Former Fort Garry Legion site takes on new life

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This article was published 04/03/2022 (1319 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The former home of the Fort Garry Legion is taking on a new life as construction begins on an infill housing project.

The Fort Garry Legion stood at 1125 Pembina Hwy. since 1949 but was demolished in early January after the group secured a newly renovated location up the road at 762 Pembina Hwy.

The 82-unit development that will replace the old Legion, called “The Point on Pembina,” will be a modern six-story residential and commercial live/work building, according to a Feb. 16 news release.

Foresight Development Group is spearheading the build along with KNH Sawatzky & Associates and the Bouchard Brothers. The Point on Pembina will feature 76 one- and two-bedroom suites, as well as six “live-work” units on the main floor equipped with dedicated storefront entrances and integrated front decks.

“The area is one of the more major mixed-use corridors in Winnipeg, so we felt that was a good location,” said Kurtis Sawatzky, project prime consultant with KNH Sawatzky & Associates and project manager for The Point on Pembina.

“It’s close to the rapid transit corridor and the walkable score of 70 is unusual for the area. There’s a lot of good amenities and services within walking distance.”

Each suite will have nine-foot ceilings with oversized windows and higher-end appliances, flooring, countertops and lighting. There will be 58 heated underground parking stalls, 13 outdoor parking stalls and electric vehicle charging stations. For residents without a car, The Point on Pembina will be located near a rapid transit station with enclosed bus shelter. The location will also be pet friendly (with a dog wash station) and have secure bike storage and a main level shared common room with deck space.

“We’re still looking at what’s affordable for the area. We haven’t committed to final numbers yet, but they’ll be in fitting with published rental rates in the area,” Sawatzky said.

Since the units will be pet friendly, having durable finishes is important, Sawatzky added. Each suite will feature quartz countertops in the kitchens and bathrooms and thermofoil cabinets.

“We feel it’s more environmentally responsible to put durable finishing in,” Sawatzky said. “Even if they cost a bit more, they just perform better.”

Sawatzky said the development “aligns with the city’s climate action plan” by cutting down greenhouse gas emissions through access to transit and being 20 per cent more energy efficient than code.

The team behind the new property is working with the Fort Garry Legion to create a marker that will recognize and honour their work.

“We’re taking down a building that’s been there for 70 years and had a lot of connections with the community through difficult times,” Sawatzky said.

“We want to do it in a way that’s not gratuitous and fits in the area. We have to make sure it’s durable, tastefully done and something they’d appreciate.”

The Point on Pembina is anticipated to be completed in September 2023.