True North Square grows with the official opening of Wawanesa’s National Headquarters

The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company officially opened its new National Headquarters March 13, welcoming 1,300 Manitoba employees to True North Square in the heart of downtown Winnipeg.

Developed by True North Real Estate Development (TNRED), designed by Architecture 49, and built by PCL Construction, the 21-storey tower is an impressive addition to Winnipeg’s skyline and a pivotal project in the revitalization of Winnipeg’s downtown core.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Wawanesa to True North Square and see their vision of an innovative, inviting and purpose-built employee home come to life in opening their new national headquarters,” said Jim Ludlow, President of True North Real Estate Development. “Wawanesa has long held tremendous pride in their Manitoba roots and their continued commitment to their employees and to being part of a dynamic downtown Winnipeg core also speaks very loudly through this stunning space.”

Originally announced in June 2019, the project broke ground in spring 2021 and persevered through the challenges of a global pandemic, thanks to the exceptional teamwork and collaboration of the development’s expert leads, trades and subtrades.

Stunning architectural and design touches, including the incorporation of the winding Souris River on the exterior façade, serve to reflect Wawanesa’s rich history and pride in their local roots.

“This building proudly symbolizes Wawanesa’s transformation from small-town roots in rural Manitoba to a leading Canadian mutual insurance company,” said Jeff Goy, Wawanesa’s President and CEO. “Wawanesa Insurance began in 1896 when 20 farmers formed an insurance company to meet their local needs. Today our operations span the country with over 1.6 million members, but our commitment to downtown Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba has never been stronger.”

More than architectural excellence, the project sets new benchmarks for sustainable and wellness-focused workplace environments and culture. In addition to featuring modern amenities and flexible workspaces, the building is on track to be LEED GOLD certified, reflecting energy efficiency, water conservation and environmental quality, and WELL certified at the Gold level, reflecting numerous employee health and wellness amenities and features.

At the event, Wawanesa also announced a further investment in the revitalization of downtown with a combined $500,000 over three years toward the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s environmental team, supporting community clean up events and the planting of seasonal flowers, and the Downtown Community Safety Partnership and their work to create a safe and more connected downtown Winnipeg.

Connected to Winnipeg’s skywalk system and offering easy access to the vibrant culture and amenities of downtown, Wawanesa’s National Headquarters joins the 17-storey office and 25-storey residential towers that form True North Square. Sutton Place Hotel & Residences will add a fourth and fifth hi-rise to the development, bringing a luxury hotel and residential experience to Winnipeg’s Sports Hospitality and Entertainment District (SHED).

TNRED’s commitment to the community through real estate projects that produce meaningful social and economic impacts and that contribute to the growth and development of Winnipeg’s downtown core extends to the future redevelopment of Portage Place and a partnership with Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s and the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project. With a mandate to serve and reconnect north and south downtown Winnipeg neighbourhoods with public greenspaces, essential and community services, culture and arts, affordable housing, and a healthcare centre of excellence, the Portage Place redevelopment will complement the redevelopment of the downtown HBC Building.

Organization’s and the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project. With a mandate to serve and reconnect north and south downtown Winnipeg neighbourhoods with public greenspaces, essential and community services, culture and arts, affordable housing, and a healthcare centre of excellence, the Portage Place redevelopment will complement the redevelopment of the downtown HBC Building.