A plan described as a 21st-century model development in South Transcona has existing homeowners worried about the impact on their way of life. Fred Hamm is one of them. He’s lived on a large, wooded swath of land that backs onto the Transcona Golf Club. “It’s 15 minutes from Portage and Main, it’s country living, and it’s peace and quiet,” said Hamm. “It’s everything you’d want.” But Hamm and a number of his neighbours are worried that peace and quiet could one day disappear. “I might have to move my front steps so that they can build their proposed four-lane highway going through here,” said Hamm. A major development plan is in the works for 1,300 acres around Dugald and Plessis Road, near the golf course. Potential plans have been unveiled at a series of public meetings. Homeowners like Hamm have concerns they will lose property to a network of nature parks pitched for the area. They also worry new paved roads will impact their homes and create noise. On top of this Hamm said he can’t afford to hook up to a proposed water and sewer system. “With my 278 feet of frontage, I’ll be paying somewhere around $120,000,” he said. Area councillor Russ Wyatt said another meeting is set for next month where new scenarios will be presented. He said they’re listening and trying to address as many of the concerns as they can. Wyatt also said the park areas are not yet determined, and the province is looking into the water and sewer cost issue. The city is pushing for more housing to combat a shortage, and they’re also striving to increase park space. Proponents behind the project said this will be a “sustainable, connected community that celebrates nature and belonging.” The development could include housing for up to 20,000 people, with single family homes, duplexes, and high-rises up to ten storeys, along with services like transit, a grocery store, bike paths and a community centre. Still, for Hamm, this is all too much. “Apartment blocks and high-rises, that’s going a little too far,” he said. The next public meeting is set for Dec. 10, at Canad Inns on Regent Avenue.
