Land Use and Development
2007 Manitoba Planning Excellence Award Winners:
Proponent: ND LEA Inc.
Project: Pocket Houses
In collaboration with: S.A.M (Properties) Inc. & Cohlmeyer Architects Limited.
Pocket Houses provide an affordable alternative to rooming house accommodation using a unique building design that fits well on narrow lots that are in abundance in some of Winnipeg's inner city neighbourhoods. The design of the buildings are sensitive to the needs of single persons with low income that commonly live in single residential occupancy (SRO) facilities, such as the need for privacy, attention to reduce noise transmission between units, and air quality issues. Each building has 8 units (approx. 230 sq. ft. per unit), three of which are barrier free and one that is fully wheelchair accessible. Each suite has its own private entrance with a built in cooking area and mini fridge, microwave, hot plate and dishes. These units promote tenant dignity and independence and provide them with a modest living space in a development that fits a neighbourhood scale.
Video Clip: Pocket Houses 
Proponent: Roseisle Community Grocery Co-op Ltd. Board
Project: Roseisle Community Grocery Co-op
In collaboration with: Rural Municipality of Dufferin & Manitoba Cooperative Development Services
Roseisle is a community of about 100 residents, located 120 km. southwest of Winnipeg near the Pembina Escarpment. Like many rural communities Roseisle grew up around the railway. Closure of the rail line in the 1980s resulted in the loss of the local station and grain elevators and a steady decline in local services. The final blow to the community came when the owner of the one remaining general store announced that he could no longer keep the 103 year old business operating. Facing the closure of the community store and the potential loss of the economic centre of Roseisle, community members organized themselves to work towards building a new store, in the heart of the community. They formed a local independent cooperative store with a post office and located it on a parcel of land that was used by the railway. The surrounding area has since become quite a community focal point as a skating rink operates each winter and the area is used for the Canada Day celebrations. A war memorial and cairn is also located on the parcel to remember the past. This is a good news story of how a small community, through active involvement and participation, came together to create a place they all want to be a part of.