December 16, 2022
Governments Recommend New Chair to Oversee Future Renewal of the Forks and North Portage Sites
– – –Board Chair Nominee Requires Tri-level Government Approval
The three shareholders of the Forks North Portage Partnership (FNPP) — the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg — recently completed the final stages of the selection process in recommending Rennie Zegalski to become the new chairperson to lead the partnership’s board of directors, for a three-year term.
A prominent Winnipeg business executive, Zegalski is a founding member and principal of Capital Commercial Real Estate Services. Zegalski is also an active contributor the local community, having served on the boards of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, Winnipeg Convention Centre, University of Manitoba, and the West End BIZ. He recently served over five years as a board member of FNPP.
In February 2022, the three shareholders began a collaborative, open and transparent competition for the board chairperson position posted on the City of Winnipeg website. The search, which closed in March 2022, was initiated to recruit a replacement for outgoing chairperson Rick Bel. The shareholders would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his service and dedication to FNPP during his tenure.
The result of the selection process was the unanimous recommendation of Zegalski as the successful candidate. The process concludes with his appointment immediately upon formal ratification of a FNPP resolution by the shareholders. Zegalski’s experience, leadership, and ability to deliver on key priorities will be critical to ensuring FNPP meets its objectives.
The FNPP is a key stakeholder in the development of Winnipeg’s downtown. It is responsible for the ownership, management, and continued renewal of The Forks and North Portage sites with a vision to make the area a dynamic centre of business activity, arts and culture, and modern living integrated in a diverse downtown community.
The 10-member board will also continue the work of developing The Forks as a unique meeting place through a mixed-use approach, including recreational, historical, cultural, residential, and commercial uses.
Quotes
“The Forks North Portage Partnership is a key partner in the continued development and improvement of Winnipeg’s downtown, and I am confident the board will be well-served with Rennie Zegalski as its chair. The FNPP provides traditional gathering spaces that connect our vibrant and diverse communities. This appointment supports the continued energy and exciting opportunities that lay ahead.” — the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
“The Forks and North Portage sites are unique spaces that contribute to our province’s vision of a vibrant downtown neighbourhood that is both welcoming and sustainable for businesses and residents. Selected through a thoughtful collaborative process, the recommendation of Rennie Zegalski as new board chair represents a new era in the continuing revitalization of Winnipeg’s downtown community, and our government is a proud partner in this visionary team effort.” — Manitoba Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke
“The Forks-North Portage Partnership oversees some of the most significant real estate in downtown Winnipeg. Rennie Zegalski’s professional and community experience, and his understanding of the need for downtown revitalization, make him ideally suited to lead the board through this period of growth and renewal. I’m eager to work with Rennie and the board and management of FNPP to advance the Railside development project and launch a new effort to build affordable housing at Portage Place.” — Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg
Other Information
The partnership is governed by a ten-member board of directors. Each shareholder appoints three members to the board and the chairperson is selected unanimously.
For 30 years, The Forks has been a driving force to transform Winnipeg into a cultural destination that sees well over three million visitors annually. The Forks has demonstrated leadership in sustainability initiatives, international award-winning design, and diverse cultural events while remaining financially self-sufficient.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba, and the City of Winnipeg acknowledge the City of Winnipeg is on Treaty 1 Territory and on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibway-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and in the homeland of the Red River Métis.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Backgrounder - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2022/BG-FNPP_Chair-MR.pdf