Controversial River Road subdivision to go before planning committee

A public hearing notice posted at the site of a proposed subdivision on River Road in the RM of St. Andrews is shown on May 26, 2025. (Daniel Halmarson/CTV News Winnipeg)

A controversial development proposed in a Manitoba community is set to face another vote.

At its meeting Wednesday, the Red River Planning District (RRPD) will vote on a subdivision application for a proposed gated community of duplexes on River Road in the RM of St. Andrews.

If approved, the 20-acre parcel of land would be subdivided into 76 lots and add a new road, which residents worry would put a strain on water supply, existing infrastructure, community services and go against residential zoning requirements.

RRPD’s community planner initially recommended the application be rejected.

Residents packed the RM of St. Andrews’ May 13 council meeting to voice their concerns at a public hearing for the project.

Still, council voted in favour of the application with a number of conditions attached, including creating an engineered lot grade and drainage plan, submitting a groundwater study report, signage requirements, and adding fencing, gated access, and walking trails.

Residents told CTV News in May they planned to circulate a petition to send to the province and the RRPD.

In the wake of the vote, the RM posted on its website a list of frequently asked questions about the project, noting the existing zoning for the property was established over 20 years ago under a bylaw that no longer reflects current infrastructure or provincial requirements.

The application will go before RRPD at its meeting Wednesday and will require a majority vote.

- With files from CTV’s Daniel Halmarson