Committee agrees with concerns about new housing proposal on St. Mary’s

St. Vital

St. Norbert

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This article was published 14/01/2026 (211 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Riel community committee held a regular meeting on Jan. 7.

A lengthy public hearing was held regarding a zoning amendment application for the even-numbered lots from 1976-1996 St. Mary’s Rd. in order to permit a maximum building height of 45 feet, rather than the 26 permitted by the original zoning agreement. The applicant proposed a four-storey, 100-unit multi-family building at 1988 St. Mary’s Rd. The public service had recommended that the application be rejected.

Nearly a dozen residents spoke in opposition, objecting to proposed height and accessory structures, especially the suggestion to add a pickleball court and the potential removal of mature trees on site. Many expressed hope that the natural space, intended for an accessory structure or amenity for residents, could remain park or public greenspace of some kind.

The committee recommended the city negotiate an amendment with so that any proposed building could encroach on the property line more than initially agreed, but it did not agree to amend the height restriction.

“This was intentionally put in place to ensure compatibility with adjacent single-family homes,” Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) said. “The increase in height is not justified.”

“This doesn’t respect the context,” Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) added. “We’re giving you something, but we’re not going to change the height limits.”

During the regular meeting, plans for a new six-storey seniors’ housing project at 1680 St. Mary’s Rd. were approved. The project will see 13 existing townhouse style units demolished and replaced by 82 new units within the new building, 28 will be affordable units.

“This will be a beautiful addition to St. Mary’s Road,” Chambers said. “It’s great to see this project finally move forward.”

Plans for two new mixed-use commercial and residential buildings at 1275 St. Anne’s Rd. were also approved. One building would be six storeys, with two ground floor commercial units and 108 residential units, while the other would be two storeys and include three commercial units. In total, 146 parking spaces were proposed, which exceeds the minimum parking requirement by 10 spaces. New trees and shrubs along the St. Anne’s Road would also be included.

A $6,725 grant from St. Nobert-Seine River ward’s land dedication reserve, to help cover costs of a new outdoor learning space at Samuel Burland School was approved, as was a $2,000 LDR grant for École George-McDowell’s outdoor ice rink.

An extension of time for the plan of the subdivision and rezoning for 966 Bruce Rd. East, until July 12, was approved.