Sherburn Street lot could be preserved as park

The City of Winnipeg will consider preserving a vacant lot neighbours deem a valuable green space.

On Thursday, council’s property and development committee ordered a city staff report to explore rezoning the residential lot at 546 Sherburn St. to a parks and recreation space, which could help prevent its redevelopment.

The city previously considered transforming the property to provide supportive housing. City council rejected that proposal after people living near the vacant lot opposed its development, arguing the space served as an informal community park often used by families and children.

The report will study the cost and effects of making the change and consider options to add amenities at the site or restore it to a natural area.