Innovative seniors’ development given OK

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This article was published 12/02/2021 (1852 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee held a long and busy meeting on Feb. 8.

A major new development for seniors is one step closer to breaking ground in North Kildonan.

A subdivision, rezoning, and variance application was approved for Lexington Park Seniors Village, a seven acre, mixed-use development that will feature both independent and assisted living options on land currently zoned for manufacturing and agriculture east of Gateway Road and just south of Springfield Road. The proposal calls for over 400 living units in three towers, along with curbside commercial space and public areas, as well.

The Schlegel village concept allows for older adults to age in place, explained Art DeFehr, one of the proponents of the project, while offering commercial and recreational amenities on site. 

“Seniors should feel part of a greater community,” DeFehr said. “The village design allows for that community experience. We see this as a legacy project for the DeFehr family.”

A focus on sustainable building techniques and a provision for a fleet of electric vehicles was also included as part of the proposal.

“Of particular interest will be a program to encourage use of electric vehicles, both for personal and shared use,” DeFehr said.

Dan Block, a 72-year-old self described “active senior” and “potential tenant,” from Glenelm, was among a number of local residents who spoke in support of the project, its focus on active living, and amenities like the electric vehicles.

The project, which received the support of the committee after some clarifications regarding land set aside for the dedication reserve, also includes greenspace and active transportation pathways that will link up with existing AT paths along the Northeast Pioneers Greenway and Chief Peguis Trail.

“This type of housing is very much in need,” Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan)said. “This is a very positive for our broader neighbourhood.”

Funding for a new playstructure in Fraser’s Grove Park was approved. The $200,000 upgrade will benefit from $82,500 in land dedication reserve funding.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this, as it’s one of the big parks in North Kildonan,” Browaty said. “This is a very well used park, with a washroom facility and a skating park in the winter. This is a well-needed upgrade.”

Coun. Shawn Nason (Transcona) made a request for $25,000 in non-conforming land dedication reserve funding for a canine memorial to be established at the Winnipeg Police Service’s canine memorial garden, south of Dugald Road. 

“I think it is important to honour police dogs,” Nason said. “They are an ideal tool, but they are a companion to police officers, as well. We’ve seen time and time again they’ve supported in execution of duties to Winnipeg police.”

The committee also approved $12,000 in community incentive grants, $6,000 each from North Kildonan and Elmwood-East Kildonan wards, for a new tractor at Bronx Park Community Centre. The tractor would also be used at Clara Hughes Recreation Park.

The public service also presented the committee with a long awaited report on road conditions in old Transcona. The report showed that by 2023, over 55 per cent of roads in the ward would be deemed in “good condition” or better, though Nason was concerned that new roads in new developments within the ward were skewing the results, while roads in older neighbourhoods in the ward were neglected.

Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist

Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112

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