Brief
Developer of Granite Curling Club housing project begins site work while awaiting judge’s ruling
The $44 million development, which includes 56 affordable units, is awaiting a judicial decision on construction permits.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The developer of a proposed 110‑unit housing project on the Granite Curling Club’s parking lot has begun investigative work at the site while a judge considers a decision on whether construction can proceed, the project’s chief executive said.
What happened
According to the developer, limited digging took place on the city‑owned property last week, but no construction has started. The work is described as “investigative site work” intended to complete required reports before any building begins.
What the reports add
The project, branded UWCRC 2.0 Inc., would add 110 housing units, of which 56 are designated as affordable. Of the affordable units, 30 would have monthly fees tied to residents’ incomes and 26 would be priced at 69 percent or less of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s median market rent for the area. The developer estimates the total cost at $44 million, up from $40 million about 18 months ago, citing construction inflation, interest charges and tariffs.
What was said
Jeremy Read, chief executive officer of UWCRC 2.0 Inc., told the Winnipeg Free Press, “I would call (the digging so far) investigative site work. It’s not preparing in any way for construction, other than to ensure that the reports that are required for any site have been completed.” He added that a heritage resources impact assessment will check for fossils or unmarked graves, noting, “You want to ensure that this is not a sacred site.” Read said preliminary findings have not identified items that would stall construction. On the legal dispute, he said, “The land is subdivided, zoning is in place, the permitting has occurred. At this point, I would say we are anxiously awaiting the decision.” He also warned that acting before the court’s resolution could create risk for the project.
How it came about
The curling club sued the city after the municipal board rejected a direction requiring an “adequate” parking plan for the club, arguing that the new homes could reduce its 80‑stall capacity to 35 stalls, threatening financial viability. The developer says the project would take about two years to build and would provide urgently needed affordable homes in the area.
Key facts
- The developer began investigative site work at the Granite Curling Club parking lot while awaiting a judge’s decision. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The project would add 110 housing units, 56 of which are affordable. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The total cost of the development is now $44 million, up from $40 million 18 months earlier. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Jeremy Read said preliminary heritage assessments have not found items that would delay construction. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The curling club is suing the city over a rejected municipal board direction on parking. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Developer ‘anxiously’ awaits judge’s decision on Granite Curling Club construction”
