Post by : Meena Ariff

The Granite Curling Club in Winnipeg has initiated legal proceedings against the City of Winnipeg's approval of a residential housing project adjacent to its historic venue. The club is seeking a judicial review to determine if the city violated its authority by dismissing a provincial board's recommendation regarding the development.

This case has been filed in Manitoba's Court of King's Bench, where the curling club is contesting a decision made by the city council last December. This decision authorized the construction of an apartment complex on a city-owned parking area along Granite Way, which is being developed by a municipal redevelopment agency linked to the University of Winnipeg.

Court documents indicate that the Granite Curling Club is requesting that the judge reverse the city council’s approval. Additionally, the club seeks a declaration that the city did not adhere to its own charter by ignoring the recommendations from the provincially appointed Municipal Board, which advised against granting development approval until a clear agreement on parking arrangements was established with the curling club.

The club claims that the loss of the parking facility would greatly hinder its operations. Officials argue that parking is essential for daily functions, major events, league matches, and member accessibility. They caution that diminished parking availability could jeopardize the club’s future financial viability.

Christian Pierce, the secretary of the club's board, clarified that the court application is not aimed at seeking monetary compensation but rather is focused on obtaining a legal determination regarding the city's compliance with procedural requirements.

City officials, including the mayor's office, have refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal challenge. Nonetheless, the city council moved forward with the rezoning after receiving opinions from legal and real estate experts, concluding that the city does not possess the authority to grant the curling club effective control over a third-party development.

Recently, the mayor expressed willingness to discuss possible solutions with the curling club, including parking arrangements. The club has welcomed this invitation and remains hopeful about achieving a mutually agreeable resolution.

Support for the housing project exists among some Granite Curling Club members, who view the legal challenge as unnecessary. One member indicated that the board is utilizing public funds and club resources to contest a housing project based on claims they find unsubstantiated.

This legal action contributes to the ongoing discussion in Winnipeg about urban housing development, land use, and the city's efforts to balance community institutions with the necessity for new residential spaces. A hearing date for the case has not yet been set.

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