The governments of Manitoba and Winnipeg will fast-track widening a regional thoroughfare to accommodate a new retail outlet by furniture maker Ikea.
Premier Gary Doer and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said Tuesday the two governments would accelerate widening Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway to accommodate the new retailer, long rumoured to be locating to Winnipeg.
"I'm thrilled to see this major retail project transform from talk to action," said Katz. "The city has worked diligently to create an 'open for business' environment," he said. "By accelerating existing infrastructure plans we are encouraging smart, responsible development."
Ikea, which was founded in Sweden and now has its headquarters in the Netherlands, confirmed Tuesday it plans to open a new store in Winnipeg sometime between late 2011 and early 2013.
The company said it had signed an agreement to acquire the land for a 350,000 square-foot location after eyeing Winnipeg for some time.
"We are continually reviewing expansion opportunities in Canada and have for a long time considered Winnipeg as a key market for expansion," said Ikea Canada president Kerry Molinaro.
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