Plans for an empty lot in South Osborne could majorly change the area’s landscape. There was once a gas station at 425 Osborne Street, next to a transit garage for Winnipeg Transit. But the lot, now also owned by the city, has sat empty for years. “It needs to be utilized, like we are a city and we need to get things built,” said Joseph Chaeban, who owns a nearby ice cream shop. According to plans before the city, a 10-storey mixed-use building could rise there. The bottom two floors would house transit’s offices. The top eight would see 131 residential units, with 30 per cent of them being considered very affordable housing, and 15 per cent considered affordable. Chaeban said a tower of that size would be the cherry on top for his business. “That would definitely increase our walk-up traffic,” said Chaeban But the development will require a variance. The building is planned to be 51 feet taller than what’s considered an allowable height for the lot. A few people living in the area have launched an appeal at city hall. While they said they’re not opposed to a residential development there, it’s just too tall. “It seems a bit much, it seems like it’s going to be pretty big,” said Dana Sweity, who lives across from the vacant lot. “It’s cramming a whole bunch of people into one small space. And then it crowds the neighbours too.” Residents were also concerned about parking. “We definitely need more parking in South Osborne,” said Chaeban “I have a lot of people coming from Winnipeg Transit asking me too if they can use our parking stalls.” According to Carlene Kurdziel a spokesperson for the developer of the project, UWCRC 2.0 Inc., the parkade will be two storeys and have a total of 111 spots. Preliminary designs show 17 spots for on-site parking and 94 other spots with half devoted to Winnipeg Transit. “Transit does take up a lot of our spots,” said Sweity. “People who pay for residential parking passes here sometimes can’t find a spot.” The appeal is set for July 29.
