Proposed development a stone’s throw from historic curling club raising concerns

A Winnipeg curling club is pushing to stop a housing project from being built just a stone’s throw away.

A historic curling club in downtown Winnipeg fears a proposed housing development a stone’s throw away could pose an ‘existential threat’ to its future.

The Granite Curling Club has launched a petition opposing a city-planned 11-storey housing development in its west parking lot.

“We’re sort of getting the impression that they’re trying to steamroll a not-for-profit that’s been here for over 100 years, serving the community,” said Christian Pierce, the secretary of the club’s executive committee.

Pierce said the club – which leases the land from the city – found out earlier this month that the city has filed an application to subdivide the club’s west parking lot and rezone it for a proposed development.

A letter from club president John Read said the development would be ‘disastrous’ for the Granite, as it would leave only 15 or so dedicated parking spots for its members. Read said this is an “existential threat to the future of the Granite.”

“Half of our membership is well over 50. They have mobility issues. They don’t have the ability to maybe take active transportation here,” Pierce told CTV News. “Losing a parking lot makes it difficult for a lot of our members to attend and actually fully utilize the club.”

Richard Mahé, the city’s acting housing accelerator fund manager, said the development would bring 111 units to the area, with 51 per cent being affordable housing. He said the application for rezoning still needs to go through the public hearing process, but the city hopes to get building permits by December 2026.

He said the club’s east parking lot will be untouched, and said parking on the west side will be reduced to about a third of its current size.

“I think it’s unfortunate that they’re using the fear of a loss of some of their parking as a means to stop a long-term affordable housing development when we’re in the midst of a housing crisis,” Mahé said.

But Pierce pushed back on this sentiment, saying it is not a parking-versus-affordable housing issue.

“It’s simply not that easy. It’s one part of it,” he said, noting the club is not against development.

“All we’ve asked the city is if you want to pursue the development, we may be able to support that, but you have to make sure it’s not done at the expense of losing the Granite Curling Club.”

Mahé said conversations are ongoing with the club.

A public hearing is planned for Feb. 6 at city hall.