Hudson’s Bay Co. is transferring ownership of its downtown Winnipeg property to an umbrella group of Manitoba First Nations. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is the recipient of the 600,000-square-foot Beaux Arts building. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined First Nations leaders and HBC representatives last week to announce the gift.
The site will serve as a multipurpose space including 300 housing units, two restaurants, a health clinic, daycare centre, and museums. “This is a shift in our history,” said SCO grand chief Jerry Daniels. “We’re seeing a very significant and visible transition that really puts into action what has been referred to as economic reconciliation.”