With a population expected to reach 1,000,000 by 2035, compared to approximately 663,000 in 2011, Winnipeg is undergoing an important transformation. While more housing is getting built across the city's different neighbourhoods, new infrastructure from public spaces to offices and entertainment facilities are needed in order to support this growth, encouraged by the CentreVenture Development Corporation. As a result, True North Sports and Entertainment Limited — owner of the Winnipeg Jets — is currently developing two acres of land in the downtown South Portage area as seen in the video below, posted to the Winnipeg Free Press Youtube channel.

Known as True North Square, the $400 million CAD project is set to rise along Graham Avenue, only steps away from the RBC Convention Centre and the MTS Centre. Designed by Perkins + Will, the development will consist of three mixed-used towers and a new public square. The tallest building will be located at the corner of Graham and Hargrave Streets, and rise 27 storeys above ground level. While the lobby area and a five-star hotel are expected to occupy the first 21 floors, the six upper levels are likely to feature a condominium component.

Aerial view of True North Square, image via True North Sports and Entertainment Limited

A second, 19-storey tower will boast 28,000 square metres of office space. The bottom five levels of the building will form a podium, of which the two first floors will be dedicated to retail uses. A 25,000-square-metre, nine-storey building entirely fronting onto Carlton Street will bring additional office space to the complex, connected to its surroundings by sky bridges. The central, oval-shaped public square will provide a new landscaped gathering point for the 16,000 Winnipegers currently living downtown. It will also offer an adjustable space with cafes, outdoor patios and a possible public stage taking over the space during the warm season. Other potential uses could include an outdoor skating rink and ice bar in the winter. Finally, the parking lot situated next to Saint Mary's Cathedral will be converted into a park.

View of the future public space at True North Square, image via True North Sports and Entertainment Limited

The development is currently in its early stages of construction, with preparation work now underway. True North Sports and Entertainment Limited said that more details regarding the development and timeline will be made available later this February. In the meantime, additional renderings and information are available on the project's dedicated Database page, linked below. You can also share your thoughts about True North Square and Winnipeg's population growth by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page, or visiting the Forum thread for this project.