Corydon development plan scrapped after seven years

CTV Winnipeg: Caroline Barghout on Corydon Ave dev

In 2005, the city created a development plan for the Corydon-Osborne Village neighbourhood to bring new life to the area.

On Tuesday, the city's Property and Planning Committee voted in favour of scrapping the plan.

Business owners and developers said the plan was supposed to help develop this area, but instead has done the opposite.

Developer Ernie Walter said he's not allowed to build a condominium in the highly sought after neighborhood that's within walking distance to the new rapid transit terminal because it doesn't fit into the city's plan for the area.

“600 homes that could possibly be built around the rapid transit, why would they not be built along this avenue,” said Walter.

Walter added the city's plan restricts where you can build an apartment complex or condominium and how high it can be.

Business owners said the city has imposed stiffer restrictions on development in the past seven years, which has stunted growth in the area.

“We're frustrated with the philosophical divide that exists between our local councillor and our community,” said Jerry Cianflone, who owns Pizza Hotline and Cafe 22.

Jenny Gerbasi, the area’s councillor, appeared in front of the property committee to try and save the redevelopment plan, but lost.

“No one’s being shut out unless you shut this down and then nothing’s going to happen,” said Gerbasi.

Planners will now go back to the drawing board and start developing a new plan for the area.

Business owners said they hope this one will include their input and room for growth.

-- with a report from CTV’s Caroline Barghout