Committee approves application for 55-plus complex near Charleswood United Church

Charleswood

Bridgwater

The Assiniboia community committee held a marathon, 10-and-a-half hour meeting on Nov. 20 at which several projects were discussed — but the one which drew the most heat was a hearing for a subdivision and rezoning at 4820, 4724, and 4814 Roblin Blvd.

Proposed by Charleswood United Church, the project calls for a six-storey, 132-unit multi-family building on a newly created lot 2.64 acres in size, directly beside the existing church — which would not be altered in any way.

The new building — which will serve as housing for people aged 55-plus — will be accessible from Roblin Boulevard and include 200 parking stalls, 64 of which would be located underground.

Some 74 residents registered in opposition, many of whom raised concerns that the proposed building will not fit the historic esthetic of that area of Charleswood, particularly due to its close proximity to the church.

“Charleswood is a neighbourhood with strong identity, people stay here for decades because they value its character, its sense of space, and its close-knit feeling that comes from generations of families living side by side,” said Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood). “When we consider the new developments in areas like this, context matters, fit matters, and residents expect that change will be carefully evaluated against the long-standing character of our neighbourhoods.”

“There are reasons someone might not support this application,” he added. “It’s not a single-family housing development, it’s not low-density form of multi-family housing. In a mature, predominantly low-density area, those concerns are legitimate.”

However, Duncan also expressed his concern regarding the “real and pressing challenge” of a lack of appropriate housing for older residents in Charleswood.

“Time and time again, I hear from longtime residents who, frankly, either want to stay in the community or come back to the community that they built — that their family and friends, and that their church, their routines are all in — but they simply can’t find the right type of housing… And this is where the Charleswood United Church proposal becomes meaningful.”

Duncan commended the church for remaining a “community-focused” institution for generations. He also praised the proposal for sticking close to the values and service the church has tried to instill in the neighbourhood it serves.

“The design aims to provide housing that is meeting a growing community need while being as respectful as possible to the surrounding context. I understand the concerns, and I don’t dismiss them… But, I also believe in preserving what makes Charleswood special and providing opportunities for the people who built our community.”

The application, which included a conditional use and variance, was approved.