Winnipeg transit deal paves way for development

A Winnipeg city committee has given the green light to the Jubileerapid transit station, which could propeldevelopment of the Fort Rouge Yards.

The deal, which must still get city council approval, means GEM Equities will pay for more than half of the cost of the station.

GEM is developing a massive infill housing projectalong the former CN Fort Rouge Yards near the Jubilee Avenue rapid transit corridor.

The plan, touted by the company, as the first transit-oriented development in Winnipeg's history, has been years in the making but slow to see any construction.

Mayor Sam Katzbelieves the deal approved by the executive policy committee on Wednesday will get the ball rolling.

"I think GEM is ready to move. From what I understand, they're just waiting for this motion to go forward," he said.

"I guess now that it's gone through EPC and will be going to council,I think they're about ready to move."

GEM willpay for 57 per cent of the estimated $3.8-millioncost of the stationthe first time a developer has had to pay for transit infrastructure.

"Tobe done in such a way that transit infrastructure can be considered part of the costs to the developer, because they also get the benefit of it it's setting the stage for more of that to happen, which is I think very positive for the citizens of Winnipeg,"said area Coun. Jenny Gerbasi.

"It's sort of putting a new approach in place to pay for expensive transit infrastructure."

The city plans to also sellsurplus land at Hugo Street and Morley Avenue in the Lord Roberts neighbourhood and use the proceeds to pay for its share.