‘Big things in small places’

St. James-Assiniboia

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This article was published 18/12/2024 (334 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Build it, and they will come.

After a years-long process, two major developments have officially opened in West Winnipeg — the Parkbridge, at 2140 Portage Ave. in St. James, and another development at 333 Wardlaw Ave. in Osborne Village — which altogether add 138 new housing units to the city.

The projects were developed by Paragon Living, which recently opened Project Chancellor, in collaboration with Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, at 939 Chancellor Ave.

Despite the busy end to 2024, things haven’t been slowed down for Paragon, as the Parkbridge is already 75 per cent leased and the company has three other housing projects in development.

Parkbridge and similar projects, such as Chancellor, were specifically developed in response to the housing crisis, with all units advertised as affordable — $1,100 a month, for some units — and amenities such as internet, laundry, and clean water included in monthly rent.

The new units were celebrated with a grand opening event at Silver Heights Restaurant, attended by Paragon president and CEO Nigel Furgus, Winnipeg mayor Scott Gillingham — who vouched for the project when he was city councillor for St. James ward — and the current St. James councillor, Shawn Dobson, who approved the project at community committee level in 2022.

“People in St. James can afford this … this is absolutely awesome,” Dobson said.

Tony Siwicki, co-owner of Silver Heights Restaurant, described the project as “big things in small places.”

“Ever since the first shovel hit the ground, we’ve been watching the windows with anticipation,” said Siwicki, who lives in Silver Heights. “This isn’t just a building … the community will grow stronger.”

Furgus mirrored the sentiment, describing the project as “a symbol, a place where families and individuals can thrive.”

“Projects like these are crucial,” Gillingham said. “They represent a vision where housing in Winnipeg can and should be sustainable.”

“As mayor and council, we recognize that there is a need for more housing … we’ve embarked on the most significant reforms,” he said.

Parkbridge was built using Logix insulated concrete forms, which are produced in Headingley and will save the building up to 50 per cent in energy.

“A net-zero block, and produced with vegetable oil,” Furgus said. “Sustainable, highly energy efficient … local.”

For more information, visit www.paragonliving.com