Manitoba Metis Federation looking to purchase iconic downtown Winnipeg hotel

Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Hotel is now available for purchase.

The Manitoba Metis Federation is looking at purchasing one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

MMF president David Chartrand said Friday that his government is looking at purchasing the Fort Garry Hotel, which was recently listed for sale.

“We are not done with our commitment to investing in Winnipeg’s downtown,” Chartrand said in a statement to CTV News. “One potential new acquisition we’re considering, if the price is right and the partnership is positive, is the Fort Garry Hotel. It is an iconic part of Winnipeg’s history and its future, just like the Red River Métis.”

The Fort Garry Hotel became available for purchase starting in May. Avison Young is handling the sale.

“While discussions with third parties are confidential, we can confirm that multiple positive, constructive interactions are underway with various interested parties,” a spokesperson with Avison Young said in a statement. “We can’t confirm with whom we are having these discussions.”

Chartrand’s announcement comes on the same day MMF announced it would be purchasing property previously owned by the National Research Council of Canada on Ellice Avenue.

The NRC building, which is 17,500 square feet in size, includes laboratory and office space, and the MMF is also planning to set up MRI services in the building.

The MMF has also previously purchased the former Bank of Montreal building at Portage and Main.

“The MMF is becoming one of our most important partners in the revitalization of downtown,” Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said. “This acquisition is also a clear indication of confidence in downtown Winnipeg.”

Chartrand said the MMF has a goal of supporting and reviving downtown.

“If you don’t have downtown, you don’t have a city,” he said.

-With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele and The Canadian Press