Winnipeg, MB – The long-awaited development of CentrePort South (the city of Winnipeg lands within the inland port) has officially started with the advancement of key tenders for Phase 1A water and wastewater servicing, and the creation of a dedicated development team to work closely with developers to fast-track construction activities.
Representatives from the Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, CentrePort Canada and Winnipeg Airports Authority gathered today for a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the occasion.
"We’re excited to see this project move forward as it will create good jobs for Manitobans and help grow our economy. Manitoba is an international trade corridor linked by sea, rail, road and air from the Arctic Ocean to Mexico and Centreport plays a vital role,” Lisa Naylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We are pleased to partner with other levels of government to move this project forward, to attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth. By incentivizing housing developments, investing in low-carbon industries, we are giving the next generation of workers more opportunities to build a career and raise a family here in Manitoba."
CentrePort South spans 1,800 developable acres, featuring a 500-acre residential project and 1,100 acres of industrial development, including a new industrial park on the Winnipeg Airports Authority campus. Once fully developed, the area is expected to generate over 16,000 person-years of employment and nearly $80 million annually in tax revenue for Winnipeg.
“This is a transformative opportunity for our city, promising to create thousands of jobs and thousands of new homes,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We’re committed to making CentrePort South a thriving hub for growth and innovation by streamlining processes and investing in supporting infrastructure, like the Chief Peguis Trail extension and Route 90 renewal.”
To cut red tape and expedite new economic and housing opportunities, the City is forming the CentrePort South Development Support Team to streamline the review of development applications, ensure prompt processing of permits, and maintain a competitive development environment.
Led by Matt Dryburgh, Senior Manager of Economic Development at the City of Winnipeg, the team includes members from various civic departments including Water and Waste, Public Works, Planning, Property & Development, and the Economic Development Office.
“At CentrePort, we know what the key ingredients are for economic growth at the inland port, and they include fully-serviced land availability, multiple levels of government working together, and a strategic, coordinated approach to development,” said Carly Edmundson, President and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc. “Today’s announcement sends a strong message that CentrePort South is ready for investment and growth.”
Following the commitment of more than $74 million by the City and Province for Phase 1A of the water and wastewater infrastructure, key activities are underway, including:
- Interceptor and Feeder Main: Tenders were awarded in June, with anticipated completion by Q4 and Q3 2025, respectively.
- Lift Station: Tender closes end of August, with anticipated completion by Q3 2026.
- Force Main: Tender closes early August, with anticipated completion by Q3 2026.
This progress ensures both residential and industrial projects, including the airport's industrial project, can begin in 2025.
Applications are already being assembled by developers and businesses, signaling a strong interest in the development opportunities at CentrePort South.