Accessible housing project approved

St. Boniface

St. Norbert-Seine River

St. Vital

The Riel community committee met on Oct. 1.

A public hearing was held regarding a proposed subdivision and rezoning of land located on Taché Avenue, south of Rue Hébert, north of the CNR line, and east of the Red River, as well as a proposed closure of portions of rues Darveau, Hébert, and the public lane west of avenue Taché, in order to build a 65-unit accessible multifamily development, with 20 affordable units, and a large park.

The site is currently vacant and zoned for manufacturing. The City of Winnipeg currently owns the land, and will continue to own it, with the proponent, the Réseau Compassion Network, holding a long-term lease. More than a dozen community members spoke in support of the project. One member of the Old St. Boniface Residents’ Association spoke in opposition to the project, arguing that all of the land should be turned into park land. Two people spoke for information.

“There are many merits to this project,” Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) said in support. “If this goes forward and is successful, I see creation of new park space by the riverbank … I think it is going to bring many new people to the community. This creates a space that is much needed and doesn’t currently exist in Winnipeg.”

A public hearing regarding a combined subdivision, rezoning, and variance for 97, 99, 101, 103, and 105 St. Anne’s Rd. was also held. The applicant intends to build a six-storey mixed use commercial/residential building, with two commercial spaces at ground level, and 45 residential units above, with 32 parking stalls, one spot for a car share vehicle, and 10 indoor bike parking spaces. At least five new trees would also be planted on site, which is currently occupied by five single-family homes, with protective measures for trees on adjacent properties.

One neighbour registered in support of the project, in general, though they did take umbrage with the number of trees that would be removed by the development. Other neighbours raised concerns about the impacts of the development on street parking.

The application was approved, with some amendments, including a requirement for 38 parking stalls, with the exception of one variance regarding the required size of parking stalls.

“It’s a balancing act,” Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) said in support of the proposed development.

During the regular meeting, a land dedication reserve fund grant for $13,000 for Glenwood Community Centre’s dance mirror project was approved.

A delegation from the St. Boniface Museum addressed the committee, noting the museum will be celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2026, though it is currently closed for extensive renovations and repairs, and requesting support from the city. The matter was received as information.

An amendment was granted to the conditions for rezoning 122 St. Anne’s Rd., removing the requirement for the owner to pay half the cost of resurfacing the back lane from gravel to asphalt. Additionally, a petition from landowners from Inman Avenue to Fermor Avenue west of St. Mary’s Road was accepted, requesting their gravel back lane be paved.

Coun. Markus Chambers (Seine River-St. Norbert) was absent from the meeting due to a personal matter.