Winnipeg proposes plan to move ahead with housing project on Granite Curling Club parking lot

The City of Winnipeg is proposing a plan to move forward with an affordable housing project at the site of the Granite Curling Club, rejecting a Manitoba municipal board recommendation that effectively put the project on hold.

The city says last month’s municipal board decision to provide the historic curling club with a veto power over future development is not legally binding on city council.

The City of Winnipeg says its proposal, which will be presented at the Dec. 9 meeting of the executive policy committee, would move forward with rezoning of the west parking lot at 22 Granite Way. The City of Winnipeg would retain ownership of the riverbank and the heritage building while the housing project moves forward.

But the city adds it remains committed to collaborating on a parking plan that ensures the Granite remains operational. It’s proposing to work directly with the curling club – the oldest in Manitoba – on a new long-term lease “that includes an expanded leased area and dedicated on-site parking options.”

“While the club’s input on parking is important, final development approval must remain a city responsibility,” a city news release reads. “Negotiations would continue regarding on-site and off-site parking options and potential capital supports for the heritage facility.”

Mayor Scott Gillingham said the approach is intended to protect the future of the 140-year-old club while helping deliver urgently needed housing. The proposed housing development, using federal money, would include 111 housing units.

“Winnipeg needs more housing, and we want the Granite to have a rock-solid future,” Gillingham said in a statement. “We are committed to finalizing a new lease and a parking solution that meets the club’s needs, while ensuring this vital housing project proceeds without unnecessary delay.”

BACKGROUND: Is the future of Manitoba’s oldest curling club in jeopardy?

Winnipeg’s Granite Curling Club has long maintained it cannot afford to lose the 45 parking spots that will be taken by the affordable housing development.

Nestled along the rivers edge of the Assiniboine, the designated heritage site has been the home rink for multiple national and provincial champions since opening its doors in 1912.

That’s why members were caught off guard in January when notices appeared outside regarding a public hearing to subdivide and rezone the parking lot beside the club to make room for a housing project.

A week after that, members of Winnipeg’s Property and Development committee heard impassioned testimonies from both sides. After 10 hours of debate, the committee was deadlocked in a 2-2 vote.

The decision then fell to the mayor’s executive policy committee in mid-February, which approved a subdivision and rezoning application for housing on the Granite Curling Club parking lot.

Last month, the Granite Curling Club won its appeal with Manitoba’s municipal board, putting the City of Winnipeg’s housing plan for the area on hold until a new parking plan was worked out.