For Release
November 30, 2007
Winnipeg, Manitoba — A new residential development
will be built on the site of a former hydro steam plant, fronting Waterfront
Drive, thanks to a $1.1 million investment under the Winnipeg Partnership
Agreement (WPA). This parcel of land, environmentally impacted as a result
of hydrocarbons, a by-product of burning coal, will be excavated and cleaned
to prepare for redevelopment. The land will be excavated with the removal
of 42,000 metric tonnes of environmentally impacted soil and cleaned up
to prepare for a planned residential development.
Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Steve Ashton; Joy Smith,
Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable
Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic
Diversification; and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, made the announcement today.
The SKY Waterfront project, located on former Winnipeg Hydro lands, will
be the fifth new residential structure built along Waterfront Drive since
August 2004.
“The provincial government saw the vision of what Waterfront drive
could be when we partnered on building the roadway,” said Minister
Ashton. “Now as residential buildings rise beside the river and
people move to new homes as they are completed, the revitalization of
the area is a reality.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting growth in
Winnipeg’s downtown by facilitating residential development projects
such as this one,” said MP Smith. “This $1.1 million investment
will encourage the development of amenities required by area residents
and contribute to the revitalization of the downtown core.”
“Turning a brownfield site into a greenfield site for downtown
residential development is a smart investment,” said Mayor Katz.
“This project is a win/win both economically and environmentally.
We’re happy to prepare a piece of land that was an eyesore and unusable,
into something that will add to the growth and appeal of Waterfront Drive.”
As part of the asset agreement with the City of Winnipeg, CentreVenture
Development Corporation will contribute half of the proceeds of the sale
of the land, $275,000, towards the environmental clean-up. The SKY Waterfront
project will be the fourth new residential structure built along Waterfront
Drive since it was opened in August 2004.
Situated in the historic East Exchange area, Waterfront Drive stretches
from Lombard Avenue north to Higgins Avenue. The Drive incorporates a
landscaped roadway, ornamental lighting, and a redesigned and enhanced
Stephen Juba Park overlooking the Red River. The park features an extensive
multi-user path system, open areas and several new public art works by
local artists. The mixed-use development along Waterfront Drive enhances
the public features of the area.
The funds announced today are under Component III - Downtown Renewal
of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. This component program supports
projects that encourage downtown living and stimulate strategic economic
and cultural initiatives in the downtown.
The WPA represents a five-year, $75 million commitment by the governments
of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg to strengthen our neighbourhoods, promote
economic development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy Winnipeg’s
economic and social opportunities. Interested parties are encouraged to
consult the Web site www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca
for program details.
For additional information, contact:
Francine Lefebvre
Regional Manager Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(204) 983-6243
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services
Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
City of Winnipeg
Media Enquiries
(204) 986-6000
