Winnipeg Commodity Exchange

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The Winnipeg Commodity Exchange is the former name of a derivatives market based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada now known as ICE Futures Canada. Futures and options contracts are electronically traded in feed wheat, western barley and canola (rapeseed).^[1].

The WCE began its existence as the Winnipeg Grain & Produce Exchange in 1887. In 1904, it introduced its first futures contracts. It was, and remains, Canada's only commodity futures exchange. It also formerly operated the Canadian Financial Futures Market.

In December 2004, WCE converted from the traditional "open outcry" method of trading to an electronic trading format. This made it the first commodity futures exchange in North America to go fully electronic. Until December 2007, futures were traded on the platform of the Chicago Board of Trade.^[2]

Since September 2007, the WCE has been a subsidiary of the Atlanta-based IntercontinentalExchange (ICE). Its quotes are now traded on the ICE platform.

[edit] Buildings

The Winnipeg Commodity Exchange buildings past and current, have been located within downtown Winnipeg.

The first Commodity Exchange building was located on Princess Street and was constructed in 1899. The façade is now part of the Red River College Princess St. Campus.

The second building was located at 167 Lombard St. and was constructed in 1906. It is still in use as office space, and known as the Grain Exchange Building.

The current home of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange is the Commodity Exchange Tower at 360 Main St. in Winnipeg. The building is also apart of Winnipeg Square and is atop the Underground Shops of Winnipeg Square, the building is also known as the Trizec Building to the locals. The building was completed in 1979 and is the third tallest building in the city, at 117 m (384 ft) with 31 floors.