WINNIPEG, MB, July 18,
2024 /CNW/ - in the National Homeland of the Red
River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the
National Government of the Red River Métis, joined by Artis REIT,
and political representatives from other levels of government,
announced a further major investment in downtown Winnipeg, the heart of the Red River Métis
Homeland, through the acquisition of 333 Main Street, as well as
191 and 179 Pioneer Avenue.
Today's announcement adds to MMF's existing downtown footprint
of 11 properties, representing our significant, continued and
active commitment to keeping downtown Winnipeg vital and vibrant. Over the past six
years – including this acquisition - the MMF will infuse over
$100 million in downtown Winnipeg through real estate acquisitions,
capital development and redevelopment, property tax and education
property tax contributions. The MMF has also brought over 550
employees downtown, and will be adding another 160 more over the
coming year.
"The MMF is doing its part to revitalize our downtown, infusing
it with our dollars and our staff presence, which we're confident
will inspire the pride of our people," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "With 60%
of our employees working downtown everyday, we know we can bring
substantial and much-needed economic benefits to businesses and
service providers located around our buildings."
"It has been a pleasure to work with the MMF on this
transaction," said Samir, Manji, President and CEO of Artis REIT.
"As an owner of over 1 million square feet of office real estate in
downtown Winnipeg, we are pleased
to sell these assets to an owner who shares a similar vision for
the future of downtown Winnipeg.
We wish the MMF success and look forward to working together as
neighbours, property owners and businesses committed to doing our
part to revitalize our City's downtown core."
With this announcement, the MMF has acquired an additional
36 storeys of downtown real estate, with nearly 300,000 square feet
of office space, along with a nearly 100 stall parking lot, which
adds to our existing 588 stalls. The MMF will continue to work with
private sector partners to activate downtown Winnipeg with government and business
activities.
"There's no doubt our Nation feels a strong sense of
responsibility for the well-being of the city and province we
helped build, which is why we are putting the strength of our
economic resurgence and revitalization into it, for the benefit of
all," said President Chartrand. "I invite businesses, developers
and other levels of government to unite with us, and show that they
are equally committed to the vitality of our downtown. Together, we
can not only save our downtown, we can restore it as the beating
heart of our province."
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.
SOURCE Manitoba Métis Federation