Those who convert Winnipeg mall spaces into large redevelopments will be required to create privately owned and publicly accessible green spaces.
The privately maintained spaces offer a chance to boost green space supply at a lower cost, said Coun. Sherri Rollins, chairwoman of property and development.
“One of the ways to augment green space in a more affordable way is … privately owned public space. For Winnipeggers who really prize green space, this is a way of getting at it,” said Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry).
For years, the city has faced challenges in maintaining its publicly owned parks. An annual report released in April deemed 13 per cent of park assets to be in poor to very poor condition.
Rollins said she expects plans required for developments would ensure the new green spaces are maintained well for the public long into the future.
“We have an opportunity to grow green space here and have a funding mechanism (to support it),” she said.
During a presentation to the property and development committee on Thursday, city staff said developers at such sites will be required to provide one or more green spaces, such as a plaza, park, multipurpose field, greenway or community garden. The exact requirement will depend on the size of each development.
Hazel Borys, director of planning, property and development, said the change would help the city increase its green space and biodiversity, without the cost of adding city-owned amenities.
“That definitely helps reduce the long-term park maintenance costs to the city,” said Borys.
The new rule is part of major zoning changes the city has committed to implement, as part of securing $122 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. These include making it easier to add up to four housing units on a single residential lot, add housing on mall sites and commercial corridors and create up to four-storey buildings near frequent transit corridors.
The changes will remove the need for developers to complete potentially time-consuming zoning or variance applications and public hearings to get their projects approved.
Borys noted the city is now seeking feedback on the planned mall changes, with open houses listed online at winnipeg.ca/mallsandcorridors
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
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Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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