Winnipeg | University of Manitoba | Southwood Circle

[FactaNV]

Originally Posted by Jeff

Just drove thru the U of M and they have installed some over the top new light fixtures for this development along Sifton Rd. From the discussion in the other thread about Hydro being cheap, insensitive and shortsighted I'm surprised their heads didn't explode with these new fixtures going in.

found the pole:
https://www.nycstreetdesign.info/lighting/bishops-crook-pole

Super nice

[neutroniks]

Originally Posted by Jeff

Just drove thru the U of M and they have installed some over the top new light fixtures for this development along Sifton Rd. From the discussion in the other thread about Hydro being cheap, insensitive and shortsighted I'm surprised their heads didn't explode with these new fixtures going in.

found the pole:
https://www.nycstreetdesign.info/lighting/bishops-crook-pole

This is beautiful. I feel this is a more appropriate lighting pole to replace the ones they're replacing in the Exchange. The ones they're installing in the exchange are generic and can be found in several new suburbs.

[BAKGUY]

Originally Posted by neutroniks

This is beautiful. I feel this is a more appropriate lighting pole to replace the ones they're replacing in the Exchange. The ones they're installing in the exchange are generic and can be found in several new suburbs.

Exactly.
The Exchange is supposedly a one of a kind must see Tourist attraction so then, why go from spectacular 5 globed Lamp post to 1 on a bare minimalist lamp standard?

[Jeff]

Memorial Boulevard is another missed opportunity for these kind of lights and treatment of the public realm. doesn't take a lot to make an area feel a little more inspiring, prominent and grand.

[BAKGUY]

Originally Posted by Jeff

Memorial Boulevard is another missed opportunity for these kind of lights and treatment of the public realm. doesn't take a lot to make an area feel a little more inspiring, prominent and grand.

I concur with you 100%.
Memorial Park, Boulevard should have nice lighting leading up to the Legislative Building

[Wpg_Guy]

Construction Update – April 8, 2025

[Malcsta]

Originally Posted by Wpg_Guy

Construction Update – April 8, 2025

This update is.. uhh.. missing some crucial elements it seems.

[bomberjet]

Sewer, water, hydro already complete?

[Biff]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

Sewer, water, hydro already complete?

I believe all of those are complete.

[bomberjet]

So they're ready to go. Any news on development proposals?

[FactaNV]

I wonder if they drop the requirements down to LEED Silver they'd get some interest. Anything else they could do to make it more attractive?

[ColdRain&Snow]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

I wonder if they drop the requirements down to LEED Silver they'd get some interest. Anything else they could do to make it more attractive?

Sell the land for cheaper.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by ColdRain&Snow

Sell the land for cheaper.

UM Properties is leasing the parcels of land to third-party developers typically for a 99-year terms with renewal options, there is no outright sale of any land. The leasing model allows the university to generate ongoing revenue and to maintain control of the developers who are responsible for building in accordance with UM Properties’ design and sustainability guidelines. Revenues from the leases are expected to repay the university’s financing for the project. UM Properties can enforced the design commitments through the land development agreements signed between the third party developer and UMPGP.

The Southwood Circle Development Plan was approved by the UofM Board of Governors in 2023, these current policies governs the development of the land and buildings for a period of 5 years, ending in 2028. By the end of 2028 they anticipate on leasing 30-40% of phase 1 development parcels. However the DP is subject to an annual review by UMPGP board to ensure it remains aligned with the current market conditions.

the DP states the following:

Real estate markets will set limits on the ability of developers to deliver to our design and sustainability standards. Certain development proposals may include attractive, sustainability features that require some level of financial support to be economically viable. Opportunities that support our vision of being a world leading sustainable community that requires some contribution of land value, and/or to attract government level funding support, will be considered on a case by case basis for recommendation and approval by the board. It should be noted that the Southwood lands will be leased to developers at a small premium to the true value of its location. This pricing strategy is intended to maximize land absorption and to maximize the investment by developers in features that optimize community wellness and sustainability.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

I wonder if they drop the requirements down to LEED Silver they'd get some interest. Anything else they could do to make it more attractive?

The current policy does state, buildings will be required to achieve LEED gold.

However foresight and adaptability have been written into the policy as it states the following:

Section 6 Implementation
6.3 Monitoring and Updates
The Southwood Circle Design Policy is considered a living document that adapts to changing circumstances and evolving trends over time. The Policy will be reviewed annually and completely re-issued every five years to ensure the Guidelines remain relevant and consistent with the vision and mandate of UM properties.

As this is a completely new, from ground up development, it makes the most sense to start with the highest possible standards and evolve from there as the starting point.

[FactaNV]

Originally Posted by Wpg_Guy

The current policy does state, buildings will be required to achieve LEED gold.

However foresight and adaptability have been written into the policy as it states the following:



As this is a completely new from ground up development it makes the most sense to start with the highest possible standards and evolve from there as the starting point.

Thanks for the post. My concern is it seems there has been little movement on any development and conditions will only get tougher as international student numbers decline and materials get more expensive. Sometimes the perfect is the enemy of the good, even the great and they have some extremely stringent development criteria here. Isn't it super expensive to get to LEED Gold?

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

Thanks for the post. My concern is it seems there has been little movement on any development and conditions will only get tougher as international student numbers decline and materials get more expensive. Sometimes the perfect is the enemy of the good, even the great and they have some extremely stringent development criteria here. Isn't it super expensive to get to LEED Gold?

Southwood is an extremely large and complex development, like nothing Winnipeg has seen before. This is a four phase, 20-40 year build out plan, it will take time, phase one alone is anticipated to take 10 years. There is a lot of work being done behind the scenes to ensure this is a successful and desirable mixed used community.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

Isn't it super expensive to get to LEED Gold?

There can be higher soft and hard upfront costs to LEED gold certification but they are often offset by the substantial long term savings in energy efficiently, higher occupancy rates and potential higher rents. LEED points will be earned in Southwood just for it's 'sustainable' location in proximity to the rapid transit Blue Line, for the reduced parking minimums, adding car share, bike storage facilities, hydroelectric power etc. Also financial institutions tend to favor LEED projects due to lower operation risk so obtaining financing can be somewhat easier.

[WildCake]

Originally Posted by FactaNV

Thanks for the post. My concern is it seems there has been little movement on any development and conditions will only get tougher as international student numbers decline and materials get more expensive. Sometimes the perfect is the enemy of the good, even the great and they have some extremely stringent development criteria here. Isn't it super expensive to get to LEED Gold?

They got zoning approved in summer of 2022, broke ground in 2023 and just got the majority of the servicing for phase 1 completed this spring, with U Crescent's NB lane reconstruction being worked on right now. It feels like a disservice to call this concerningly slow when the development is being deliberately planned for a slow buildout.

Same with the Forks redevelopment. We waited for a bit for them to get their ducks in a row and now we have 10 high quality builds with architecturally novel designs getting ready to get going.

This isn't a copy/paste suburban greenfield development. And it looks like the U of M already has mechanisms in place to relax some standards if it isn't moving at the desired rate.

[FactaNV]

Originally Posted by WildCake

They got zoning approved in summer of 2022, broke ground in 2023 and just got the majority of the servicing for phase 1 completed this spring, with U Crescent's NB lane reconstruction being worked on right now. It feels like a disservice to call this concerningly slow when the development is being deliberately planned for a slow buildout.

Same with the Forks redevelopment. We waited for a bit for them to get their ducks in a row and now we have 10 high quality builds with architecturally novel designs getting ready to get going.

This isn't a copy/paste suburban greenfield development. And it looks like the U of M already has mechanisms in place to relax some standards if it isn't moving at the desired rate.

Fair enough! I was moreso going off what some have said here that they're having a hard time finding leasees. Early days though.

[KnickKnack]

Im not familiar enough with LEED to comment on that issue, but I do wonder whether there’s a business case for what they’re proposing. The rendering looks like it would be at home on the Yokohama waterfront.