Cost of decommissioning Portage & Main underground concourse revealed

A new debate has emerged at City Hall about what to do about the underground concourse at Portage and Main. Danton Unger explains.

A city committee is recommending that the underground concourse at Portage and Main be maintained rather than decommissioned.

A report in the agenda presented to the city’s property and development committee found that a full decommissioning of the space located under the intersection would cost an estimated $11.14 million and take nearly 18 months to complete. A partial decommissioning, which would close the south loop of the concourse, would cost approximately $9.44 million and take 14 months to complete.

The committee is recommending that the city continue maintaining the concourse until a full cost-benefit analysis is completed.

During the survey, the six tenants currently in the concourse were asked to share their thoughts. The survey found 80 per cent were opposed to closing any part of the concourse, saying it helps attract customers, especially in the winter months.

“Having properties and businesses directly connected to the underground concourse greatly influenced decisions to lease space in the concourse with 80 percent of tenants saying it was either the primary reason for their decision or greatly influenced their decision to lease space,” the report reads.

The survey said businesses have seen a reduction in foot traffic since Portage and Main opened to pedestrians in June 2025.

Business owners also asked for safety improvements and additional security measures for the concourse in the survey.

At least one business owner in the concourse is hoping for a plan soon for the concourse.

Eric Chi, who owns the Korean restaurant Eshei Tree, said he is in limbo right now as he awaits an answer.

“I want to know what’s going to happen as soon as possible,” Chi said.

Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood -Tuxedo -Westwood), who chairs the property and development committee, said a decision is likely not happening for at least a year.

“All the options are on the table, whether we do the full repair to Portage and Main with the surface, maybe we look at getting rid of that property altogether, and somebody else wants to take it on,” Duncan said. “We just don’t know at this time, and hopefully this report will get us in that direction.”

Chi said if the concourse stayed open, he said the needed construction for the space would likely put him out of business.

“For me, either way, I have to close,” he said.

The report will be discussed when the committee meets Friday.

Clarification: The City of Winnipeg sent an updated agenda on Monday, showing the costs of the decommission had changed from $7.9 million and $6.5 million to $11.14 million and $9.44 million.