Sod turned on new apartment complex for Old Kildonan

Blue blazers and black hard hats were front and centre as developers and politicians dug their shovels into the ground Friday at the sod-turning ceremony for a new apartment building near the north Perimeter Highway.

Real estate development and investment company Rockport Investment Group Inc. is constructing the building at 928 Fernbank Ave. in the Highland Pointe development in Winnipeg’s Old Kildonan neighbourhood.

The $40-million apartment building will include 90 units and is expected to be completed in the next 24 months.

It’s Phase 1 of 920 North, a three-phase, $160-million project Rockport is undertaking that will result in four multi-family residential developments and a centralized amenities building.

“This just feels so good that we’re able to invest in our city,” said DJ Trudeau, chief executive at Rockport. “We’re born (and) bred here — a local development company in Winnipeg — and we love it here.”

Rockport manages every stage of development in-house, he added, from construction to leasing to property operations.

“We keep all of our assets,” Trudeau said. “We plan them, we design them, we build them, and when construction is finished and the equipment leaves the site, we remain responsible for what comes next … That long-term responsibility influences every decision that we make.”

The apartment at 928 Fernbank Ave. will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, with 148 parking spaces (134 of which will be indoor).

Plans for the building include a 3,000-square-foot multi-purpose room, a 1,200-sq.-ft. gym, and two 2,000-sq.-ft. rooftop patios. Rent will range from $1,100 to $2,500 a month, Trudeau said.

Once completed, 920 North will offer a total of 356 units. Common rooms and fitness centres are part of the plans for each residential building.

The centralized amenities building, meanwhile, will offer a large common room, yoga studio, large fitness centre, gaming lounge, movie theatre, woodworking room and golf simulators. Outdoor amenities will include a bocce ball court, pickleball courts, putting greens and an outdoor dining space.

The centralized amenities building is scheduled to open at the same time as the first apartment block, Trudeau said.

“The goal here is simple: to make everyday life a little bit more convenient and a lot more enjoyable,” he said, adding Rockport wants to offer “a new kind of living experience” with 920 North — “one that combines the comfort and privacy of a home with opportunities for recreation, entertainment (and) connections just steps away.”

Mayor Scott Gillingham congratulated Rockport on the development.

He noted housing starts in Winnipeg increased more than 40 per cent during the first six months of 2026, marking the strongest start to a year in the city’s history. The city has added 80,000 new residents in the last four years, he said.

“When you’ve got growth it’s exciting, but, of course, it also puts pressure on the city services and it also puts pressure on the housing market,” Gillingham said. “This beautiful development … will meet the demand that people have.”

Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) commended Rockport’s design for 920 North and said the development will be a welcome addition to Highland Pointe.

“You’re leading with intention (and) your thoughtful design,” Sharma said. “You want folks to feel happy about where they’re living and enjoy every day to its fullest.”

Planned by Ladco Company Ltd., Highland Pointe is a 400-acre development located between McPhillips and Main streets.

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca