Former The Bay building in downtown Montreal could be turned into museum and Indigenous cultural centre

There are potential plans for the iconic The Bay building in downtown Montreal that was left vacant after the retailer closed all its locations over the summer.

There are bids to turn it into a museum and Indigenous cultural centre.

On Thursday, James Bay Eeyou Corporation and JHD Immobilier, made public plans to make an offer to purchase the building located on Sainte-Catherine Street West.

Their project includes the creation of a museum on fur trade between the Cree Nation and the Hudson Bay company, an indigenous cultural center, experimental spaces, a hotel, and commercial space.

“This building represents much more than a commercial acquisition: it embodies more than 350 years of shared history between our people and the Hudson’s Bay Company. We see this project as a way to breathe new life into the building while preserving its soul,” said Henry Gull, the President of the James Bay Eeyou Corporation, in a press release.

Founded in 1986, the James Bay Eeyou Corporation has been developing economic opportunities for the Cree community for nearly 40 years.

Gull says for the Cree Nation, the initiative goes beyond a simple real estate transaction.

“We return today not to trade furs, but to occupy a place that our ancestors never left in their hearts,” he added.

The project which would cost $400 million would respect the heritage of the building.

If approved, it could be ready by 2029.