Modern design meets natural beauty in Oak River Meadow

For the longest time, people in and around Île des Chênes yearned for new housing stock.

Well, their wait has ended.

Oak River Meadow, a master-planned community conceived by Terracon Development Limited in partnership with Waterside Development,is now underway.

“The first stage of 85 lots was serviced this fall, and we’re targeting that hydro services will be installed by late winter,” says Matt Glavin, land development manager for Terracon. “Foundations will be going in, with home construction ramping up in the spring.”

Glavin says Terracon deliberately took their time in planning the community, which will occupy a total of 165 acres of land when fully built out.

“We spent extensive time consulting the community and worked hard to provide a clear vision for the neighbourhood,” he explains. “In some cases, communities resist growth and change.”

Instead of resisting change, the community of Île des Chênes is embracing it — and the growth that’s coming.

“We’ve never experienced so much excitement. I think the key to it is that we put in the time to get the plan right.”

In a nutshell, that plan involved creating a neighbourhood that was modern, but not so modern that it ignored the warm, inviting country flavour that defines the area.

“Essentially, Oak River Meadow was designed to offer an authentic country feel with the modern living features that people want,” Glavin says. “The first stage will offer 85 lots with eight acres of its 68 acres set aside for multi-family housing. We are going to be serving 56 lots and an additional three acres of multi-family housing over the winter.”

More than that, the housing is going to be designed to promote interaction among neighbours.

“Homes will have front porches and front onto park spaces. The idea behind that is to get people closer to their neighbours to encourage more engagement. There will also be a good mix of lots and housing types that will appeal to families and empty-nesters and everything in between.”

Not only will there be a blend of housing styles that suit every lifestyle, but the neighbourhood was also designed to encourage activity and build community.

To that end, there will be walking trails and public parks woven throughout the area for everyone to enjoy.

“Essentially, Oak River Meadow was designed to offer an authentic country feel with the modern living features that people want.”
– Matt Glavin, 
Land development manager,
Terracon Development Limited

Glavin adds another special feature — a central gathering space — was also woven into the community.

“There will be courtyard duplexes spread out around a centre court that leads to trails,” he says. “We are going to be putting in covered areas that give people a place to gather and hang out and take their pets. It will also connect to town, as well.”

Meanwhile, a diverse mix of home styles will provide plenty of buying options, while their styling will feature a distinctly rustic feel.

“The front of some homes will face public reserve, while others will be set on back lane lots. Fifty-foot-wide lots will be standard for single-family homes, while some lots will be over 60 feet wide. Those lots will invite designs for wide bungalows. There are also going to be walkout lots and lookout lots.”

While the option to build spacious bungalows will appeal to downsizers, there will be options for young families, too.

“Up until now, young families have had limited options in the area. Now, families looking to come back to Île des Chênes will have great options in attached two-storey duplexes. They will be built on 25-foot lots and will offer families an affordable place to call home,” Glavin says. “There are plans for a play structure in one public reserve area.”

He adds that the town has also evolved over the years to have more amenities for young, growing families.

“There’s already two schools and a daycare that’s located at the north end of Oak River Meadow,” he says. “A grocery store is coming, and there’s also a gas bar. As Oak River Meadow grows, so will the amenities that are offered in town.”

Accessibility is another strength of Île des Chênes, he notes.

“It’s only an eight-minute drive to Winnipeg, and the drive is on a four-lane divided highway all the way through — that adds an extra level of safety and convenience.”

“Up until now, young families have had limited options in the area. Now, families looking to come back to Île des Chênes will have great options in attached two-storey duplexes.”
– Matt Glavin

Suffice it to say that the short commute will be worth the trip.

“Whether you’re starting fresh, growing a family or looking to enjoy a well-earned retirement, Oak River Meadow is a place to build memories, find community and embrace the future,“ Glavin says. “Featuring a blend of housing styles that will suit every lifestyle, this thoughtfully designed neighbourhood is built for all generations to call home.”

And with eight builders to choose from — ADR Properties, Broadview Homes, Connection Homes, GS Homes, Hilton Homes, Kensington Homes, Schulz Homes and Ventura Custom Homes — residents will be positioned to enjoy a place where modern design meets natural beauty under 10 minutes from the city.

Kale Parisian of Connection Homes says Oak River Meadow will have much to offer.

“Île des Chênes is nice and close to the city, which makes it convenient for anyone who needs to commute for work — it’s less than 10 minutes to the Perimeter,” he says.

“The community has a lot of amenities and it’s a walkable community. Kids can walk to school or to Co-op for snacks if they want — something that not all rural communities offer. Best of all, the homes are considered affordable compared to buying in Winnipeg. A lot of purchasers want to buy a new home so that they don’t have to deal with costly unexpected maintenance costs that sometimes come with older homes.”

For more information on Oak River Meadow, visit oakrivermeadow.ca.