April 18, 2006
Increased green space, high-density and accessible housing, as well as leading-edge geothermal heating and cooling, are among the features of Manitoba’s vision for its share of Waverley West, Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick and Energy, Science and Technology Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.
“With exciting environmental innovations and high-density and accessible housing, we are creating not only a new development, but a new kind of neighbourhood,” said Melnick, who is also minister responsible for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation. “This government’s balanced approach to housing development will also see profits from the development of Waverley West invested in more improvements in Winnipeg’s inner city. We are creating more housing choices for Manitobans at all income levels.”
A public hearing that continues the extensive public planning process for the community of Waverley West is set for 5 p.m., Thursday, April 20 at Winnipeg City Hall, 510 Main St. At open houses in 2005 and 2006, concepts were presented to the public. The input received guided development of a planning framework known as the area structure plan.
The province adopted five main concepts, based on planning session feedback:
A higher proportion of green space than the standard approach.
Increased density of housing that is more than the current practice.
Consideration of the use of geothermal technology to heat and cool homes.
Homes with design features that make them more accessible for persons with disabilities. The province’s recently-appointed visitable design consultant is providing advice on accessible housing.
Environmental innovations such as passive solar heating, home energy-saving devices and low-impact developments.
The province also announced Manitoba Hydro is conducting studies on the viability and engineering aspects of maximizing the use of geothermal energy for Manitoba’s portions of the new community. In addition, an environmental consultant is providing advice on environmental innovations such as passive solar heating, home energy-saving devices and low-impact developments for the province’s section of the new community.
“Geothermal energy uses the earth’s own stable temperature to heat or cool homes and buildings,” said Chomiak. “It’s not only energy efficient but is environmentally responsible as it reduces greenhouse emissions. We applaud Manitoba Hydro for exploring the best energy solutions for our land in the new community.”
“Geothermal is a well-proven heating alternative and Waverley West would be the largest concentration of cold-climate heat pumps,” said Bob Brenann, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “The studies under way will provide the economic and technical answers as to the use of geothermal technology on a large scale and we’re excited by the possibilities of such a unique opportunity.”
Waverley West is a tract of land in Winnipeg’s desirable southwest area. The provincial government and Ladco own most of the land proposed for the new community. Both groups have worked closely with the City of Winnipeg and its planning process which included a series of public meetings to develop a framework plan. Each party will also create more detailed, specific plans for their respective neighbourhoods.
The new Waverley West community will be developed in stages over 20 years depending on future demand for building lots. The city had anticipated development of the community with the provision of infrastructure to help meet the growing demand for housing in Winnipeg.
Legislation proposed last week would see Manitoba’s share of the profit from the development of Waverley West invested in further improvements in Winnipeg’s inner-city housing through programs such as Neighbourhoods Alive!, resulting in more variety and greater housing choices for people at all income levels.
Profits of approximately $1 million from the Royalwood subdivision in Winnipeg are now available for improvements in inner-city housing through programs such as Neighbourhoods Alive!.
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