Granite Curling Club Takes Legal Action Against Winnipeg Housing Development

Post by : Mina Rahman

The Granite Curling Club in Winnipeg has initiated legal proceedings against the City of Winnipeg regarding its approval of a residential housing project adjacent to the iconic curling venue. The club is contesting whether the city had the right to overlook a provincial recommendation concerning the project.

The lawsuit has been lodged in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench, where the curling club seeks a judicial review of a December decision made by the city council. This decision facilitated the construction of an apartment building on a city-owned parking lot located on Granite Way, a project undertaken by a redevelopment agency linked to the University of Winnipeg.

Court filings indicate the Granite Curling Club is urging the judge to reverse the city council’s approval. The club requests the court to affirm that the city violated its own charter by neglecting guidance from the Municipal Board appointed by the province, which advised against granting approval until an agreement regarding parking with the curling club was established.

The curling club contends that losing the parking lot would have a detrimental impact on its operations. Parking is essential for daily functions, major tournaments, league activities, and access for its members. The club warns that insufficient parking may jeopardize its ongoing financial viability.

Christian Pierce, the board's secretary, noted that the legal action is not aimed at securing damages but rather at clarifying whether the city adhered to the necessary processes.

City officials and the mayor’s office have refrained from commenting on the lawsuit. However, city council moved forward with the zoning changes based on advice from legal and real estate teams, which concluded the city lacked the authority to grant the curling club significant influence over the proposed third-party development.

Earlier this month, the mayor stated that the city is open to discussions with the curling club to address various concerns, including parking. The club has welcomed these talks and remains hopeful for a collaborative resolution.

Not all members of the Granite Curling Club are against the housing initiative. Some supporters within the club believe the legal challenge is unwarranted, claiming that the board is misusing public funds to obstruct a project that they feel is unjustly opposed.

This legal case adds to a broader conversation in Winnipeg regarding urban housing development, land utilization, and the balance between community institutions and the demand for new residential spaces. A hearing date for the case has yet to be set.