by TANNIS HOGUE
Olexa Developments Ltd. is transforming the former Canada Packers/Public Markets site into the Water Tower District, a 165-acre mixed-use development aligned with the “Our Winnipeg” Complete Communities plan.
The district is designed for walkability and accessibility, allowing residents to live, work, shop, dine, and stay active within their community. As a Transit-
Oriented Development (TOD), the district will have convenient Winnipeg Transit stops and frequent service on Marion. Peg City Car Co-op will introduce approximately ten vehicles after the full build-out of multi-family housing. Over 22 acres are dedicated to parks, public reserves, community gardens, and recreation spaces.
Employment opportunities will be integrated, with a 12-acre retail hub at Marion and Paulette Duguay, developed by Olexa and Shindico, serving both the district and the greater St. Boniface area. Additionally, 90 acres of employment lands will support approximately 700 jobs.
The Water Tower District is approved for 2,000 multi-family units and will feature sidewalks, active transportation paths, and connectivity to Winnipeg’s transportation network. A controlled intersection at Marion and Paulette Duguay and direct access to Highway 59 (Lagimodiere Blvd.) via Speers Road will improve traffic flow.
In addition to partnering on the 12-acre retail development, Shindico and Olexa will also be developing more than 700 multi-family units on-site. The project aims to emulate Shindico’s Taylor Residences, featuring concrete construction and amenity-rich living.
Shindico’s Founder and Chairman, Sandy Shindleman, commented: “Why shouldn’t those who own a home in other areas have the same opportunities as those who live in, say, River Heights? We want to make this sort of living accessible to as many Winnipeggers as possible.”
The Water Tower District also holds personal meaning for Sandy. In 1972, the yard handled 333,000 cattle, 382,000 calves, 67,000 lambs, and 5,000 horses. At that time, on-site staff had been reduced to around 100 — and he was one of them. “When I was a teenager in 1973, my feet stomped over nearly every square foot of that space while working at the Union Stockyard. I remember feeding the cattle there and chasing Violet Faso’s truck. Why not make it a desirable place for business, work, and living now? It’s been vacant for over 30 years.”
The development is progressing, and the lots are shovel-ready. Roads and services are expected to be completed by August 2025, including the new controlled intersection on Marion. Shindico is marketing 3.1 to 20.3 acres of commercial and industrial lots for sale and lease. With a limited supply of quality infill land, this project presents a rare opportunity for end users to purchase land for their business or to build a rental property.
For more information about opportunities within this development, contact Shindico at (204) 474-2000 or by email at inquire@shindico.com