b'HERITAGE PRESERVATIONRESTORING AN ICONThe Southern Chiefs Organizations Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project is transforming Winnipegs historic Hudsons Bay building into a vibrant hub for housing, culture and economic opportunityand setting a new standard for Indigenous-led urban revitalizationBy Kelly ParkerPhoto courtesy of PCL Constructors Canada Inc.One of the most significant heritageNations cultures, economic developmentSCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says that retrofit projects in Canadaand aand community services. the revised budget contains contingency milestone in national reconciliationOne major headline grabber has beento account for those potential unknown efforts and Indigenous-led urbanthe revised budget, with increasinglyimpacts, including evolution of design revitalizationis underway. Thisaccurate budgeting bringing the totaland pricing, increased program, supply transformational redevelopment ofto $310 million, due in part to a sharpchain pressures, inflation and tariff Winnipegs historic Hudsons Bayincrease in materials costs. Beyond that,threats on construction materials in building by the Southern Chiefsthere have been other added featuresaddition to heritage building upgrades, Organization (SCO), known asto the project. The project added morestructural reinforcements and modern Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, was firstunitswhich was a large part of theenergy-efficiency standards. covered in Build Manitobas summernew budgetand the constructionAlthough a drive-by of the former 2023 issue, and since then, the scopemanager, PCL, provided a budget thatHudsons Bay building faade so and momentum of the project have was much more accurate and not reliantwell known to Winnipeggers doesnt only evolved. on conceptual draft design and programreveal much activityapart from the The project, first announced in Aprilelements. construction crane on its west side2022, represents a bold visionOf course, the U.S. tariff situation andinside is a hive of activity. Right now, for reconciliation, urban renewalincreasingly volatile global economics and economic empowerment.have also become part of the picture. Once completed, Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohnmeaning it is visible in Anishinaabemowin will feature:373 housing units; 200 affordable housing units forFirst Nations citizens; and Office and retail spaces to fosterFirst Nations entrepreneurship.The redevelopment, led by SCO in partnership with multiple levels of government, aims to revitalize an iconic building into a space that prioritizes First 38 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'