Métis Federation adds office space, touts revitalization of downtown Winnipeg

The Manitoba Métis Federation is finalizing the purchase of two more office buildings and a parking lot in the heart of downtown Winnipeg.

The buildings are near the major intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street, where the federation bought a former Bank of Montreal building in 2020.

Federation president David Chartrand says it’s part of a plan to revitalize downtown Winnipeg, which has seen office vacancy rates rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I come flying home, I’m going to be able to see the MMF sign flashing above there and that’s going to bring warmth and pride into my heart,” said Chartrand.

A ribbon cutting marked a new chapter for the MMF who purchased these two towers formally owned by Bell MTS, adding over 600,000 square feet of office space to the MMF’s repertoire of real estate. Chartrand says they are trying to revive the city core and believe this purchase will be a big stepping stone in doing just that.

“Now that our brand, our nation and our government will be more respected in the context that we are a player, we will do our part to help our beautiful city and our province.”

Chartrand would not reveal how much the federation is paying but says it’s less than the estimated $140 million it would cost to construct new buildings.

He says the federation plans to bring 160 employees downtown from other areas, in addition to staff already downtown.

Chartrand, who has been president since 1997, also says he will work to attract new tenants for the office space.

“Throughout my political career, I’ve made a lot of good friends, a lot of business acquaintances,” Chartrand said Thursday.

“We’re looking at getting the message out there that … this downtown is available for business.”

Artis REIT, the real estate trust that is selling the properties, said it’s happy to see the transaction going through.

“We need more organizations to step up the way that the MMF has done and continues to do, by not only occupying more space, but bringing more people downtown to support the local economy,” said Artis REIT president and CEO Samir Manji.

“We own over 1 million of square feet and do so very proudly and with a higher degree of optimism and confidence knowing who our neighbours are going to be, both occupying this building and owning these assets.”

This purchase adds to other recent acquisitions for the MMF, adding to the over one hundred million dollars infused into the city through their real estate portfolio, which includes eleven properties in the downtown area alone.

“Métis are here, but people have not been listening to them we’ve been hiding in plain sight, but now they are really going to see our brand sparkle into the night sky, and I think it will bring great pride to the next generation. The youth will be very proud,” said Chartrand.

Chartrand says while this is a huge investment, it won’t be the last, with multiple plans to continue expanding not just downtown, but throughout Manitoba.

-With files from the Canadian Press