MMF departments and affiliates to deliver the Red River Métis Government's programs and services to Citizens. It will also include a culturally-focused Red River Métis child care centre.

The purchase of this building marks an investment of over $31.3 million in capital acquisitions and developments in Winnipeg by the MMF since 2019. Once this purchase is finalized, the MMF will be investing $91.2 million in Winnipeg over the next 3 years, combined with our current planned capital investments. Of the total of $122.5 million in capital, $86.5 million has and will be invested in downtown Winnipeg.

The MMF has now purchased properties at 280 Fort Street and 200 Main Street, as well as 335 Main Street for our Red River Métis National Heritage Centre, which will deliver a one-of-a-kind experience in North America and the world. With these investments alone, we anticipate bringing over 300 employees into to the downtown area, as well as welcoming thousands of visitors to our heritage centre annually.

"There is no doubt that we are investing in downtown Winnipeg because we believe in it and want to play a key role in its revitalization," said President Chartrand. "This is the birthplace of our Nation, which speaks to our hearts. It is also the site where Canada once took away our land through the scrip - acquiring this land back is one of the ways we can honour our Ancestors, returning this land to our people, acre by acre and building by building."

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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