Council screenshot. Ross Ransby
New development plans to address housing needs in the City of Dryden.
Winnipeg-based Fusion Capital is seeking approval to build four, 12-unit apartment buildings at 276 Duke Street.
The housing complex will be geared towards below market and at-market rates.
Ross Ransby says each unit will be about 1,085 square feet and include either two or three bedrooms.
“One of the buildings that we have, 12 units, will be entirely accessible. It will be a two bedroom, with a one-and-a-half bath. It will be universal accessible. Lower counter tops, lower lights, full wheelchair access into showers, lower cabinets, lower appliances.”
Ransby says, “Our plan is to have proper surveillance on all exterior doors and on the parking lot. We’ll make sure the parking lot is well lit with directional lighting. We recognize there’s really only ten houses down that road, with the advent of more eyes on the road, we actually think there will be a favourable reduction in crime in the area if that’s a point to be had.”
He adds they will also create a play area in the back for kids to enjoy.
Ransby says, “Dryden’s strongest days are ahead of them with developments such as this. We’re investing in Dryden, making multi-million-dollar investments such as this, and we’re going to build for your future, your families, your community and for your businesses.”
Some nearby residents have voiced opposition with concerns on road and rail safety, increased traffic and noise, crime, and a lack of sidewalks.
Mayor Greg Wilson supports the new housing project but is worried about rail safety and kids getting hurt in the area.
“Concerned about the protective barriers along the railway tracks. If we don’t seize this opportunity now to get more understanding of the responsibility of CP and engage them in dialogue, than I don’t know when the next time is.”
Wilson adds, “Kind of like to get some kind of response from CP Rail, because I am concerned just about the safety along that whole railway corridor. I would hope that we would get some kind of positive responses from the railway, just to give us some comfort.”
Chief Building Official Pam Skillen is expected to bring forward a recommendation to Council in August.
“Endeavour to provide a full report. So, the recommendation report, being the planning report, and that is with the assumption that I would be able to find out the concerns with regards to road and rail safety in advance of that meeting.”
