'A catalyst for even more development': Construction underway at Naawi-Oodena
Construction crews have moved in to start the first phase of development at the former Kapyong Barracks site.
Ground broke a few months ago and now work is underway to get the first building up and running at the property known as Naawi-Oodena.
Once complete, the site will house a new gas bar, which is scheduled to open in January 2025.
"We're looking at that gas bar as being a catalyst for even more development for the site. It's a first step, but an exciting step and a hopeful step for the future of Treaty 1 people," said Sagkeeng First Nation Chief EJ Fontaine in an interview with CTV News Winnipeg.
Construction of the 7.66-acre site at the northeast corner of Kenaston Boulevard and Taylor Avenue started last week and will be part of a larger project that will include 130,000 sq. ft of commercial space and a 95,000 sq. ft commercial centre.
"Even though it's a small project, it has monumental significance for Treaty 1 bands that we can do something and we're going to do it,” Fontaine said.
"We've never had a project like this ever, anywhere in Canada, so it's really exciting for us to see that we're actually going to create economic self-sufficiency here for our people."
Fontaine noted this won't just be beneficial for First Nations in the city and province, but this development plan will contribute to the local economy in Winnipeg and Manitoba – something that will be felt by everyone.
The first section of the Kenaston and Taylor development is expected to be finished by 2028, while the entire 109-acre property will take up to 20 years to complete.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
B.C. study tracks breaths of killer whales using stunning drone video
The use of drones has helped researchers track the breathing patterns of killer whales off B.C.'s coast, and the videos offer a stunning glimpse of the majestic creatures diving and surfacing.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Duchene scores winner in 2nd OT, Stars reach conference final with 2-1 win over Avs
Matt Duchene scored at 11:42 of the second overtime after being involved in a play that led to a goal disallowed for goaltender interference in the first extra period, and the Dallas Stars advanced to the Western Conference final with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 on Friday night.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Thousands are expected to rally on Washington's National Mall in support of Palestinian rights
Thousands of protesters are expected to turn out for a rally in the American capital Saturday in support of Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.