University Crescent development to offer ‘affordable’ housing

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This article was published 08/02/2019 (2660 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

• Plans for a multifamily “gateway” development on University Crescent were approved by Assiniboia community committee on Feb. 4.

Wayne Bollman, a consultant for the developers, said they hope to begin demolition of three single family dwellings at 30, 32 and 34 University Cres. in the next two months to make way for a 104-unit multi-family rental complex.

“It’s going to be a real jewel to the entrance to the University Crescent area,” Bollman said.

Bollman said the apartment will be “100 per cent affordable housing,” and remains a for-profit development. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation is contributing financing to the project and for 10 years, rent will be 10 per cent below rental rate in the area, the committee heard.

“We think that we can build something that’s quite attractive and affordable for area residents,” Bollman said.

During the rezoning and variance application process in mid-June, Bollman said the development will have 70 one-bedroom and 34 two-bedroom units. The development will have a 35-stall underground parkade and 69-stall surface parking lot, representing a $20-million investment in the neighbourhood.

The plans were approved unanimously.

• Tuxedo Community Centre has benefited from another City grant to upgrade lighting at its facility.

Assiniboia community committee approved a $10,985.65 community incentive grant to cover half the cost of upgrading lighting on the south outdoor rink. The community centre will be installing eight LED light fixtures on the rink and two flood lights to be focused on the building throughout the evening hours.

On Nov. 13, 2018 Assiniboia community committee also approved a $22,000 land dedication reserve grant to install new LED lighting on the north rink.

According to documents submitted to the City, the club at 368 Southport Blvd. planned to install eight light fixtures on the north rink and two light fixtures directed at the club itself, to deter vandalism. The projected was anticipated to be complete by October 2019 and cost approximately $22,000.

At the same time, the club also received a $4,949.53 community incentive grant to assist with its parking lot lighting project.

The nearly $10,000 project included the upgrade of two parking lot poles to LED fixtures.

• Work to reopen a bike path along the Assiniboine River that failed last summer is continuing.

A spokesperson with the Winnipeg Public Service told the committee a consultant has prepared a draft memo with functional design options and Class 4 cost estimates to reopen the kilometre-long pathway behind the Rady Jewish Community Centre connecting Wellington Crescent to Assiniboine Park.  

The next steps, the spokesperson said, is to request the consultant to begin preliminary designs for the pathway. In the long term, road realignment and stabilization may be required along that stretch of Wellington Crescent.

Funding for riverbank stabilization and repair to the path would be allocated in the 2020 capital budget and is estimated at over $4.5 million.

• Plans for a proposed luxury seniors residence in Tuxedo were also reaffirmed by Assiniboia community committee.

The developers of two seven-storey, 113 unit buildings at 757 and 761 Sterling Lyon Pkwy. submitted new plans to the committee for consideration. The developers scaled back their initial proposal, approved by community committee in June 2016, from four nine-storey buildings.

According to a administrative report, the new site plans retain the general footprint of the original development and don’t require any new variances.

Danny Serhal, of Affinity Architecture, told the committee the development will offer high-end amenities such as large suites, dining facilities, and spas, and will operate under a life lease model.

• The following organizations received per capita grants:

• Pembina Active Living 55+ was given a $500 per capita grant from the Waverley West ward allowance to support its volunteer appreciation event and 10 year anniversary celebration.

• The Fort Richmond University Heights Neighbourhood Association received a $100 grant to assist with website upgrades and maintenance.

• Other applications in front of the committee, including funding for bus tickets for daycare children and support for community dinners were laid over until April, or when the City’s capital budget is approved.