Fort Rouge project OK'd by committee

A massive infill housing project in Winnipeg is a step closer to construction, receiving approval from a city community committee despite plenty of opposition from area residents.

The proposed 900-unit Fort Rouge Rail Yards residential development calls for a 900-unit housing complex, mixing condos and townhouses, on a 16-acre parcel of land in theLord Roberts neighbourhood.

The project is worth an estimated $200 million, according to the developers, Lexington Investment Corporation and GEM Equities.

The townhouse units will vary in size from one to three storeys, while the highrises will be capped at 21 storeys.

Initially, the plans called for three highrises up to 25 storeys but following feedback from residents at an open house in September, the developers dropped the height and scaled back the number of highrises to two.

Traffic and population congestion has been the primary concern of area residents, both at the open house and Tuesday's committee meeting.

"We've got gridlock here already. It's growing, it's developing. This development I think will increase it, and people are finding it quite difficult," said Steve Rauh, who attended the committee meeting.

Since the September open house, the developers have stated they are open to creating traffic calming measures in the area, such as traffic circles, in cooperation with neighbourhood residents and the city.

As well, the developers say the rapid transit system will be an integral part of the development, allowing easy transportation access, and a reduced reliance on vehicles.

The development site, currently an industrial property adjacent to the Fort Rouge railway yards, is located alongside the the soon-to-be-completed first phase of the rapid transit corridor.

Adam Dooley, a spokesman for the developers, noted the project would actually increase the area's long-lagging population to the same level it was at 40 years ago.

That would serve to benefit local businesses and schools, he said.

"We believe that this is a very positive change. We have sincerely engaged the community, we've listened to their concerns, we've changed plans based on the feedback we've received," Dooley said.

Environmentally sensitive

The developers also say they are being sensitive to the environmental by taking measures to reduce the project's impact.

"By building up, we can accommodate a greater number of units while occupying a smaller architectural footprint," states the website for the Fort Rouge Rail Yards development.

"For example, a five storey 100-unit apartment building occupies more land than a 10, 15 or 20-storey building."

As well, the project will incorporate a geothermal heating system which reduces operating costs and its carbon footprint.

The site will also feature parks and recreation areas, and active transportation pathways to encourage cyclists and pedestrians, according to the developer's master plan.

The development, which must still be approved by city council, seeks to have the area rezoned and subdivided into eight lots, with two of those dedicated as public reserve to the City of Winnipeg.

If approved by council, the development will be built in three phases:

• Phase 1 – townhouses (construction expected to begin in 2011).
• Phase 2 – mid-rise apartments and condominiums (2012-14).
• Phase 3 – highrise apartments and condominiums (2013-15).