Bridgwater Forest
Welcome to the Bridgwater Forest neighbourhood updates page! This page covers issues I’m working on that are specific to the Bridgwater Forest neighbhourhood.
WEEKLY UPDATES: Please also check my Weekly Updates page which contains many local topics and issues occurring in the Waverley West ward – and some relevant City issues.
Please also know you can contact me anytime with questions or concerns.
Much gratitude to the VOLUNTEERS of the Bridgewater Forest Neighbourhood Association for all the advocacy, events and activities they do to improve the quality of life for residents!
Facebook: @BridgwaterFNA Twitter: @BridgwaterFNA Email: BridgwaterForest@hotmail.com
Coyote Warning
Please be aware that there has been increased coyote activity in this area between Bridgwater Lakes and Whyte Ridge. The coyotes have exhibited aggressive behavior towards people and dogs using the pathway that runs behind the Kenaston overpass. The Provincial...
Your Input– South Winnipeg Recreation Campus
The South Winnipeg Recreation Campus (SWRC) is a new regional recreation facility that will be built on Bison Drive west of Frontier Trail and east of Kenaston Boulevard. Communities in southwest Winnipeg are growing and a new recreation facility is needed to meet...
2018-2022 Councillor Term Summary – Bridgwater Forest
This is a very very brief summary of key issues I’ve been working on specific to the Bridgwater Forest neighbourhood, and initiatives that I look forward to working on. I am very thankful to have had the support of many many residents who’ve been also working to make...
Coyote Sightings
I’ve been receiving many reports on coyote sightings and some confrontations where people have been chased or growled at. I spoke with two conservation officers from the Government of Manitoba’s Conservation Department. - here is a summary: Please read this...
Update: Waverley West Fire Station
I will add additional context to media articles on the Waverly West fire station (CBC: Waverley West Fire Station ) - as there are many other aspects not discussed at today’s committee meeting or included in media coverage. Media was not aware of all the factors...
Recreation Update
Young Luke, his dad and friends were having a great time dunking balls at the very busy basketball court in Bhagat Singh Park recently! That basketball court must be one of the busiest in the City! I’ve received many requests for new and upgraded recreational...
Many Factors – Maintenance & New Developments
I’m receiving many emails on maintenance in Bridgwater Trails and Bridgwater Centre. Please know this is a top concern of mine also - and that it is a weekly conversation with maintenance staff in the City and Province. I want to present the facts so residents can...
2022 Bridgwater Forest Fountain Update
I will provide some frank and pointed comments on the Bridgwater Forest Fountain. I, like many of you – have come to have a love / hate relationship with this fountain. We love the fountain – but hate when its not working. Every year I focus long and hard on getting...
Your Feedback – Protecting & Growing Winnipeg’s Urban Forest
Over the past few years, I’ve held multiple tree plantings. Residents have planted upwards of 1,200 trees on City and private property. I encourage you to read Winnipeg’s Urban Forest Strategy – not only does it provide an excellent overview of the current status of...
Pop Up Pooch Park in Waverley West Ward
I’ve received many requests to install an off leash dog park in the Waverley West ward. This is a challenge because all the land designated for public parks space is designated for humans and not specifically for an off leash dog park. Doggies are allowed but only if...
Spring Cleanup – Our City & Neighbourhoods
The snow is almost gone, rains are helping clean our city – and those 80 km hour winds this past winter have strewn garbage everywhere! City of Winnipeg Over the next five to six weeks, the City is conducting its annual spring cleanup of streets, pathways,...
Catchment Area for New Schools
My office is receiving many calls on the catchment areas for the new elementary and high schools being constructed in Bison Run. PLEASE NOTE: Determining catchment areas is ultimately voted on by your elected school trustees. I and any City of Winnipeg Councillor have...
Modular Fire Station Arriving Soon – Waverley West
Photo Credit: Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press I am very pleased to be moving forward on fire / ambulance protection sooner than planned in the Waverley West ward! This is due to good work by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and many discussions with my Council...
Update – Advance Warning Flashers on Kenaston Blvd
I’ve received many calls over the past three years from residents concerned about pedestrian and cycling safety when crossing Kenaston to access Bridgwater Town Center. Specifically crossing Kenaston at North and South Town Roads and at Bison Rd. This is a very...
UPDATE: Bridgwater Forest Fountain
One of the iconic features of the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater, are the stunning fountains located in Bridgwater Forest, Bridgwater Lakes and Bridgwater Trails. Nothing compares to the soothing sound of water bubbling from a fountain! But - operating fountains in a...
Neighbourhood Maintenance – Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater
It’s the time of year where everyone wonders who is responsible for parks and open space maintenance! In our established neighbourhoods (Richmond West/Why’re Ridge/Linden Ridge & other established neighbourhoods) it is the City. In NEW neighbourhoods it is a...
Bridgwater Forest Residential – Former Proposed School Site
October 27, 2021 UPDATE: Manitoba Housing (the developer) requested an extension of time (additional 2 years) to proceed with the development. For complete details of the subdivision, including the pathway network – SEE Bridgwater Forest Development Bridgwater Forest...
Safety Improvements to North Bound Kenaston Blvd
All major collision intersections in Winnipeg are being studies as part of the Master Transportation Review. Due to the many crashes that seem to be occurring at the intersection of Kenaston and Bishop Grandin, I am requesting the traffic engineers study and apply...
Active Transportation Route Through the Field Connecting Whyte Ridge & Bridgwaters
UPDATE: On April 9, 2020, the public service provided a verbal update on the complexities and cost to construct a pathway linking Bridgwater Lakes to Whyte Ridge. The estimated cost to construct is approximately $1.65 million. At this time, this is not a top city...
Bison Drive Build Out
Since elected in 2014, I estimate I’ve brought forward over 40 requests to have engineers in Public Works study traffic issues ranging from: Traffic calming (speeding) Installing stop signs (due to increased traffic volumes) Installing turning signals (arrows in...
Putting Down Roots
Photo Credit: SOU'WESTER Great tree planting in fall of 2020! Over 100 trees planted – thank you Susie Strachan of the Sou’wester community newspaper for covering this great activity! Putting down roots By: Susie Strachan Posted: 09/25/2020 Young trees found new...
The Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater – a Provincial Development
Since being elected to office in 2014, I’ve been involved in the development of three communities: 1. The final phases of River Park South – developed by Qualico (private developer) 2. South Pointe and Prairie Pointe being developed by Ladco (private developer) 3. The...
WHO Maintains Boulevard, Median & Parks in Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater
In a new development, figuring out WHO is responsible for maintenance can be a challenge. 311, City staff and my office have access to maps that show ‘Summer Maintenance’ responsibilities. There are a few things to note: The developer – Manitoba Housing, is...
Bridgwater Fountains – Update June 2020
Please see update on all fountains - contact me if you have any questions. Bridgwater Forest Fountain: Has now been turned on and is still being monitored by City for leaks & ongoing upgrades-this fountain is now the responsibility of the City. For history on...
2020 Update: Bridgwater Forest Fountain
Photo Credit: Bridgwater Neighbourhoods I was elected in 2014 and started working on issues related to the Bridgewater Forest Fountain. All features that developers construct are on a two year warranty (some longer) The Bridgwater Forest Fountain was on a two year...
Replacement of Sod – Bridgwater Lakes & Bridgwater Forest
The sod around the Bridgwater Lakes Fountain, the Bridgwater Lakes park / soccer field and the Bridgwater Forest park/soccer field is being replaced this summer. Construction has started in Bridgwater Lakes and Bridgwater Forest will occur shortly after. Existing sod...
Open Letter to Parents – Bridgwater Speed & Racing
This message is for everyone, but is directed to parents with a request that you talk to your kids about the deathly dangers of speed. In my graduating year, two classmates died when a powerful car they were passengers in crashed and rolled. The following year, when...
Proposed Median Opening Serving an Existing Commercial Development Located at 350 North Town Road
I’ve had many residents and business owners call to see if there could be a safety improvement to the intersection of North Town Road and north bound Kenaston. Vehicles existing the shopping center (by Tim Hortons & Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital ) can only turn...
Anticipated Traffic Levels at Bison Drive and Waverley Street
It's incredible to think that an entire new community can be built and there are no plans or studies underway to identify how the main ‘connector street’ and associated ‘intersection’ is to be designed. Many many other streets (Lee Blvd, Bairdmore Blvd, Hawstead Rd...
Reducing Speed on Kenaston Boulevard between North Town Road and South Town Road
I’ve received many calls over the past couple of years from residents concerned about pedestrian and cycling safety when crossing Kenaston to access Bridgwater Town Center. Specifically crossing Kenaston at North and South Town Roads and at Bison Rd. This is a very...
Pilot Project – 30 KM/HR Speed Limit within the Waverley West Ward
I’ve piloted many projects over the years seeking to improve traffic safety in Winnipeg. The idea of a ‘pilot’ is to test out the theory. Many positive results can come from pilots, and while they might cause a bit of disruption for some, overall pilots are necessary...
New Multi-Family Residential and Commercial Developments
This has been an incredible year for multi-family and commercial development applications in the Waverley West ward. Our community has many highly desirable neighbourhoods to live in and the development community is bringing forward products to support the market...
Bridgwater Town Center – New High End Development
This complex was approved for development on Oct 8th, 2019. This development will be located on the west side of Centre Street, at the northwest corner of Centre Street and Bison Drive (160 Centre St) in the Bridgwater Centre Neighbourhood. The complex will be built...
Bridgwater Developments Contribute $117.4M to Revitalize Winnipeg ‘Neighbourhoods in Need’
As of March 31, 2019, residents and commercial entities in the neighbourhoods of Bridgwater Forest, Lakes, Trails and Bridgwater Centre have enabled $117.4 million in investments in housing projects to revitalize Winnipeg neighbourhoods in need. No other neighbourhood...
Speed Tables In Bridgwater Forest
I’ve spent the last 18 years working to make our streets, sidewalks and pathways safer, by initiating many many different projects to improve our active transportation network (education, signs, mapping, events, infrastructure, studies, etc.) See: Lukes & Active...
Landscaping Front Yards In Neighbourhoods Of Bridgwater
Some neighbourhoods in Winnipeg – not all – have ‘Architectural Guidelines’ set out by the developer. The developer (Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation) has set out architectural guidelines for homes, front yards and fencing in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater...
Sod Replacement On Three Soccer Fields
The handing off of maintenance responsibilities of a new development from the developer to the City can sometimes be challenging, confusing and frustrating! Often residents are not aware that in a new development, the developer is tied by contract to deliver a...
2019 Update – Bridgwater Forest Fountain
Just a brief update on the fountain – the Parks department has now finished spring clean-up (May 28th) and will shift their focus to preparing and turning on the fountain. I’m anticipating the fountain will be up and running the first week of June. Much has occurred...
Traffic Study – Pedestrian Crossing On Centre Street Between North Town Road and Park West Drive
On May 7, 2018 - The Assiniboia Community Committee passed the following motion: WHEREAS many businesses have now moved into the Bridgwater Town Centre, which features parking lots on either side of Centre Street; AND WHEREAS there is an open pedestrian plaza and...
Traffic Study – Reducing Speed On Kenaston Boulevard Between North Town Road And South Town Road
On January 8th – The Public Works Committee asked that the public works department study and report back within 240 days (Sept or October 2019). The Assiniboia Community Committee passed the following motion: WHEREAS Kenaston Boulevard is major trade and...
Bridgwater Forest – My Comments On New Bus Routes – Please Share Yours
RESIDENTS OF BRIDGWATER FOREST TODAY Transit starts a series of 'public engagements' regarding the PROPOSED bus route changes to connect to the new SouthWest transitway opening in 2020. These public engagements will take place in a converted BUS - find the 'Ideas in...
More Speed Tables In Bridgwater Forest
UPDATE Late last fall the Public Works department attempted to install speed tables – but they were too late in the season as it starting snow the same day. The will be installed in spring 2019. Here is their response: “Unfortunately due to weather, the asphalt would...
Update: Bridgwater Forest Fountain
While there has much discussion recently surrounding the fountains in Bridgwater Lakes and Trails, I want to provide an update on the Bridgwater Forest Fountain. I have to chuckle when I see this summary tightened into 6 points. I have four years of countless emails...
South Winnipeg Suburbs’ Amenities Take Hit In City, Developer Spat
(Photo Credit: Mikaela Mackenzie - Winnipeg Free Press) Thank you to the Winnipeg Free Press for covering this very important issue. South Winnipeg suburbs' amenities take hit in city, developer spat Winnipeg Free Press By: Aldo Santin Posted:...
Requesting Mayor’s Support To Resolve Impasse – Waverley West
(Original Publish Date: June 13, 2018) As area Councillor, I have reached the limits of my power to resolve an impasse between the Public Service and developers of the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater and South Pointe. I have requested the Mayor’s support to use his...
Moving Filming in Bridgwater
Lights, camera, action, Bridgwater! See the below notice letter from Location Manager, Bernie Narvey: Channel Zero, the dream door DEAR BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS re: Bridgwater Development NBC Universal Cable of Los Angeles and Original Pictures of Winnipeg are...
Minutes from Health and Care of Bridgwater Forest Meeting
Mr. Rodney Penner, City Naturalist attended the Feb 15th meeting and provided residents a detailed overview of the report I commissioned looking at the health of the forest in Bridgwater. I encourage everyone to read the Naturalist's Report in detail. NEXT STEPS: ...
Expropriation of Land Moving Forward for Recreation Campus
It is important to understand, the City is able to secure additional land to expand the site. Qualico is an excellent 'city building partner' and extensive negotiations are occurring on a regular basis to ensure this site will be built to meet the communities growing...
Community Meeting on Health of Bridgwater Forest
Community Meeting on Health and Care of Bridgwater Forest You are invited to attend this meeting to learn more about the health and care of the trees and vegetation in Bridgwater Forest. Individual invites are being mailed to residents whose property backs onto the...
Lifting the Building Cap in Bridgwater
Lifting the Cap in Bridgwater In 2012, City Council placed a building cap on Bridgwater Trails and Bridgwater Center. See details. January 14th 2018 Riel Community Committee: I requested support from Riel Committee Members to lift the building cap in Bridgwater Trails...
Development Permits in Bridgwater Remain Capped
In 2012, three conditions placed a cap on the issuance of building permits in the Bridgwater Community. Three years later, in 2017, Manitoba Housing (developer of the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater) requested the cap be lifted and they NOT comply with the following...
Waverley West Communities & Updating the ‘Our Winnipeg’ Vision
In 2009, the City of Winnipeg reached out to citizens to obtain their feedback in creating a long term plan for our community. The City invested upwards of $3M to develop OurWinnipeg, a 25-year plan to guide our growth and physical, social, environmental, and...
Revised Development Plans in Bridgwater Forest
COMPLETE A COMMUNITY SURVEY BY NOVEMBER 6: Bridgwater Forest Neighbourhood Association (BFNA Facebook Page) is conducting a survey and asking the community if they agree with Manitoba Housing's proposal and what should be put on this site. The survey deadline...
UPDATE – Personal Care Home in Bridgwater
As our office receives enquiries from residents regarding a wide variety of projects, I wanted to provide an update regarding the personal care home project in Bridgwater. Below is an excerpt of the September 8th, 2017 article in the Winnipeg Free Press. For more...
Developing a Care/Maintenance Program for Bridgwater Forest
Please consider joining myself, Bridgwater residents, and the City’s Parks and Naturalist Services Departments as we work towards developing a care and maintenance program for Bridgwater Forest. When dense urban environment is constructed around a natural forest, the...
Building Permit Cap in Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater
Bridgwater is the fastest growing community in the City of Winnipeg. Since being elected in fall, 2014, I’ve been dealing with many challenges related to a rapidly growing community. In my opinion, the City of Winnipeg was not ready and continues to be ill prepared to...
Bridgwater Forest: Park Maintenance, Forest Health & Fountain
The Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater consist of three communities: Bridgwater Forest, Bridgwater Lakes and Bridgwater Trails. Bridgwater Forest was the first residential community to be developed by the Province's Manitoba Housing division. Bridgwater Forest is designed...
Information Evening: The Health of Bridgwater Forest
Calling all Nature Lovers and Tree Huggers who care about the future of the trees and creatures who live in Bridgwater Forest! Please join me at an Information Evening on the Health of Bridgwater Forest: DATE: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 TIME: 7:00 to 8:30 pm LOCATION: ...
6.9 Acre Development: Feedback at Bridgwater Forest Open House
To keep residents informed on Manitoba Housing's plans for this 6.9 acre parcel of land, I'll be continuing to provide updates on my website. To learn more about the Bridgwater Forest Neighbourhood Association, you can contact them at: Facebook Page and...
Future Development in Bridgwater Forest – Open House
The 6.9 acres of land off Bridgeland Drive North is owned by the Province of Manitoba. Manitoba Housing, developer of the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater (www.bridgwaterneighbourhoods.com), initially had this land zoned for single-family residential. While it was...
New 120-Bed Personal Care Home in Bridgwater
There's lots happening in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater! On the horizon is a new personal care home, to be constructed at Bridge Lake Drive and South Town Road. For more information regarding this initiative, contact your elected MLA or the Province of Manitoba....
Waverley West Impact Fees – Open House
Please join myself and a panel of experts who will present an overview on Winnipeg’s new Impact Fees, their purpose and how the fees will affect residents and businesses in the communities of Waverley West (Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater and South Pointe). DATE: ...
Street Blown-In With Snow in Bridgwater and South Pointe?
YOUR assistance in REPORTING snow blockages is greatly appreciated! New communities on the outer edges of the City experience unique snow challenges, as open areas blow in more frequently than areas protected by surrounding buildings and trees. Snow fencing is...
Transit Expansion – Bridgwater & South Pointe
Transit funding for routes in Bridgwater and South Pointe WAS APPROVED in the 2017 budget process! This is welcome news for thousands of transit users in these growing communities! Since being elected, I’ve been working to secure funding in the City's budget for...
BLOWING SNOW in Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater & South Pointe
These new communities in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward have many open areas - open fields awaiting development, open areas with young small trees, and limited overall protection from wind. I am told by the City's Public Works Department that snow removal occurs...
Bridgwater Holiday Lights Contest
Enter the 2016 Holiday Lights photo contest, hosted by the Bridgwater Forest and Bridgwater Lakes neighbourhood associations! Join in the fun, and you could win a prize! For all the details, see the poster below. For more information on residents' groups and...
Transit Update in Bridgwater & South Pointe
This overview is to provide an update on efforts to secure an extension of Winnipeg Transit service in South Winnipeg. Expanding transit service is a top request from residents in the Bridgwater and South Pointe communities - it's also listed as 1 of 2 top priorities...
Save-On-Foods Opening November 18!
I'm happy to announce that Save-On-Foods will be opening a new store at 400 North Town Road in Bridgwater Forest! The store will be opening to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, November 18. I've just had a sneak peak, and it is absolutely outstanding! The big...
Drainage from Sump Pumps & Downspouts
Our office receives many questions from residents regarding drainage off properties, from both sump pumps and downspouts. To assist, we are providing below some links to the Water and Waste Department's page on the City of Winnipeg website. Residential Lot Grading It...
“Speed Table” Pilot Project on Bridgeland Drive North
The Bridgwater communities are some of the newest residential subdivisions in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward. It's a thriving area that is growing rapidly – homes are continuing to be built and new families are moving in. As the community grows, so does the...
Proposed Temple in Bridgwater Forest
In August, I was pleased to attend a community open house, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, regarding a proposed Temple in the development of Bridgwater Forest. My thanks to The Sou'Wester for reporting on this story. For further information...
Short-Term Solution: Greenspace Maintenance in Bridgwater Forest
At present, two developers (Manitoba Housing and Ladco Company Limited) and the City of Winnipeg are responsible for the maintenance of parks and open spaces in the communities of Waverly West. The developers take care of the parks and open spaces for a...
Parks & Greenspace in Bridgwater Forest
Interested in learning more about the maintenance of parks and greenspace in Bridgwater Forest?! Mark your calendar to attend this information evening: TIME: 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19 PLACE: Waverley Heights Community Centre, 1885 Chancellor Drive NOTE: ...
Bridgwater Forest Fountain Repairs May Cost $100K+
A fountain that was a major selling point for a brand-new southwest Winnipeg community is already costing taxpayers thousands of dollars. The landmark fountain in Bridgwater Forest has been out of order for at least two years. The water feature was the centrepiece of...
2016 Approved Budget – Bridgwater Fountain
In 2016, the City of Winnipeg will be investing $100,000 towards repairing the Bridgwater Forest Fountain and repairing surrounding landscaping (pathways). Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation will also be investing funding towards the fountain’s repair. Once...
Snow Removal on the Active Transportation Network: Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater
I'm pleased to provide some background info and an update on my actions related to snow removal on the active transportation network in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater. SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL Sidewalk snow removal in the Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater SEE MAP...
Taking Action on Transit in Bridgwater & South Pointe
A recent article in The Sou’Wester Community newspaper (see below) provides some insight on Winnipeg Transit’s current position related to route expansion. I’d like to update you and provide you with additional information on what is occurring in the Bridgwater and...
Development and Maintenance of Bridgwater & South Pointe
The Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater and South Pointe are Winnipeg’s newest residential communities. This high level overview provides simplified background information on the development and maintenance of these communities which are located in the South Winnipeg-St....
UPDATE – Transit in Bridgwater and South Pointe
On June 23, 2015, I chaired a meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. One of the issues on the agenda was the need for increased transit service in the communities of Bridgwater and South Pointe. The Winnipeg Public...
Increased Transit Service to Bridgwater/South Pointe Communities
On January 19, I brought forward a motion (Increase Transit Motion 2015) to have the Winnipeg Public Service research and report back (in 120 days) on their findings related to improving transit service in these communities. A motion is a formal request to ‘get the...
Bridgwater and South Pointe
The Neighbourhoods of Bridgwater and community of South Pointe are the newest residential subdivisions in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward. Originally referred to as Waverley West, this area is located south of Bishop Grandin Boulevard and west of Waverley Street. With an area of about 3,100 acres, it’s expected that over 11,000 new homes, apartments and condominiums will be constructed, with a projected population of 40,000+.
I understand when a new community evolves, it takes time to have enough people living in the community to justify a new transit route. With the rapid growth in these areas, I believe the time has come and am working closely with the community as well as Winnipeg Transit to expand service.
- TRANSIT UPDATE: Winnipeg Transit expanded service into Bridgewater Lakes and South Pointe in September 2017. SEE Transit Service in South Winnipeg for details.
In new residential developments, the responsibility for maintenance of public green space transitions over time from the developer to the City. This process sometimes results in confusion as to who has responsibility to maintain certain areas. The maps below indicate who is responsible for maintenance of public space. However, responsibilities will continue to change as the City assumes ownership of the areas. We will update these maps regularly as responsibilities are transitioned.
PARKS and PUBLIC SPACE MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Bridgwater Forest 2018 Maintenance
Bridgwater Centre, Lakes and Trails 2018 Maintenance
TRAIL NETWORK:
Bridgwater Lakes 2017 Trail Map
Bridgwater Forest 2017 Trail Map
Bridgwater Trails 2017 Trail Map
It has taken quite some time to obtain clarification from City Departments and the Province of Manitoba as to who is responsible for maintaining the public greenspaces. Residents should forward requests for the maintenance of public green space to Winnipeg’s 311 Service (E-Mail 311@winnipeg.ca), who will then ensure that either the City or developer attends to the issue.
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