Wawanesa Opens New National Headquarters at True North Square, Announces $500,000 for a More Vibrant Downtown
The horizon of downtown Winnipeg has been reshaped with the official inauguration of the new national headquarters of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company (Wawanesa) at True North Square. This modern 21-storey environmentally sustainable structure now stands as a beacon symbolizing Wawanesa’s evolution from its modest beginnings to a leader in the Canadian mutual insurance sphere.
Constructed specifically for Wawanesa, the building spans 360,000 square feet and offers a state-of-the-art workspace for 1,300 local employees. “The establishment of our new headquarters is a proud symbol of our journey from a small, local insurer founded by 20 farmers in 1896, to a national entity serving over 1.6 million members,” expressed Jeff Goy, President and CEO of Wawanesa.
With its conception and development managed by True North Real Estate Development and designed by Architecture49, the new edifice is a representation of Wawanesa’s commitment to growth, sustainability, and the well-being of its employees. To accommodate its doubled workforce size over the last decade, the structure consolidates employees from multiple Manitoba locations into one central hub.
The building boasts an array of modern amenities and workspaces designed to enhance health and wellbeing. Constructed to achieve LEED Gold certification for its environmental sustainability efforts—including high standards for energy efficiency and water conservation—the headquarters is also on the path to WELL Gold certification, affirming its dedication to promoting the health and wellness of its occupants.
Jim Ludlow, President of True North Real Estate Development, shared his enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to see Wawanesa’s vision of a purpose-built home for their employees come to life at True North Square. Their commitment to their roots, employees, and the vibrant future of downtown Winnipeg is commendable and resonates through this exceptional space.”
As part of its commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable downtown, Wawanesa announced a $500,000 investment into downtown revitalization efforts. This includes a $450,000 contribution over three years aimed at supporting the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s environmental initiatives, community cleanup events, and seasonal flower plantings. Additionally, a $50,000 contribution was made to the Downtown Community Safety Partnership.
“Through our partnership with the community, we affirm our commitment to Manitoba, our home. Despite our national presence, our roots remain deep in Manitoba’s soil,” added Goy, highlighting the company’s dedication to its heritage and community.
About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company: Established in 1896, Wawanesa Mutual is among Canada’s largest mutual insurers, with significant annual revenues and assets. The company, headquartered in Winnipeg, serves over 1.7 million members across Canada. Committed to supporting communities, Wawanesa donates more than $3.5 million annually to charitable causes, focusing on organizations that bolster community strength and address the impacts of climate change.
