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WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government has signed an agreement with True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) to support the redevelopment of Portage Place shopping centre in Winnipeg into a campus for housing, health care services and other community supports.

As a shareholder in The Forks North Portage Partnership, the Manitoba government has authorized the sale of Portage Place and committed to a long-term lease agreement for the Health-Care Centre of Excellence that enables further development to revitalize the downtown core, a release said.

“Once fully operational, approximately 1,800 Manitobans will be employed full-time at the site, offering a springboard for further economic opportunities to save our downtown. This is a legacy we can all take pride in,” said Manitoba Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Jamie Moses in a statement.

The tower will include a primary care clinic with integrated mental health and addictions services, as well as surgery, diagnostics and renal dialysis, and an expanded Pan Am Clinic, the release said.

The Manitoba government also recognized the partnership between TNRED and Southern Chiefs’ Organization to establish the not-for-profit entity TN-SCO 92 Inc., to deliver on market and affordable housing, including accessible units.

The Government of Canada is also contributing $10 million for TN-SCO 92 Inc. through PrairiesCan, a federal government release said.