Mayor Brian Bowman says the city will assist the True North Square mega project.
Construction is currently underway for the $400 million downtown development that will include an office tower, hotel, residential building and plaza for hockey fans.
"This is an investment in our downtown of over 400 million dollars, could be transformative, and obviously we want to be supportive of those efforts here at the City of Winnipeg," said Bowman.
The mayor says city officials are in talks with True North.
"Our officials are trying to hammer out exactly what that means in terms of the contribution by the city on public spaces," he said.
Bowman says the city could pay for public infrastructure like sewer, water, skywalks, street lighting and sidewalks.
The city isn't the only government meeting with True North about a contribution.
Premier Greg Selinger says funding these types of public amenities will benefit everyone.
"Whether they're coming downtown for a doctor's appointment, or a shopping experience or entertainment experience, these are public amenities that serve the entire population," said Selinger.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says if True North can afford to build a development of this size, it can afford to foot the entire bill.
"The province and the city, they need to start saying no to these special deals. In all honesty, they've already got more debt than they can handle," said Todd MacKay with the CTF in Lloydminster Wednesday.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce disagrees, saying both governments will see a boost to tourism and their tax bases in downtown because of this development.
"It's a no brainer in terms of them investing in it because they’re going to get a return on that investment,” said Chuck Davidson with the chamber.
True North would not comment, but did say it will offer more details during a formal announcement scheduled in the coming weeks.
