Winnipeg Free Press
Friday May 13 2005
By Paul Samyn
OTTAWA -- The federal government will formally approve the transfer of the abandoned Kapyong Barracks today to a development agency that it also owns, triggering a redevelopment of the Tuxedo-area property that could be worth up to $53 million.
It was long known that the Canada Lands Corp. would take ownership of the site, the former home of the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, which has since moved to Shilo. Winnipeg South Centre MP Anita Neville will make the announcement, declaring the property surplus and handing it over to the CLC.
Federal sources say National Defence will be paid $8.6 million for the former army base, which includes 43 buildings such as barracks and warehouses.
"The Government of Canada is committed to ensure the best value for taxpayers through the transfer of the land at market value to CLC," states a draft of Neville's speech today.
"CLC will add value for the Crown and the community through the creation of development plans, rezoning and the revitalization of the property to benefit the entire population of Manitoba."
CLC officials had already said they would redevelop the 65-hectare site -- on the west side of Kenaston Boulevard between Corydon Avenue and Grant Avenue -- into a unique community that stresses people over cars, narrow streets, and garages behind houses instead of in front.
It's a direction in urban design that's also being touted for the Waverley West subdivision.
The Kapyong site could replicate another successful CLC development -- Garrison Woods in Calgary. There, the CLC took another abandoned military base and created a unique urban village that has become one of Calgary's most popular neighbourhoods.
CLC, formed in 1996, is an arm's-length Crown corporation that acquires surplus federal property at fair market value and then refurbishes or develops the properties for resale.
CLC officials have said they would hold extensive public consultations before developing a land-use plan. However, proposals being touted include a sports campus for elite athletes, recreational opportunities built around Lipsett Hall, commercial and retail space and extensive green space.
Sources say the residential development will take place over 12 years to avoid disrupting Winnipeg's normal pattern of housing construction. Human Resources Canada is also interested in using a portion of the property as part of the federal government's homelessness initiative.
The land transfer to CLC does not yet include the 375 single dwellings and duplexes which were used to house soldiers at the base. However, sources say those properties will likely eventually also become part of the redevelopment.
paul.samyn@freepress.mb.ca