“From Violence to Vitality: Shocking Transformation of Notorious Hotel into Thriving Wellness Hub! You Won’t Believe What’s Inside!”
An infamous urban hotel, long marred by violence, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The Balmoral Hotel, situated at 621 Balmoral St., recently changed ownership on November 1. Three investors—Pimicikamak Cree Nation, entrepreneur Kam Khaira, and Winnipeg psychiatrist Dr. Antonio Paletta—have jointly taken charge of the property, including the adjacent beer vendor.
The ambitious redevelopment plan involves a complete overhaul of the hotel, which will be renamed the Pimicikamak Wellness Centre. This comprehensive center will feature a walk-in medical clinic, pharmacy, daycare center, bus depot, and a basement space allocated for the local non-profit organization, 1JustCity. The organization will provide free meals and wellness programs. The beer vendor will be transformed into a walk-in clinic.
Violence
The existing 44 hotel rooms, primarily used by residents from northern First Nations seeking medical care in the city, will undergo renovations. The project aims to provide transportation to and from medical appointments.
Dr. Paletta, reflecting on the changes, emphasized the closure of the lounge, removal of VLTs, and winding down of the beer vendor. The focus is on establishing a business that prioritizes medical services for the community.
Renovations have already commenced in the basement, with 1JustCity expected to be operational by January. The full transformation is slated for completion by the end of 2024.
The Balmoral Hotel has been associated with several violent incidents over the years, prompting the need for this revitalization. Dr. Paletta, having grown up and completed his medical residency in the area, sees this investment as a responsibility to a vibrant neighborhood that has supported him and his family.
1JustCity, known for Violence providing free meals and wellness programs in Winnipeg, will move its West End site to the hotel’s basement on a 15-year lease. This relocation will offer expanded space for programming, including a drumming group, bannock breakfasts, access to showers, public health nurses, and bilingual bingo sessions.
The hotel’s basement bar, once known as “Club Fantasy,” will be repurposed for full-day programming during the week, contributing to the positive transformation of the area. The changes aim to create a safer environment and dispel the negative reputation associated with the hotel.
Community advocate Mitch Violence Bourbonniere views this redevelopment as a positive step, especially for low-income families and newcomers in the surrounding neighborhoods. The shift from a negative reputation to a positive community space is seen as a valuable contribution to the well-being of the area.
The City of Violence Winnipeg’s property assessment notices from 2022-24 indicate a property value exceeding $3 million, highlighting the significance of this transformative project.
