‘Transformative’ development coming to Stonewall

Hundreds of new homes and a new Red River Co-op are in the works for an area of Stonewall. CTV’s Jeff Keele has more.

New businesses and hundreds of housing units could soon rise on a snow-covered field on Stonewall’s eastern edge.

The Town of Stonewall has announced Whiteland Real Estate is planning a mixed-use project known as The Quarry District on 50 acres of land along Highway 67. The property is across from the town’s industrial park.

The $40 million phase one portion will see a brand new 26,500 square foot Red River Co-op as the anchor tenant for the development. Other commercial outlets will follow.

A future phase will have 500 residential units, which could include single-family and senior housing.

Stonewall Mayor Sandra Smith calls the project a transformative investment.

“We believe that having that residential growth will not only attract people here but also keep people here,” said Smith.

Smith feels new businesses will keep people shopping locally, away from the allure of Winnipeg, which is just minutes away. She doesn’t want to see dollars going down the highway.

“We do have a main core of businesses here, this just gives that additional layer where people don’t have to leave as much as they do now.”

Corinne Pawluk shops at the existing Co-op in town. She welcomes a bigger and better grocery store and the new housing.

“I think it’s hard out here to find housing, so it’s a good idea to expand,” said Pawluk.

Not everyone is as excited about expansion. Stonewall resident David Jennings said he’s not in favour of a project of this size.

“It is a small-knit community, and making it bigger is just going to take away from that,” said Jennings.

Smith is confident any challenges that come with the development can be mitigated with proper planning.

“We’re taking a real hard look at how we maintain the integrity and the character of our town,” said Smith.

Smith said shovels could hit the ground as early as spring.

The town is cost-sharing water, sewer, and drainage services for the project with Whiteland. Smith said the town’s cost is just over $1 million.