The City of Winnipeg’s Riel Community Committee has decided not to demolish a St. Norbert home, prompting a special appeal hearing where concerns were heard. Lawyer Kevin Toyne spoke on behalf of Tochal Development Group, expressing disappointment with the decision. He emphasized the need for the city to be more open to development, stating that it is unfortunate that Winnipeggers have to seek legal help to reach their goals with the local government. Toyne hoped that the committee would allow the demolition so that his client could access another property they own more easily, the Lemay Forest.
There is opposition from local groups to the development of the Lemay Forest area, as it has been used as a recreation space for residents in the past. Toyne dismissed the idea that the land would always be a public park, stating that development is inevitable and that it should not be at the cost of private citizens. While many speakers at the appeal hearing expressed broader concerns about the area, councillor Matt Allard emphasized that the decision needed to focus on whether the director made the right choice in not allowing the demolition without specific plans attached. Despite the decision not to demolish the home, this does not mean the end of proposed development in the Lemay Forest.
The City of Winnipeg’s decision not to demolish the St. Norbert home is supported by councillor Markus Chambers and Matt Allard. They both agreed that the director’s decision was correct, although for different reasons. Allard explained that the appeal hearing needed to have a limited scope focused on specific criteria. The Tochal Development Group intends to keep the Lemay Forest area off-limits to the public and is considering their next steps. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of balancing development with preserving recreational spaces for the community.
The Tochal Development Group continues to advocate for the demolition of the St. Norbert home in order to access their other property, the Lemay Forest. Despite opposition from local groups who value the area as a recreational space, the group believes that development is inevitable. They argue that private citizens should not bear the burden of maintaining public parks on their property. The city’s decision to uphold the director’s choice not to allow the demolition has sparked further debate about the future of development in the Lemay Forest area.
The appeal hearing held by the City of Winnipeg’s Riel Community Committee was a platform for various stakeholders to voice their concerns about the proposed development in the Lemay Forest area. Lawyer Kevin Toyne highlighted the disappointment of his client, the Tochal Development Group, and the need for the city to be more receptive to development. Despite the decision not to demolish the St. Norbert home, the issue is far from resolved as the group intends to explore other options for accessing the Lemay Forest property. The debate continues over the balance between development and preserving community recreational spaces in Winnipeg.
The City of Winnipeg’s decision not to allow the demolition of the St. Norbert home reflects a broader debate about the future of development in the Lemay Forest area. While local groups advocate for preserving the land as a recreational space, the Tochal Development Group is determined to move forward with their plans. The appeal hearing highlighted the challenges of balancing private interests with public concerns, as well as the need for clear planning and communication in development decisions. Despite the current impasse, the conversation about the future of the Lemay Forest area is expected to continue as stakeholders navigate the complexities of urban development in Winnipeg.
