Massive economic development at Kapyong takes huge step forward

Final Master Plan Completed and Off to City Hall; Federal Government

After months of public engagement and nearly two years of planning, the Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) and the Canada Lands Company (CLC) today released the Master Plan for the 160-acre development to be constructed at the former Kapyong Barracks in Winnipeg.

“This legacy development will unlock endless economic opportunities and benefits for generations to come among our Treaty One First Nations," said Whelan Sutherland, T1DC CEO, "and provide an ongoing and major contribution to both the Winnipeg and Manitoba economies."

The 130-page document, available online for public viewing, provides comprehensive plans for all aspects of the development ranging from green space and recreation facilities to a variety of housing, retail, and commercial options. 

"We are thankful to the thousands who participated in our public engagement process and provided such valuable input into our Master Plan," said Chris Elkey, CLC's Vice President, Real Estate West. "In addition to housing, retail and commercial, the site will also feature lots of park spaces, thoughtful landscape design, innovative sustainable development approaches, commemoration opportunities, and connections through, and into the site from existing neighbourhoods."

To create a vibrant, complete community, the key components include: 

  • Mixed-use Village – Higher density housing with retail, service and commercial (11.32 acres).
  • Commercial Mixed-Use – Retail and commercial uses, office, and major cultural facilities (45.74 acres).
  • Medium Density Residential – Well-designed, multi-unit housing types (29.89 acres). 
  • Lower Density Residential – Well-designed, lower density housing types along the western edge (15.59 acres).
  • Sports + Recreation – Community and regional cultural and recreation facilities (4.90 acres). 
  • Cultural Campus + Education – Mix of institutional uses, including educational, cultural and governance facilities (11.41 acres).
  • Community Spaces – A high quality, connected network of publicly accessible parks and open spaces (11.85 acres).

At full completion, the redevelopment of the former Kapyong Barracks could accommodate between 2,300 to 3,000 homes and between 915,000 and 1.2 million square feet of commercial space.  This will represent the largest multi-use project in modern Winnipeg history and the single largest, strategically located urban Indigenous economic zone in Canada. 

The 51-acre CLC lands will now proceed as a Secondary Plan for review by the City of Winnipeg while the T1DC will work to finalize a Co-Management Agreement with the Government of Canada and Municipal Development Service Agreement with the City. All processes could conclude as early as the fall of 2021, clearing the way for the start of the redevelopment soon after. In terms of next steps:

  • Demolition is on track and expected to be completed by the end of summer 2021.
  • Land parcels will be made development-ready with work scheduled to begin on the 7.66-acre Block A (Route 90 & Taylor) once land is repatriated to Treaty One Nation; and
  • CLC to begin work on its first phase, once municipal approvals are obtained.

“We offer our thanks and congratulations to everyone for achieving this major milestone,” said Chief Dennis Meeches, Chair of the Governing Council for Treaty One Nation. “As we work to restore our sovereignty and right to govern our seven Treaty One Nations, we look forward to uniting as one with all communities for the betterment of all.”

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To arrange a media interview, please contact:
Blair Strong, Communications Manager at T1DC, @email 
Chris Elkey, VP Real Estate (West), Canada Lands Company, 403-681-1477, @email
To view the Master Plan, please click here.

About Treaty One Nation
Treaty One Nation is committed to the advancement and recognition of nation-to-nation Treaty obligations, consultation and accommodation in all matters including resource development. The Treaty One Nation is governed by the Chiefs of the seven member Nations and works in partnership with the Treaty One Development Corporation. Please visit our website and follow our social media changes to keep informed on our progress, and for updates on the T150 celebrations.

About Treaty 1 Development Corporation
The mission of the T1DC is to advance the economic and social well-being of the citizens of Treaty One.  It is responsible for planning, developing, and managing 109 acres at the former Kapyong Barracks Site.  Governance oversight is provided by a Board comprising the Chiefs of the seven Treaty One First Nations.  For more information, visit https://treaty1.ca

About Canada Lands Company
Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation that specializes in real estate development and attractions management. Since 1995, Canada Lands has enriched Canadian communities and experiences by embracing the full potential of the properties it owns and operates. Canada Lands is a leader in attractions management with its operations of the CN Tower and Downsview Park in Toronto, the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre. Canada Lands Company strives to enhance economic, social and environmental value for Canadians. It has delivered more than $1 billion in economic benefits to Canada since inception.