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 and the developer is responsible for enforcement. The City of Winnipeg does NOT enforce the Architectural Guidelines set out by the developer. The City of Winnipeg does enforce Neighbourhood Liveability By-laws related to long grass and weeds.

I spoke to Manitoba Housing and this is what they provided me regarding enforcement of front yards:

‘Depending on where the property is, certain Architectural Guidelines apply.  If a front yard is not finished, please have the resident contact my office and we will initiate enforcement’:

Dwayne Rewniak, MCIP, RPP

Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Housing Delivery & Land Development

Manitoba Housing / Department of Families

Email: Dwayne.Rewniak@gov.mb.ca

In some Architectural Guidelines, there is a clause – “Scheduling” that states the following:

• Driveways will be completed no later than one year after completion of building construction
• Landscaping should be completed no later than one year after completion of building construction but should not be completed prior to the construction of any public sidewalk in front of the lot.

Other Architectural Guidelines have an added clause – “Landscaping” that states the following:

• Front yards MUST be landscaped as stipulated above within ONE YEAR of home owner occupancy.

Please note:  There are no rules regarding enforcement of the back yard.

I encourage you to contact Manitoba Housing if you want to report a front yard that has not been landscaped.