New housing projects approved by City Centre committee

City Centre

The City Centre community committee held a regular meeting on Nov. 24.

A number of public hearings were held during the meeting. Up first was an amendment to the zoning agreement for 540 and 550 Kenaston Blvd., to allow for a drive-through-only McDonald’s restaurant. The application was approved, with nobody registered in opposition. Final plan need to be approved by the committee.

A combined subdivision, rezoning, and variance application was heard for land located at 1350 and 1360 Pembina Hwy., and 969 and 975 Dowker Ave., in order for Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation to build a mixed-use, multi-family development on the old police station site at 1350 Pembina Hwy. The land is currently zoned for commercial and public use. Some land from each parcel would be needed to re-route a public lane attaching to Dowker Avenue. The new building, which would include 144 units with a minimum of 43 affordable units, would require plan approval by the committee before construction can begin.

“Since 2013 this has been a property that has needed to be put to better use,” Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) said in support of the application. “I can’t think of a better use.”

A subdivision, rezoning, and variance application for 778 Walker Ave., which will allow for a five-plex to be built on the wedge-shaped corner lot, was approved. One neighbour was registered in opposition, but did not speak at the hearing.

“Given the shape of the lot … this is a nice mix for the neighbourhood,” Rollins said in support.

An amendment to the zoning agreement for 545 and 549 Broadway, to allow for a reduction in front yard setback for a new glass atrium for the Rainbow Resource Centre was also approved. Nobody was registered in opposition.

A rezoning and variance application for 36 Roslyn Rd., to allow for construction of a 72-unit multi-family building, was also heard. Variances regarding parking, and no front and side yards, were sought, though the public service did not completely concur with the applicant, recommending reduced front and side yards instead. The public service also did not support the variance allowing for 200 square-feet per dwelling units, nor the request for 21 parking spots, rather than 72. The public service was willing to move a little on both requests, provided that affordable units were included.

John Wintrup, representing the applicant, argued that many new and established buildings within the neighbourhood and other neighbourhoods within the committee’s wards, had received approval for similar variances, and that the development fit within Osborne Village.

One neighbour who spoke in opposition objected to the variances, the mass and scale of the proposed development. Presenting a petition signed by local residents, she called on the developer to resubmit a proposed multi-family unit with medium density, which they felt was more appropriate for the area. Another objected to the lack of parking.

The committee agree the recommendation of the public service in approving the application, with the exception of two variances.

“There has been a growth (in the neighbourhood) between 11 and 14 per cent,” Rollins said in support of the project. “People need a place to live … We’re looking at land-use, we’re looking at transportation decision-making, and we’re looking at neighbourhoods that work for people.”

Finally, a hearing was held for a subdivision, rezoning, and variance application for 707 and 711 Brock St. to allow for development of a mixed-use building with one commercial ground floor unit and 17 residential units.

The proponent argued that mixed-use zoning is essential for maintaining vibrant neighbourhoods where people can age in place, in order to provide apartments, condos and add commercial operations to residential neighbourhoods.

Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights) questioned why no public consultation had been done. Eight neighbours spoke in opposition to the project, listing safety, traffic, lack of consultation, and scale among their concerns, among others. After much debate, the committee voted against the proposal.

“It’s too big for that corner,” Orlikow said, noting that the developer could build two four-plexes on the two lots, by right. “I respectfully say no.”

“It’s hard to let this go,” Rollins added. “More is needed and it is needed on this scale.”

During the brief regular meeting, plans for a six-storey, 54-unit apartment building at 1030 Taylor Ave. were approved. An extension of time was granted for the subdivision and rezoning of the south side of John Brebeuf Place, west of Centennial Street, and north of Grant Avenue.

A community incentive grant for $50,000 from the River Heights ward for the Manitoba Cardiac Institute (Reh-Fit) Inc., was approved to help cover costs of its outdoor space renovations. Additionally, a $500 community fund grant was approved for the Assiniboine Park Hockey Association for its Polar Bears Day celebrations.