A professional planner is seeking feedback on a proposed new housing project in Stonewall.
J. Wintrup Consulting is currently in the early stages of engagement with people on a project on 4.04 acres of land located directly east across from the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex. The development would be located on the north side of 4th Avenue South between 1st and 4th streets east.
The lands don’t include the former Esso site south of the Co-op gas bar.
John Wintrup said these lands would be ideal for good quality residential housing due to the nearby amenities such as playing fields, parks, recreational facilities, grocery stores, the legion and Main Street.
“We are currently only at the concept stage and have not finalized a dwelling unit count. Engaging local officials and residents has been our first few steps to determine what the vision is for these lands,” he said.
“We are considering different building typologies based on the feedback we are getting regarding the housing needs of people in Stonewall.”
A diversity of housing types is much-needed in Stonewall, he added.
“Diverse housing types provide residents an opportunity to stay in their communities as they grow through the different stages of life. Young people fresh out of school, young couples newly married and older people looking to downsize while remaining independent are all growing in numbers,” Wintrup said.
“All of these groups have different housing needs compared to what Stonewall has typically provided in the past — single-detached dwellings.”
In addition to housing, the proposed project might also include a daycare.
“Stonewall has much need for a daycare. We have heard that loud and clear from a number of sources,” Wintrup said.
“Locating a daycare in close proximity to the recreational facility, grocery stores and the centre of town makes logical sense while providing much-needed space for young working families to have their children cared for during the daytimes.”
Another highlight of the project focuses on open green spaces for residents to use, as well as an outdoor play area for the daycare. New sidewalks would also be added to nearby public streets, and new walking paths would bolster active transportation opportunities for walking and cycling.
Nearby residents had the chance to share feedback at a recent open house event hosted by the consultants.
“We will be meeting a few residents who have invited us to coffee over the summer and are willing to meet with anyone to hear their thoughts on this matter,” Wintrup said.
“Our intention is be out in the public again this fall at scheduled events.”
Cherise Griffin owns a property near the proposed site. She reached out to Wintrup and the South Interlake Planning District to get more information and express some concerns.
“I am 100 per cent in favour of development but have concerns about the proposed number of parking stalls for residents and visitors, as well as increased traffic flow as currently there are only two entrance/exits in the proposed development and they are located on 4th Avenue South,” she said.
“This will lead to congestion issues with hundreds of added people coming and going from the site and negatively impact neighbours. I have spoken with the J. Wintrup Consulting and suggested adding another entrance/exit on 1st Street East or the highway to alleviate the issue.”
The consultants plan to refine the housing forms and functions in preparation of presenting the development concept to the public this fall. In regards to traffic and parking, and Wintrup said they share the same concerns.
“We need to ensure new traffic is safe and smooth, and there is sufficient on-site parking, to attract and retain people in the new dwelling units,” Wintrup said.
“We are in the early stages of the planning process with only a concept of an idea for new housing on these vacant lands. We are collecting feedback from residents, officials and professional disciplines such as engineers, on this concept in order to craft a well-thought-out new development to transform these vacant lands in a positive for Stonewall.”
Anyone who would like to provide feedback can contact Wintrup through his website at johnwintrup.com.
