Treaty 1 Development Corporation and Canada Lands Corporation (the consortium) have unveiled their long-awaited optimized plan for the multi-use development of the Kapyong Barracks site, a former military base adjacent to Kenaston Boulevard in Winnipeg.

In a statement, the consortium said 3,000 Manitobans were involved in the public consultation process. Surveys were completed and logged for virtual presentations in each of the seven Treaty One First Nations.

Chris Elkey, vice-president, Real Estate West of Canada Lands Corporation (a Crown corporation) told the Winnipeg Sun on Thursday the site could eventually have a population of 2,000 to 3,000 in addition to significant commercial use. He said the project is a great chance to display Indigenous culture through design, and to commemorate the former site use.

“I think that’s the most exciting part of the project,” he said.

Highlights of the plan are a mixed-use village area, a central campus to showcase Treaty One public art and design, more functional green space, enhanced traffic management, and accessible transit and active transportation. In addition, the southwest corner of the site was adjusted from medium to low-density single-family housing. Medium-density housing was moved to the site’s core.

According to the consortium’s report, a survey respondent said, “I think it’s been way too long watching the buildings go unmaintained and the land unused. I am pleased there is finally a timeline to get it usable and enjoyable again.”

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