Ridgewood South development gets council approval

WINNIPEG — A new residential development plan for western Winnipeg has been approved by city council.

“It’s been two and a half years so I think this is a major accomplishment,” said Donovan Toews of Landmark Planning and Design.

The plan will see land currently owned by 30 stakeholders, including Qualico, turned into neighbourhoods. The area is bordered by Wilkes Avenue, the Perimeter Highway, Rannock Avenue and Ridgewood Street.

Some area residents aren’t thrilled about the plan, which will see roughly 3,000 new houses built next to Charleswood, welcoming as many as 9,000 new residents to the neighbourhood.

“That’s why I liked it … buy this house because it’s in the city, close to everything, but still you’re secluded, have the forest around you the deers going by,” said Winston Crawley.

“We’re a growing city and we definitely need to accommodate new people to our city and new neighbourhoods,” said Toews.

After an hour-long debate, the plan passed 11-5. Coun. Paula Havixbeck, who represents the area, was one of those who voted against the development.

“Traffic analysis and impact on neighbouring communities will need to be included on those applications,” Havixbeck said. “So that’s really essential for neighbouring communities so that we’re not bombarded with much more traffic.”

Questions are swirling about the cost of extending roads and services and preserving green space. The Harte Trail runs through Charleswood and is a favourite for cyclists, joggers and dog walkers. Through the developer has no plan to get rid of it, residents are concerned about how much it will change.

“I think this is why a lot of people love Charleswood,” said Maryann McNabb. “It is country living in the city and we don’t want to have cookie-cutter homes side by side.”

Construction is slated to begin in 2015.