McIvor subdivision shot down by committee

North Kildonan

Transcona

Elmwood-East Kildonan

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This article was published 04/07/2023 (1012 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee met on June 20, the group’s last meeting before a two-month summer hiatus.

A proposed subdivision at 329 McIvor Ave. was discussed at a public hearing, which had been opened May 23 but adjourned in hope that the property owner and a neighbouring property owner might resolve a dispute regarding access.

Neighbours Katie and Heinz Rahn, from 321 McIvor Ave., spoke in opposition to the proposal, again bringing up concerns regarding how the project, as proposed, would limit what they will be able to do with their land, essentially hemming it in. The pair expressed disappointment that the landowner was not willing to work with them to create a larger development plan, including both properties. City planners, however, disagreed with the term “land locked”, as the property has access to McIvor, though they admitted it made for a “tricky situation.”

The committee did not recommend approval of the subdivision and variance.

“North Kildonan has been developed in a very piecemeal way,” said Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan). “This is an area that has developed more orderly (and) as a result I don’t think we should allow for disorderly development in this area.”

“We need to push back on these items,” Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) added.

During the committee’s regular meeting, objections to plans for a two single-family dwellings at 285/287 Hazel Dell Ave. were raised by Ron Walker, whose mother lives next door. He said plans have been inconsistently presented during the development process. The matter was referred back to the applicant to deal with placement of doors.

Plans for a detached garage at 617 Transcona Blvd. were approved. The committee also made a motion for a blanket plan-approval for any future detached garages along Transcona Boulevard that fit within the existing bylaw.

Land dedication reserve funding was approved for: new netting at the Transcona Stadium ($20,000); and new benches in four parks in Transcona ($4,000).

A handful of per capita grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100 were also approved for community events and programs.

Additional motions were also passed requesting that the city re-install a crosswalk on Besant Street next to Hampstead School, which was removed during road reconstruction, but has yet to be replaced; fill a hole at 901 Day St.; install a pedestrian signal at the bus-loop on Regent Avenue West at Kildonan Place; add a sidewalk or AT path to Black Diamond Boulevard in Prairie Landing Industrial Park, and expand transit options to the area; report on allowing spring tree planting as part of a site plan for a new park off Gunn Road; develop a temporary off-leash dog park to the west of Park City Commons on Transcona Boulevard; create a pedestrian crossing on Devonshire Drive at Tommy Douglas Drive; and provide an update on the implementation of budgeted improvements for Kilcona Park, among others.

A special meeting of the committee was held June 30 to deal with a number of items before the summer break.

Land dedication reserve funding was approved for two projects in William Reid Park in Transcona: $38,000 for playground redevelopment, and $7,140 for tree pruning. The committee also approved $18,180.91 to help the East Winnipeg Sports Association Inc. for enhancements at Buhler Recreation Park ahead of the upcoming World Police and Fire Games, which take place later this summer. The committee also approved a per capita grant of $1,000 for the Hi Neighbour Festival.

Plans for a multifamily development at 591 Washington Ave. were also approved.

The committee also heard an update on the East of the Red RecPlex feasibility study from the McGowan Russell Group. The report proposes a 92,000-square-foot “one-stop shop” to be located next to the new Transcona Library on Transcona Boulevard. Cost is expected to be over $89 million, if approved and construction budgeted for 2026. Multifamily development would also be included on or around the site, which would help recoup costs of development of the project. Costs of construction would be shared among three levels of government, with the city contributing upwards of $26 million, if approved.