Canad Inns to Sell Properties in Downtown Winnipeg

Perhaps it was inevitable after the death of Leo Ledohowski in 2025. Not every one of his family member lives in Winnipeg. The disposition of the various hotels and properties has already begun. Recently, the Tavern United in the pumphouse beside the Canada Life Arena was closed. The speculation though was that the lease had expired and the Jets owner had a use in mind for the property.  The name coming up was Moxie's as being an interested in the space. I thought perhaps Tavern could go in Canad Inns own property at Somerset but it appears the family had other plans.

The Manitoba Metis have already announced early they might be interested in the hotel at the very least. However, the Ledohowski's have said that is only available as a package with the other properties. It is possible the MMF could take all the properties of partner up with someone. Perhaps, the Jets might be interested in the Met building for its concert business and Jets/Moose game events. Certainly the Jets organization don't want empty buildings beside them after all the years of trying to build up surrounding area.

Some on Facebook are proposing a treatment and addictions housing center. That is probably premature for a hotel that still is viable but probably in need of an update just as several in the downtown have been getting or are getting now. As for the largely empty Somerset building, it sits right across from the arena and has a skywalk through it. I expect there is a use for the building, especially the ground floor which one house a Dollar Tree. Sitting directly across from one of the main entrances to the arena, it is possible it could be a good place for some restaurant or bar. The Somerset used to have Woolworth based there and the upper floors offices. It is possible someone might have a use for it. The Aveda building next door is a great example of someone finding a new use for a fine building.

The former Northstar Inn (now Radisson) with its parkade might be an attractive option for someone wanting a hotel. However, the price to upgrade will be the millions. The Fairmont is presently going through a $120 million rebuild. The Charterhouse rebuild to Best Western Plus Downtown was $30 million. The Sutton Place Hotel and Suites is likely up in two years. No timetable or price another hotel on Broadway. Add to this the impending sale of The Fort Garry. The final touches are the skywalks funded by city and province for Sutton Place are being made. The Radisson and adjacent buildings already have skywalks.

So many projects come on stream late this year and into the next two years. Changes of ownership should not be unexpected. It was locals families that transformed the Fort Garry and the Metropolitan. Hopefully, it will be local to take them to the next level.

The Winnipeg Police will be initiating a crackdown on open drug use. However, this time it will run into November and they will be accompanied by workers equipped to help people will assistance. Too many residents, businesses and even support services are overwhelmed by overdoses on such a scale and people in doorways and encampments and not being able to ensure personal safety and property security.

The longer a building has no users, the greater the chance it will burn in this environment. It appears that the hotel and the Met are not shuttering but a new owner dedicated to their revitalization would be most welcome. Meanwhile, the city and province could do a lot to make sure that people feel they can come downtown and not regret it because of safety and security reasons.