True North and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization have teamed up on two major redevelopment projects in downtown Winnipeg.

The company, through its real estate development arm, and Indigenous group have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the Portage Place and Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn projects. The proposed redevelopments are slated to include numerous multi-family residential units, including affordable housing, and mixed-use spaces.

True North, whose ownership interests include the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League, is seeking to redevelop the ,mammoth Portage Place shopping centre. The Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project involves the redevelopment of a former Hudson’s Bay Company department store.

“Our collective vision for both the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn and Portage Place developments weaves together the many layers we believe are necessary for a successful downtown transformation,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in a news release. 

Together the projects encompass about two million square feet. During a news conference Tuesday. Jim Ludlow, president of True North’s real estate arm, said the redevelopments have a total projected cost of $850 million.

True North and SCO have pledged to prioritize First Nations inclusion in advanced education and skills training and memberships.