WINNIPEG -- An iconic part of Downtown Winnipeg is now boarded up.

The former location of the Hudson’s Bay Company now has its windows and doors boarded up after closing last year.

Bay downtown boarded up

(CTV News Photo Glenn Pismenny)

The store, which first opened in 1926, shut its doors in November due to struggles resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and closures of non-essential businesses in Manitoba. HBC also cited shifting consumer behaviours and changes to how and where people shop.

In December, the signs were removed from the exterior of the store.

bay doors winnipeg boarded up

(CTV News Photo Glenn Pismenny)

The future of the building is up in the air, but due to it having heritage status, it will not be torn down.

The city has created an advisory committee which will advise city council on what to do next with the space.

downtown bay boarded up

(CTV News Photo Glenn Pismenny)