Mixed use development OK’d for north Henderson

North Kildonan

The East Kildonan Transcona community committee rang in spring with a regular meeting on March 20.

A public hearing was held for subdivision, rezoning, conditional use and variance applications for a residential mixed-use project at 1396/1400 Henderson Hwy., which was approved. A 59-unit residential development, with office space and a restaurant on site, was proposed, including 81 parking spots, one fewer than the city’s minimum parking requirement. The proponent has also requested reduced front and sideyard setbacks, similar to other commercial developments, as opposed to residential developments.

One neighbour, Vern Gaddos, registered in opposition, claiming that the area is overdeveloped as it is.

“To increase the density of traffic moving in that area is dangerous,” he said. “It’s just that simple.”

Jim Smith, president of the North East Winnipeg Historical Society, who was registered for information, provided some background on the area, which formerly included a park and a cenotaph, which has since been moved to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 215, at 215 Maxwell King Dr.

Smith suggested a historical plaque be added to any future development, a suggestion the proponent committed to pursue.

“I think the uses here are appropriate for the area and consistent with good urban planning principals,” Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) said in support of the project. “Having this mixed use provides increased vibrancy and character to the neighbourhood.”

The project still requires plan approval from the committee before construction can begin.

The committee’s last regularly scheduled meeting, on Feb. 24, was adjourned, owing to lack of quorum, as only Coun. Jason Schreyer (Elmwood-East Kildonan) was present, with Browaty away on city business and Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) also absent. A special meeting was then held on Feb. 28 to deal with some of the issues on the agenda. Most notably, two passive park conversions in Transcona (Barry Tot Lot, $3,000; and William Reid Park, $4,000) were approved for land dedication reserve funding.

Many items that had been held over until the March 20 meeting – such as plans for a parking lot expansion at 225 Riverton Ave., including enhanced landscaping on the site; as well as a non-conforming approach for 981 Woodvale St. — were also approved. However, several were held over until the committee’s next meeting, on Wednesday, April 26, including a public hearing for a project at 1380 Ravelston Ave. West.