Mayor’s cabinet signs off on proposed 110-acre neighbourhood on Dugald Road

A major development proposes to create nearly 3,000 homes, ample commercial space and a possible school at a mostly vacant industrial park.

The Waters Urban Village project would transform 110 acres (44.5 hectares) of employment and industrial land at 1390 and 1470 Dugald Road in the St. Boniface Industrial Park by creating 2,946 residential units, a commercial town centre, a central park and six business park buildings, pending final city council approval.

The largest high-rise residential buildings would be close to key Winnipeg Transit routes.

The substantial addition of infill homes and businesses fits well with the city’s goals to make use of existing infrastructure, said a proponent of the project.

“We think this is an excellent proposal. It is innovative, it covers off needs … for industrial employment lands as well as residential lands. The proposal creates a complete community,” said Donovan Toews, a partner with Landmark Planning & Design.

Toews said the area would have sidewalks and active transportation paths, noting some people who work in the community would likely live there.

He said discussions are underway with the Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine to potentially add a school.

In an economic analysis report, the city predicts the development would have key financial benefits. The report estimates it would earn the city about $80 million through property taxes and other revenue than it costs to support over 75 years, plus a further boost in utility revenue.

The analysis estimates the village would attract a population of 6,777 and accommodate 1,165 jobs.

“We’re dealing with a vacant piece of property that has tons of potential to not only be industrial but also have that mixed-use component with residential (construction) and this accomplishes that.” said Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo- Westwood).

Council’s executive policy committee voted in favour of the proposal Tuesday.

Duncan, chairman of the property and development committee, said the Waters Urban Village should allow residents to “live, work and play” in one area.

A city report suggests the developer expects to begin building in 2027, pending final approval.

City officials suggest the mixed-used plan is most suitable for the land right now.

“Without an amendment, the land may continue to sit vacant in the near term,” the financial analysis notes.

One city councillor opposed the project, accusing EPC of rushing it through, since it was not heard first at a community committee meeting.

“The timing of the … hearing suggests political involvement, preferential treatment (and an) inside deal … with basically zero community-wide consultation with the Transcona community,” alleged Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona).

Wyatt estimated the project could add “upwards of 5,000 vehicles” to the area, snarling traffic.

“Right now, Dugald Road is at capacity. If you go down there any time of day, it is packed,” he said.

The committee heard that multiple rounds of public consultation were conducted; a planner had called Wyatt 10 times to update him.

The Transcona councillor said he didn’t return the calls because he speaks to developers, not consultants.

Mayor Scott Gillingham told Wyatt his claims about other councillors “impugned” their reputations. And, during a break in the meeting, Gillingham deemed those claims inaccurate.

“If Coun. Wyatt would have showed up to the meeting on time, he would have heard our clerk clearly explain that this process is in order, in accordance with our procedure bylaws,” he said.

The mayor also criticized Wyatt for not answering some calls about the project.

“If Coun. Wyatt wants to support and represent the people of Transcona, he’s got to answer the phone to do the job,” said Gillingham.

When asked about Wyatt’s traffic concerns, the mayor suggested the councillor should step away from his job.

“Right now, Coun. Wyatt seems to be a desperate man. I’ll restate there’s a lot going on in his personal life and he should step away and deal with his personal life,” said Gillingham.

The mayor has said the councillor should take a leave after Wyatt was charged in March with sexual assault and administering a noxious substance. The Transcona councillor has declared his innocence and promised to continue representing his ward.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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