Winnipeg Can Proceed with Controversial 111-Unit Apartment Complex

UPDATE: The City of Winnipeg is set to move forward with plans for a controversial 111-unit apartment complex next to the Granite Curling Club, defying a recent provincial board’s decision that sought to give the club veto power over the project. City planning officials confirmed in a newly released report that the city can legally ignore the board’s recommendation, which was issued in November.

This decision comes as urgent developments unfold regarding residential housing in the area. The city’s executive policy committee is scheduled to review the report on December 8, 2023, and the implications are significant for both local residents and the Granite Curling Club.

The provincial board had mandated that the city must ensure approval from the curling club before proceeding with any land-use changes, citing concerns about parking and operational sustainability. However, city planning manager James Veitch stated that the city has no obligation to comply with the board’s directive since it pertains to a development permit rather than the actual zoning changes needed for the new complex.

Veitch asserted, “These are not the types of conditions that council is authorized to impose on the approval of a zoning bylaw,” emphasizing that the Granite Curling Club is merely a tenant on city land. The board’s ruling, which could lead to future developments being held hostage by tenant negotiations, has sparked outrage among some city officials, including Mayor Scott Gillingham, who described it as a “dangerous precedent.”

The Granite Curling Club argues that the new complex threatens its viability, as it will reduce available parking spaces from 80 to just 35, significantly impacting its operations and rental agreements with nearby businesses.

Complicating matters further, the curling club’s board is requesting financial subsidies and cost reimbursements exceeding $800,000 for 2024 as part of a new lease agreement. Their demands include reduced rent, tax subsidies, and funding for repairs and property stabilization along the Assiniboine River.

As the executive policy committee prepares to discuss this contentious issue, the outcome will not only affect the future of the apartment complex but also the long-term sustainability of the Granite Curling Club. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as developments unfold, with many anticipating heated debates in the coming days.

Next Steps: All eyes will be on the committee’s meeting on December 8, which promises to shape the future of both residential housing and community sporting facilities in Winnipeg. This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available.