Blueprints unveiled at two recent open houses showcased numerous design directions for the long-term future of Corydon Avenue and the Confusion corner area.

The recent sessions — the second phase of consultation by city officials with area residents, business owners and other stakeholders under the banner of the Corydon-Osborne Neighbourhood Plan — outlined a set of urban design directions that will serve as the backbone of the plan.

Based on survey results, issues such as current conditions, safety, universal access and community were identified and prioritized and will be used to guide long-term decisions determining the balance of commercial and residential property, traffic and landscaping.

Katia von Stackelberg, executive director of the Corydon Avenue BIZ, said the long-term potential of rapid transit moving south to the University of Manitoba will add to the appeal and reach of the area.

"Let’s say your son is from Brandon and going to the university. He doesn’t want to live down there, he wants to be where the action is," von Stackelberg said, noting she would like to see the Corydon strip become a smaller model of the Yorkville district in Toronto.

She said the neighbourhood plan is still a work in progress and will help revitalize the area and maximize its potential.

"We want to keep the area vibrant and develop more little pockets of commercialization on the strip, while attracting residents by promoting a walkable neighbourhood and a sense of community," von Stackelberg said.

She added the neighbourhood plan will operate in conjunction with the BIZ’s ongoing streetscaping enhancement project.

This spring, work will begin on the Festoon Lights Project for Corydon, which will see lights installed at five intersections along Corydon — Daly, Hugo, Cockburn, Wentworth and Lilac — to create a canopy of lights.

One area resident said one of her main concerns is the preservation of a popular community garden at the River Osborne Community Centre at 101 Pembina Hwy.

"The garden is volunteer-run and serves the needs of approximately 40 gardeners in the community," said Shauna Carmichael, the garden’s co-ordinator, noting the project includes fruit trees, composting and butterfly and herb gardens.

"If the current site of the garden in lost in the plans, my main concern is that it will be maintained, even if it has to be moved," she said.

Area councillor Jenny Gerbasi said the plan is an example of successful consultation with balanced representation from residents and business owners.

"It’s great to see a focus on our neighbourhood. I’m a believer in neighbourhood planning, especially when it’s done well," Gerbasi said.   

Officials say they will use the feedback from the recent open houses to draft a plan, which will be presented at a future session. The blueprint will then go to the City Centre community committee as part of the approval process.

For detailed information about the designs, visit www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/Corydon.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com