June 8, 2018
Manitoba Government Welcomes Agreement between Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries and True North Square
The Manitoba government and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) have worked together with True North Real Estate Development over the past number of months to secure retail space at True North Square, Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.
“Our government was elected on a mandate to restore prudent fiscal management to government operations,” said Cullen. “In that regard, MBLL and True North have collaborated in order to better meet the changing needs of MBLL as a tenant. This will allow MBLL to focus on its core responsibilities and allow True North Square to continue with plans to develop this space with unique food and beverage offerings.
“We have a strong board of directors, led by chair Polly Craik, who – together with MBLL management and employees – have done a remarkable job in turning MBLL around over the past two years. We are also very appreciative of the co-operation of True North in reaching an agreement that allows both of MBLL and True North to partner together at True North Square for the next 20 years.”
As a result, under the terms of a revised agreement, MBLL as a tenant will reduce its commitment for retail space to 4,000 square feet at True North Square, compared to the original 45,000-sq.-ft. proposal signed by the previous government in December of 2015. MBLL came to the determination that it did not require this amount of space and the previous concept would have involved activities well outside the mandate of MBLL. MBLL will also make a one-time cash payment to True North.
“This new store will replace the outlet currently in Cityplace in downtown Winnipeg,” said Cullen. “We are excited to be part of the new True North Square development and the transformation this project will bring to the downtown of our city. We thank True North for being a great corporate partner and for its exciting vision in building what will be a truly vibrant and dynamic destination that Manitobans will enjoy for years to come.”
Through distribution and the sale of liquor and gambling products in the province, MBLL generates revenue that is invested in provincial health care, education, public safety initiatives, and social and community services.
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