Charleswood residents weigh in on 55-plus development

A multi-family complex proposed for Charleswood has triggered a mixed response, with some residents concerned it would bring unwanted traffic and clash with the surrounding community.

The proposed development, which has 132 housing units on Roblin Boulevard, must be approved by city council.

The 4.7-acre (1.9-hectare) site contains three properties, including the Charleswood United Church at 4820 Roblin Blvd., as well as 4724 and 4814 Roblin, which each contain a single-family home. The development would maintain the church and add a six-storey residential building with a height of 69.5 feet (21.2 metres), with units geared toward the 55-plus age group.

Some community members are trying to stop the project, however, because they argue it’s a poor fit for the neighbourhood.

Wayne Lucas, who lives about a block away, said he believes the development would have several unwanted side-effects.

“With… so many people (in) such a small space, traffic is going to be a huge problem around the community,” said Lucas.

That poses safety risks to children who attend a nearby school on Dieppe Road, he said.

“It is extremely, extremely full of traffic already. You cannot pass down there at quite a few times of the day, but (especially) when students are being dropped off,” said Lucas.

He’s also concerned the large multi-family building would allow the new residents clear views into single-family homes and yards, while creating noise, light pollution and eliminating some green space.

During a hearing at the Assiniboia community committee meeting on Thursday, several more residents opposed the plan.

Steini Hibbert said he may not have purchased his Charleswood home decades ago if he knew this development was coming.

“It’s a blight on the neighbourhood. It is not a benefit,” said Hibbert.

By contrast, proponents of the project said it will provide options for people to age in place near active transportation, shopping and restaurants, while preserving hundreds of trees, improving land drainage and allowing generous setbacks from existing single-family homes.

“There is a great need for 55-plus apartment units in Charleswood… Very few options exist right now,” said Jas Kalar, president of Exemplar Developments, during the committee meeting.

Kalar said a shorter building would have led the structure to spread out more, coming closer to neighbouring homes.

Eric Jensen, another proponent of the project, agreed the homes are greatly needed.

“Clearly, there’s a shortage of housing, particularly for people who want to stay in the community… I think it’s time that Charleswood kind of catch up and provide more housing opportunities, particularly for aging people,” said Jensen.

He serves as treasurer for the board of Fred Douglas Society, which owns the two residential lots included in the development, while Charleswood United Church owns the third.

Resident Sherry Mooney said it’s important to the well-being of older adults to have the option to stay in their community. She and her husband found no options to stay in Charleswood when they downsized and felt a great loss until they moved back, she said.

“We felt displaced, like we were out of our element, isolated and disconnected,” said Mooney.

City planners have recommended the project be approved.

“The proposed development is to be located within an area that is primarily established with low-density, single-family residential uses. However, given the size of the proposed (lot) and its location directly on an arterial street… (it) provides a reasonable and context sensitive addition,” wrote Robert Galston.

The developer had modified the proposal following public consultation by reducing the building to six storeys from 10 and decreasing the number of dwelling units to 132 from 180, the city report notes.

On Thursday evening, the Assiniboia Community Committee voted in favour of the project.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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