'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
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.