It’s déjà vu for opponents of proposed housing development near riverside ‘oasis’ in 2018

A property developer has come full-circle in a proposal to build an apartment near a historic park in south Winnipeg, frustrating some nearby residents who fought against the plan in 2018.

Progressive Real Estate Group is asking the city to allow construction of a four-storey apartment building located near Henteleff Park on St. Mary’s Road.

The developer approached the city with the idea about eight years ago, but changed the proposal after residents raised concerns over the height of the buildings and population density. In response, it agreed to build a smaller, two-storey apartment and townhouses.

The city approved that plan in 2018 and the project appeared set to proceed, but the developer has now reversed course and amended its proposal to again feature a larger building.

“I was surprised to see them reverting back,” said John Borody, board chair for the Henteleff Park Foundation.

“I thought we had all agreed that the diversity of the lodgings would be a better approach and look esthetically better, as well.”

Borody, who participated in a public consultation process when the development was first proposed, fears a four-storey building would compromise the “oasis” that is Henteleff Park.

The 30-acre green space is located between St. Mary’s Road and the Red River, and was owned by the Henteleff family, who farmed the land and operated a market garden for decades.

Despite the growing number of residential developments in the area, the park has remained as a bastion of tranquility amid its urban surroundings, Borody said.

“You don’t feel like you’re in the city of Winnipeg, you feel like you’re in the country somewhere. A lot of people we talk to say they come there just to clear their head and meditate,” he said.

“What is the increase in the local population going to do to that whole area?”

Progressive’s new plan would require the city to amend a zoning agreement that restricts new construction on the property from exceeding eight metres in height.

The proposed, four-storey apartment would stand about 14 metres tall and include 100 new housing units. Half of those would be dedicated to one-bedroom suites, 39 would have two bedrooms and 11 would have three bedrooms.

A two-storey clubhouse building would also be constructed on a lot to the east of the building, and tennis or pickleball courts could be built to the west.

It is not clear why the developer is seeking to revert to the original plan. Efforts to reach company president Geoff Milnes were unsuccessful Wednesday.

City documents show Winnipeg’s public service is urging city council to deny the amendment request.

“No adequate rationale has been provided in the letter of intent to explain why the changes in the subject application have been requested,” city staffer Steve Nutall wrote in a report prepared by the planning, property and development department.

“The previously approved design was modified as a result of consultation and collaboration with the surrounding neighbourhood. The proposed changes would negate these changes and revive the initial concerns from residents regarding building heights and density.”

The Riel community committee is set to review Progressive Real Estate’s amended proposal during a public hearing Wednesday.

Coun. Markus Chambers, who sits on the committee, acknowledged the request comes at a time when “housing is at a premium” but any changes must balance the needs of area residents and their desire to preserve the passive nature of Henteleff Park.

Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) served as a member of the Henteleff Park Foundation board before he was elected to council. He said the park has long served as a “place of quiet enjoyment.”

“Because it is a hearing, I cannot state which way I am deciding. I’ve got to hear and weigh all of the information, and then make a decision in fairness to both residents and the developer,” he said.

“It’s a decision that won’t be taken lightly.”

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca