Around city hall

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This article was published 25/04/2024 (539 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Parker lands housing gets city approval

After several years of delay, Winnipeg city council has approved a major housing development at the former Parker lands.

Council voted unanimously Thursday in favour of Gem Equities’ proposal to build 1,918 new dwelling units at the site. Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry) was away on city business and did not vote.

A draft secondary plan for the project was submitted in spring 2014.

Supporters say the project will help meet city infill housing goals and add much-needed homes.

Last year, a judge found one former and one current city planner liable for “misfeasance in public office” and deemed the City of Winnipeg to be vicariously liable for delaying the project. The judge ordered the city to pay $5 million in damages to the developer.

The city’s appeal of that ruling is now awaiting a decision.

Encampment pilot project a go

The City of Winnipeg will test out a plan to clean up encampments more often.

City council approved a pilot project Thursday with Main Street Project, Siloam Mission and Downtown Community Safety Partnership.

It’s not yet clear how many, or which, encampments this would clean up.

Mayor Scott Gillingham hopes the work will begin by early May and continue through the end of October.

New name for Bishop Grandin on the way

Bishop Grandin Boulevard will soon get its new name, after city council passed a street renaming bylaw on Thursday.

The name change was requested due to concerns about the boulevard’s namesake, Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin, a key advocate for residential schools.

In March 2023, council officially decided to change the name Bishop Grandin Boulevard to Abinojii Mikanah and replace the name Grandin Street with Taapweewin Way.

The city expects to register the names with the Winnipeg Land Titles Office next, which will take about three to four weeks, and change road signs “in the weeks ahead,” a release states.

Affordable housing headed to Marion Street

Dozens of affordable housing units are coming to St. Boniface.

City council approved a six-storey building for 366 Marion St., Thursday, as well as 284 and 288 Des Meurons St.

The 127-unit housing project will include 52 “deeply affordable” homes.

Sherbrook to get seven-storey apartment block

A new seven-storey apartment block is set to bring 102 apartments and seven commercial spaces to 126 to 140 Sherbrook St.

Council approved the Paragon Design Build development on Thursday.

While some residents complained the project won’t provide low enough rents for the area, the developer plans to include 38 units deemed “affordable” under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. guidelines. Rent will be set at about $1,100 per month for affordable one-bedroom units.

Cleaning of dangerous debris at parks studied

The City of Winnipeg will study options to ramp up the removal of dangerous debris, such as needles and weapons, at city parks.

On Thursday, council voted to have staff report back on the service, and what it would cost.

Some downtown daycares have reported finding needles, human waste, knives, ammunition and other weapons at parks where children play.

Wolseley to be next neighbourhood greenway

Wolseley Avenue will become Winnipeg’s next reduced-speed neighbourhood greenway.

The avenue’s speed limit will drop to 30 km/h from 50 km/h year-round between Maryland Street and Raglan Road.

Neighbourhood greenways are intended to safely move pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles, which typically include traffic-calming treatments.