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SEAN KLIEWER is an Associate Vice President, Brokerage Services specializing in
office related transactions with Colliers International in Winnipeg. He recently spoke at the
2016 Winnipeg Real Estate Forum and 2016 BOMA State of the Industry Luncheon.

What were some of the noteworthy downtown office deals done in 2016?

SK: 2016 was certainly a tale of two halves. The initial period of 2016 was Other transactions include: the relocation
slow to say the least, but momentum picked up significantly in the latter and expansion of Commercial Credit
stages to end off in a very positive state. Adjusters leasing approximately 16,000

Ushering in a new era of downtown Winnipeg was the announcement of sq. ft. at 317 Donald Street; Economic
Thompson Dorfman Sweatman (TDS) leasing approximately 60,000 sq. ft. Development Winnipeg and Assante Wealth
at True North Square as the anchor tenant. Driven by efficiency, quality Management leasing a combined 17,000
of office space, and a new culture, TDS will be a pioneer in the changing sq. ft. at 1 Lombard Place; Justice Canada
landscape of the Winnipeg office market. moving to 400 St. Mary Avenue leasing
approximately 22,000 sq. ft.; and Wawanesa
Another large transaction in 2016 was the relocation of Great West Life Insurance expanding its downtown presence
from 220 Portage Avenue to 423 Main Street (the former Canadian Wheat by leasing a combined 39,000 sq. ft. at 125
Board building). Great West Life was able to utilize a larger floor plate to find
efficiencies in order to provide a better quality of space for its employees. Garry Street and 200 Graham Avenue.
In analyzing the small sample size of
The expansion of Regus Business Centre (opening their second Winnipeg
transactions listed above, it clearly shows
location) was also noteworthy, leasing approximately 12,000 sq. ft. at 330 St.
the confidence in and revitalization of
Mary Avenue. This transaction is significant as it shows the overall strength downtown Winnipeg. As we move forward in
of the market with Regus having the confidence to expand its operations 2017 we can expect more of the same with
within the marketplace.
the private sector continuing to outpace the
government sector for spatial demands.

Manitoba 2017 Commercial Building Directory 10