Manitoba NDP Leader Greg Selinger wants to rip up nine surface parking lots in Winnipeg to make way for retail, housing and commercial developments.

It's Selinger's first campaign announcement in Winnipeg ahead of the spring election.

Greg Selinger announces plan to turn government-owned surface parking spots in downtown Winnipeg into housing and retail developments. (Chris Glover/CBC) If his party is re-elected April 19, Selinger said the NDP would work closely with the private sector and downtown agencies to redevelop government-owned surface parking lots, he said Tuesday.

He cited eleven lots in total but only nine are still lots. Two are currently being developed for True North Square and the RBC Convention Centre but the party said those were included because they are examples of lots that had been eyed for a long time.

NDP Leader Greg Selinger <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mbpoli?src=hash">#mbpoli</a> targets 9 gov't owned surface parking lots he wants to toss for sale signs on: <a href="https://t.co/N7KwT0SxVH">pic.twitter.com/N7KwT0SxVH</a> —@chrisgloverCBC "Think of all that has changed about downtown Winnipeg during our time together: The MTS Centre, the return of the Jets, a brand new skyline that includes Centrepoint, Manitoba Hydro Place, the RBC Convention Centre and soon, True North Square," he said.

In a map provided at the event, the NDP highlighted nine parking lots, but said there are two not pictured. Those lots are around the Manitoba Museum, the party said.

"We've been able to do these things together by harnessing the potential of our strong economy and affordable cost of living. We want to add even more housing, retail, and commercial options in the heart of our city because we believe in creating a vibrant downtown where everyone belongs."

Selinger said the NDP would work to support to the Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District (SHED) downtown by offering incentives to help develop coffee shops, local retail services, bars and restaurants, as well as upgrade streets and public areas.

In addition to putting a priority on support for the Winnipeg Art Gallery's proposed Inuit Art Centre and the new headquarters for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, Selinger said the NDP want to see a grocery store and a dog park eventually be developed downtown as well.