MRA planning + development

07/02/2026

We're excited to see another major milestone in the transformation of Portage Place!

Congratulations to True North Real Estate Development and Red River Co-op on today's announcement of a new full-service grocery store and pharmacy as part of the Portage Place redevelopment.

For our team, this announcement represents much more than a new retail tenant; it is an important step toward creating a more livable downtown.

Access to everyday amenities such as fresh food, pharmacy services, and household essentials is fundamental to building strong neighbourhoods. As downtown Winnipeg continues to evolve and take steps forward, investments like this help create the foundation for a healthy, safe and desirable urban community.

Learn more: Learn more:

Trusted local cooperative brings deep Manitoba roots and community values to landmark downtown redevelopment A full-service Red River Co-op food store and pharmacy is coming to downtown Winnipeg as part of the redevelopment of the former Portage Place. A 22,500-square-foot store and 6,500-square-foo...

07/02/2026

We're excited to support the progress of Sturgeon Business Park, a proposed industrial development within CentrePort Canada. MRA Planning + Development is proud to support MMI Group by leading the development application and guiding the project through the planning process.

With approximately 400 acres planned for industrial development, including a 162-acre first phase, Sturgeon Business Park represents an important opportunity to strengthen Manitoba's industrial land inventory, attract future investment, and support long-term job creation.

Congratulations to MMI Group, the landowners, CentrePort Canada, and all project partners on reaching this important milestone. We look forward to continuing to support the project through the next stages of planning.

Learn more about the project here: https://mmigroupinc.ca/blog/mmi-group-submits-application-for-sturgeon-business-park-to-expand-industrial-land-supply-at-centreport-canada/

07/02/2026

After nearly three years of planning, coordination, technical studies, and collaboration, we’re incredibly proud to see Catalyst Park officially move into the development application stage with the City of Winnipeg.

Catalyst Park represents more than a new industrial development. At approximately 700 acres, it will become the largest privately developed fully serviced industrial park in Manitoba’s history and one of the first major projects to move forward in CentrePort South. For our team, it represents years of behind-the-scenes work helping lay the foundation for long-term growth in CentrePort Canada.

As planners, we often spend years working through servicing strategies, transportation planning, land use frameworks, environmental considerations, infrastructure coordination, and countless technical details long before a project ever becomes visible to the public. Seeing that work begin to materialize is incredibly rewarding.

We believe deeply in the potential of CentrePort Canada. At a time of growing economic uncertainty and shifting global trade dynamics, Manitoba has a real opportunity to strengthen its position as a major transportation, trade, and industrial hub in North America. Projects like Catalyst Park help move that vision forward by creating opportunities for investment, employment, and long-term economic resilience here at home.

This project would not be possible without the many dedicated people working behind the scenes across the public and private sectors who continue to advocate for a more connected, competitive, and coordinated economic future for Manitoba and Canada. There are a lot of unsung heroes contributing to that effort every day.

We’re also extremely grateful to work alongside the Jessiman Family Investments (JFII), whose vision and commitment to Winnipeg have been instrumental in pushing this project forward. Their ambition for Catalyst Park goes beyond conventional industrial development and reflects a long-term commitment to quality, innovation, and economic growth in Manitoba.

Excited for what comes next.

Read the full article in Winnipeg Free Press:
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/05/26/industrial-development-plan-believed-to-be-largest-ever-in-city

07/02/2026

A recent article published by 980 CJME highlights findings from the City of Regina's public engagement process for the Centre Square Area, a neighbourhood described as one of Regina's most urban and mixed-use environments, with significant unrealized potential.

This is exactly the kind of complex, layered urban context that MRA finds most meaningful to work in, and we are proud to be leading the planning work ahead.

MRA is honoured to be part of the project team retained by the City of Regina to develop a comprehensive Planning Strategy for the Centre Square neighbourhood, alongside Urbanite Advisors and McGowan Russell Group. This is an area with a strong foundation and a compelling future, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to shaping it.

We have a deep passion for Prairie cities. The challenges and opportunities they present. Regina's Centre Square embodies much of what makes prairie neighbourhoods both distinctive and worth investing in.

We believe that planning in today's environment must be critically examined, highly strategic, and grounded in the full complexity of a place. A good planning strategy must be actionable. It must be flexible enough to adapt as conditions evolve, while building the kind of community and institutional momentum that turns plans into outcomes. Above all, it must be developed from a wholistic perspective: drawing in as many voices and as much context as possible to ensure that the strategy reflects the real needs, values, and realities of the people and systems it will serve, today and into the future.

That means rigorous background analysis, meaningful public engagement, honest market assessment, and clear, implementable direction. It means understanding what makes Centre Square Area distinct, and building on that, not erasing it.

Read the full article to learn more:
Central Regina neighbourhood valued, but perceived lack of safety cited as concern

A survey finds that Regina’s Centre Square community south of downtown is valued for its history and walkability, and has strong potential for growth but real and perceived safety is a concern.

05/07/2026

Construction is now underway at Portage Place, and the transformation is already striking.

What was once a familiar space in downtown Winnipeg is being reimagined into something new, something we hope will better serve the people and communities at its core.

This project has always been about more than redevelopment. From the outset, the goal has been to create a positive, lasting impact, for downtown, and for Winnipeg as a whole. As planners, we know how critical strong, inclusive downtowns are to the health of a city, and we’re proud to be contributing to that effort in the place we call home.

It’s been a privilege to work alongside McGowan Russell Group and True North Real Estate Development on this project. The depth of public engagement has been unlike anything we’ve experienced, intensive, meaningful, and deeply personal. Through that process, we’ve had the chance to connect with so many individuals and organizations who are doing important, often unrecognized work to support the downtown communities.

While this is an important milestone, we know there is still work ahead. We remain committed to doing our part to help guide this project forward, thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the community at the forefront.

We’re grateful to be part of this journey, and we look forward to sharing more as construction progresses.