Work begins at site of former Kapyong Barracks

Work has officially begun at the site of the former Kapyong Barracks in Winnipeg’s south end.

Construction on a 7.66-acre parcel of land at the former military site on Kenaston Boulevard and Taylor Avenue began last week, marking the first phase of the Treaty One Development Corp. Business Park.

The 109-acre property, to be called Naawi-Oodena, will house a commercial mixed-use zone with 130,000 sq. ft of commercial space and a 95,000-sq.-ft commercial centre.

“This milestone isn’t just about buildings; it is a testament to the commitment of the Treaty One Nations and our allies to build towards a brighter future for all. This is the beginning of a new chapter for Nations across Turtle Island,” EJ Fontaine, president of Treaty One Development Corp. and Sagkeeng First Nation chief, said in a news release.

The $1 billion-plus development is more than 20 years in the making, the release said. The former Canadian Armed Forces site has sat empty since 2004.

The Oodena Gas Bar will be the first building expected to be completed, with an anticipated opening date of January 2025.

Treaty One Development Corp. is partnering with federal Crown corporation Canada Lands Co. for Naawi-Oodena — which means “centre of the heart” or “centre of our community” — for what will be one of the largest infill development projects in the country. It will be the largest urban reserve in Canada.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca