Transit-oriented development a first for the city

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This article was published 26/06/2020 (1944 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

City Centre community committee met June 19, with councillors Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry) and Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) in attendance.

An area of Osborne Street near Confusion Corner will become the city’s first transit-oriented development (TOD), after the committee approved rezoning of the Corydon-Osborne area.

This is an historic first, Rollins said, as the committee voted in favour of the rezoning, which will move on to the standing policy committee on property, heritage and downtown development.

The TOD rezoning also included a subdivision and variance for a high-rise building to be built at 265 Osborne St. The building will include residential units, commercial areas for a restaurant and planned cooking school, and the city’s first robotic parking garage, along with bike parking.

“The bike stalls, the plaza space, the location next to the rapid transit line, the juxtaposition of the parkade and the rooftop is artful,” Rollins said. “This is an example of growing up and out.”

There was opposition from a local resident regarding a previous plan to designate the lot as a park, as part of the Jessie Avenue greenway. Rollins said she will work with the community on ideas to increase green space elsewhere.

Community incentive grants were approved for:

• The Westridge Community Centre in the amount of $33,536 to assist with the cost of a rink asphalt paving project.

• The Academy Road BIZ in the amount of $4,171 toward bicycle racks.

• The Riverview Community Centre in the amount of $1,000 toward exercise equipment.

• The Manitoba Metis Federation in the amount of $500 toward a Roostertown Reunion.

• Oxford Street residents in the amount of $240 toward a block party between Academy Road and Kingsway Avenue.

• Earl Grey, Churchill, General Byng, St. John Brebeuf and River Heights schools, in various amounts, toward end-of-year prizes for students.