The View from the West

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Waverley West essential to city's future

By: Garth Steek

22/02/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Your article 'Hood-winked? by Bartley Kives and Mary Agnes Welch (Feb. 15) warrants response. The headline infers that there has been misrepresentation surrounding the Waverley West subdivision. This is clearly not the case.

Although initial discussion of Waverley West commenced six years ago, the first houses did not begin construction until one year ago after tens of millions of dollars had been spent completing the necessary infrastructure.

Your photo at the top of the page is misleading, suggesting the subdivision is a single home. Why did you not photograph Millbank or Bridgeland? They are fully developed and showcase many exceptional homes.

Clearly, the public appreciates Waverley West as more building permits were taken in this subdivision than any other area in Winnipeg between November 2008 and February 2009.

Although geothermal installation is not easily realized in Waverley West, there is a very viable alternative, namely electric heat, which leaves no carbon footprint and is far less expensive. This hardly constitutes a broken promise.

Your article notes "Homes are listed for $313,000 to $503,000 with huge lots." This is not correct. In fact, the standard lots in Waverley West are considerably smaller than traditional neighbourhoods to ensure heightened density. The amenity lots on the lake are indeed larger and the prices of these homes are reflective of the larger lot sizes.

Flyovers were not incorporated because of their enormous cost but their absence in no way precludes homeowners from walking in what is a well-planned neighbourhood.

Traffic calming measures such as roundabouts coupled with sidewalks, extensive walking trails, natural park areas and inland waterways make Waverley West an exceptional place to live. Architects Smith Carter were responsible for these items.

It is ironic that your writers did not take the time to contact any of the builders or homeowners who have invested millions of dollars in this subdivision and who believe strongly in it.

Tenants for a new town centre have yet to arrive because new businesses require a certain occupancy threshold. It is unrealistic to expect businesses at this early stage of development.

Waverley West is not a "car-bound subdivision" any more than other areas of the city. Winnipeg realizes many months of cold weather and regardless of how well-planned a subdivision will be, car transportation will be essential.

With reference to expenses, the City of Winnipeg acknowledges that servicing a new subdivision such as Waverley West is less than half of what they are for inner-city areas. This includes emergency services, garbage pickup and snow removal.

It is well-known by the city, province and private sector that this development will more than pay for itself, as substantiated by two independent studies.

With 6,500 new residents coming to this province annually, the demand for new housing is obvious, particularly in the southwest quadrant that had virtually no building lots left.

Critics of Waverley West advocated that everyone should "move downtown," even though the city agreed there were at most 200 infill lots, many of them incapable of accommodating a new home. The MHRC lands (Bridgwater Forest) and Ladco lands (South Pointe) are essential for the future growth and prosperity of the City of Winnipeg.

It is easy to suggest the public has been 'Hood-winked one year into a new subdivision, while ignoring the public's support and the commitment of the building and development community.

Homeowners will come to Waverley West because of its location and the housing choices offered.

The early success of the subdivision underscores the strength of our economy and citizens commitment to Winnipeg.

I hope that all potential homeowners reading this article will attend the Spring Parade of Homes March 7 to 22 and make the decision about Waverley West based on firsthand experience.

Garth Steek is a director of real estate marketing and sales and former Winnipeg city councillor.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 22, 2009 A8

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