Plan approved for vacant 112-acre site near U of M

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/07/2022 (1429 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

All three members of city council’s Assiniboia community committee met in person on June 27 to deliberate on a slate of issues that were almost entirely development-related proposals.

But first, the councillors heard several reports, including a plan approval for two new portable, modular classrooms on the grounds of South Pointe School (615 Kirkbridge Dr.). Each of the classrooms will measure 958 square foot.

The new rooms are meant to address the influx of students enrolled at the school. The rooms are temporary, as their conditional use permit expires after five years.

Next, a second plan approval report was heard for a one-storey Bank of Montreal branch at 749 Sterling Lyon Pkwy. The bank will occupy a portion of what is now a 23,150-square-foot vacant lot located within the Seasons commercial site. The proposal for the bank includes a drive-thru, as well as eight trees and 99 shrubs.

The committee then shifted gears and unanimously approved the renaming of two roadways. Conservatory Drive in Assiniboine Park will now go by Diversity Drive, and Locomotive Drive is now Leaf Way.

Coun. Kevin Klein (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) said during the meeting that the name changes make sense since the old conservatory has closed and the Leaf is set to open later this year.

“The Leaf is nearing completion and, I think, will be a world-class facility,” Klein said. “These are two great (name) suggestions.”

On a similar note, the trio voted to have Diamond DFC added to the Assiniboia community committee street name reserve list. Also added to the reserve list were Bibi Khivi, Ruth (Hastings), Tej Bains and Sheryl McCorrister.

“They have picked some incredible women who are outstanding in the community,” said Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West).

The committee dug into the day’s delegation period by approving rezoning and variance requests for 398 Elmhurst Rd. in the Varsity View neighbourhood. These changes would see one lot split in two. The developer has proposed one new single-family dwelling for each property.

“The applicant has taken the time to speak with area residents, has taken the time to consider the trees in the area,” Klein said. “The design is certainly within the character of the neighbourhood.”

The proposal will move on to the executive policy committee for further consideration.

The councillors also approved rezoning and variance requests for 613 Parkdale St. The developer plans to remove an existing single-family home on the site and replace it with a two-storey, six-unit building. This proposal will also move on to the executive policy committee.

The big-ticket issue on the agenda for the June 27 meeting were the subdivision and rezoning requests for 230 University Cres.

This 112-acre site has been vacant since 2013. The developer has proposed to subdivide the existing six lots and one parcel into 50 lots, three public reserves, and new public and private streets.

The development would be home to a mixed-use campus, a mixed-use village, a neighbourhood, parks, and a future rapid transit station. The project is expected to unfold in numerous phases, with a 40- to 50-year build-out.

The committee approved the plan with conditions.

The public service must work with the developer to design the active transport corridor on the east side of University Crescent so as to steer clear of nearby mature trees. A similar condition was introduced for the west side of the roadway. The trio also moved to delete the proposed public road connecting D’Arcy Drive to the development.

“This is an opportunity to create greenspace and an incredible entrance to the University of Manitoba,” Lukes said.

The plan will now proceed to council.

The next Assiniboia community committee meeting will be held on Mon., Aug. 29.