Winnipeg’s most extensive and environmentally responsible infill development in history recently broke ground and marks the beginning of the city’s latest and most inventive district.
Southwood Circle, upon its completion, will evolve into a self-sustained community, accommodating a population exceeding 20,000 individuals and poised to become one of the nation’s most captivating emerging neighborhoods. When fully realized, the collective daily presence of residents, students, staff, and faculty at the University of Manitoba (UM) campus, Smart Park, and Southwood Circle will surpass 60,000 people, essentially ranking it as the province’s second-largest urban center.
“In many ways, Southwood Circle will be a model community, based on what we know makes healthy, vibrant neighbourhoods. That means it’s walkable, it’s diverse, it promotes active living, and it’s sustainable,” said Greg Rogers, CEO of UM Properties. “This community has been planned with careful attention to Indigenous design principles that embrace the need to live in harmony with nature and with one another.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will occur in close proximity to the former location of the Southwood Golf and Country Club clubhouse. Presently, this area constitutes the initial phase of Southwood Circle, a neighborhood that has been in development for 15 years following the University of Manitoba’s acquisition of the former golf course. Joining Rogers for the groundbreaking event will be Bob Silver, who serves as the Chair of UM Properties, Michael Benarroch, the President of the University of Manitoba, and Janice Lukes, a Winnipeg City Councillor and Deputy Mayor, along with other invited guests, as they celebrate this significant milestone.
“Southwood Circle is part of a transformation of the 110-year-old Fort Garry campus from a daytime commuter destination to a complete community,” said Michael Benarroch, President of the University of Manitoba. “This community answers the call for sustainable housing options. It will be a unique urban experience, distinct within Winnipeg. It will be rich in amenities. It will integrate the university with the surrounding community.”
The University anticipates financial advantages from its ownership of UM Properties, which will oversee the leasing of land parcels within Southwood Circle in the future, potentially boosting its revenue.
