Osborne Village BIZ blueprint OK’d
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Councillors at the City Centre community committee meeting on May 17 supported a motion to make the new Osborne Village BIZ action plan required reading for the City of Winnipeg’s public works and property and development standing policy committees.
The plan, titled Blueprint for a Vibrant and Healthy Neighbourhood, aims to restore Osborne Village as a much more accommodating “neighbourhood destination,” accessible via transit and active transportation,
“Councillors, when on standing policy committee, have an opportunity to really impact a neighbourhood’s design,” said Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry), whether that be water, density, or development.
Rollins also said she wanted to walk the proposal around more than one committee, given that each plays a part in Osborne Village’s development.
The report, released earlier this month, was praised by councillors for the strong partnership with residents and consideration of neighbourhood density. If approved, it will improve the area’s walkability.
“It’s about time we treat Osborne Village as a senior neighbourhood,” said Rollins, who also expressed how much she liked the plan’s transit-focused strategy.
“There are a lot of plans that require diligence,” said Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry). “But I think (property and development) and public works are a good place to start, and I don’t think that’s where it’ll end.”
The committee also reviewed a rezoning and variance for 1524 Grant Ave., which will enable Ideal Mortgage Solutions to convert what was previously a family home into an office space for the company. The plan was given the go ahead due to the very low-impact nature of the building.