Multi-family development in St. Boniface moves forward

St. Boniface

St. Vital

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This article was published 08/09/2023 (787 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Riel community committee met on Sept. 6 for the first time since June 19.

During public hearings, a demolition application for the home at 165 Marion St., to allow for the property to be used as a surface parking lot until it can be developed along with 163 Marion St., was not recommended by the public service, as it went against the intent of city planners to make Marion Street a more attractive place for pedestrians, residents, and visitors.

The landlord, however, argued that the building has become a blight upon the area, with transients making use of the empty home, leaving used needles and other trash around.

“I feel jammed, for lack of a better word,” said Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), who sympathized with the property owner and recommended he apply for conditional-use zoning, to allow for a couple parking spots on the existing property. “(But) I know from an urban planning perspective that if I grant a demolition permit, I’m making the wrong decision for the street.”

A combined subdivision, rezoning and variance application was approved for 163 and 165 Aubert St. to consolidate to lots from R2 to RMF-L to build a four-storey, 32-unit multi-family residential building. The project would include both affordable and accessible units, and intends to be energy efficient. Nobody registered to speak in opposition.

“I think this is an excellent development,” Allard said. “This is moving towards a more urban St. Boniface, and will support the aspirations of St. Boniface for much time to make it a more booming and attractive commercial destination.”

A subdivision and rezoning application was approved for 166 Sadler Ave., to build a three-unit multi-family development. The plan, which originally included six units, was first discussed in June, with public service recommending rejection of the proposal. Nobody was registered in opposition to the project. The applicant will need to return to committee for a variance to adjust the lot area before plans can be approved.

“What I want to see is a three-unit proposal that does not require a lane widening,” Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) said in support.

During the regular hearing, an application for a non-conforming approach at 15 St. David Rd. was approved by the committee, after homeowner Lianjun Liu argued that a driveway was needed to accommodate his work vehicle and trailer. Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) moved approval, noting that until the public service could come up with a solution to the gravel lanes in the area, he didn’t see a better solution.

Plans were approved for a number of projects, including: new signs at 3550 Pembina Hwy. and 185 Provencher Blvd., and a mixed-use building containing two commercial units and 45 residential units at 174 Provencher Blvd.

Per capita grants were approved for the Norwood Lawn Bowling Club ($200) and the Bonivital Soccer Club ($200).

A request for fitness nodes to be built at John Forsyth Park (475 John Forsyth Rd.) was moved by the committee, as was a motion to enforce property maintenance standards for landlords, despite some reservations by councillors.