Connect to nature in Meadowlands

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This article was published 29/09/2023 (1100 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It takes an inventive spirit to develop a neighbourhood setting that showcases quality homes while fostering a human connection to nature.

That creative approach is the hallmark of Meadowlands by Exemplar Developments (www.exemplardevelopments.ca), and it is setting the foundation for future growth in the newest and biggest development in the municipality of West St. Paul.

Lombard North Group (www. lombardnorth.com) is an interdisci- plinary firm specializing in landscape architecture, planning, project man- agement and public engagement. Ex- emplar Developments, the developer at Meadowlands, engaged Lombard North Group to provide assistance with planning project management and developing that creative land- scape architecture.

“At 380 acres, Meadowlands is the largest master-planned residential development in West St. Paul,” says
Brandon Powell, president and chief operating officer at Lombard North Group.

“The development promotes a mix of options to accommodate a wide range of housing needs including single family, duplex and multi-family units. You’re getting that rural feel with lot sizes larger than typically found in new city residential developments.”

The first phase is nearing completion, and Phase 2 lots are currently avail- able from the development’s select builders. Powell estimates there are 10 years of development ahead.

Located only 15 minutes from downtown, Meadowlands offers the convenience of quick access to shop- ping and recreation as well as some of Manitoba‘s provincial parks and cottage country.

Meadowlands is directly connected to West St. Paul’s largest commercial development, Meadowlands Place. Located in the municipality of West St. Paul, the development is within the Perimeter Highway between Main Street and McPhillips Street.

“Meadowlands will include excellent connectiv- ity throughout the development,” he says, “with a collector road providing access to Main Street and McPhillips at new signalized intersections and an interconnected system of sidewalks and pathways within the community.”

As people drive into the community westbound through the commercial lands off of Main Street, Powell says they will pass through a large dec- orative archway feature to be installed later this year that will span across the entry.

“Passing further in towards the residential side, people will encounter a second creatively designed commercial landscape feature within the commercial roundabout with installation also expected later this year,” he says.

“And as you enter into Phase 1 of the Meadowlands development, you’ll encounter two parks with expected completion this fall.”

Almost 70 acres of the development is planned as public reserve — gener- ally intended for parks, playgrounds and recreational areas — along with three naturalized pond areas that together will comprise about 18 per cent of the entire development.

“The interconnected landscapes of Meadowlands are carefully designed, adaptable spaces with qualities that we believe are essential to the cre- ation of a livable and vibrant commu- nity that will foster a sense of pride in ownership within the community for years to come,” Powell says.

The landscaping program features newly planted trees, lakes, fields, prairie grasses and native species, as well as natural playscapes, active playgrounds, trails and modern site furnishings.

Powell says these natural playscapes include opportunities for all ages with open gathering spaces and will also include more than 1,000 metres of walking trails.

“Meadowlands playgrounds are de- signed to encourage children to live actively, to play, learn, imagine and connect with the outdoor environ- ment. The development’s first play- ground, made by Parkworks by Makr, balances thrill and excitement with accessibility inclusive playground equipment to create a playground space that is fun for children of all ages and abilities,” he says.

“The active playground will include the first cable zip line in the Capital Region, seating areas, bicycle racks and a play structure made with sus- tainably harvested wood.”

The development also includes some of Winnipeg‘s largest builders.

“A&S Homes, Broadview Homes, Kensington Homes, Randall Homes and Signature Homes are our premier builders, and we have also included a select number of custom builders in the development as well,” he says. “We have a variety of show homes available to tour this fall.”

Meadowlands is a keystone develop- ment for West St. Paul, Powell adds.

“Being closely involved in the imple- mentation of a major transformation for the RM was incredibly exciting and rewarding,” he says, “and it gave us the opportunity to create a livable, inclusive and affordable community for all walks of life.”

Show homes are currently open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Find them at 37 Prairie Sage St. (Signature Homes), 136 Cowley St. (Kensington Homes), 33 Prairie Sage St. (Broadview Homes), 17 Prairie Sage St. and 88 Cornerstone Heights (A&S Homes) and 108 Cowley St. (Randall Homes).