Thursday December 21, 2023.
Speech for Council
Good evening I am humbled today to speak to you Mr. Mayor, and Councillors – Adam Rossol – Vice President of RDI Land CO.
It has been a pleasure to work with WSP. We retained them due to their resume, of being global leaders in urban design. The Engineers we had working on this project have the accolades of developing projects like Sage Creek, and Island Lakes.
I’d like to express the gratitude, and honor, that it has been to work with all the RM officials, administration, and departments. Providing the information and professionalism needed to create “the greatest urban development Manitoba has ever seen.”
Spending the last 3 years listening to other subdivisions within the RM and applying what community members were saying. For example no major though roads into existing developments, as seen with our connection into Jaffary. We conducted topographic studies to show us the water shed, and calculated how much water retainment is necessary, a Traffic impact study to determine what upgrades are needed on hwy 15 – in which MTI has no objections to, as we met all their standards. While maximizing land use, to respect every square inch.
With over 116,000 sqft of commercial amenities, together we can offer job creation for our municipality, from the entry level minimum waged employees, to store managers, receptionists to doctors, all while encouraging entrepreneurship; and offering the convivences of modern living.
“RDI and Council, will now be the reason my children can stay close to home”.
This is quoted from many community members, and has resonated though our world class development plan. We have spent countless hours strategizing, and studying the market looking for a pathway to respect the RM’s history, community, and future growth.
We held 3 public engagements, all of which we consider homerun’s. With very positive responses specifically from members at Dugald Estates – with quotes like “there are so many synergies between this development and our municipal needs”. We took 1 on 1 meetings with anyone who had concerns, questions, and feedback. ALL of which we took into consideration.
“WE HAVE A HOUSING CRISIS!” – This statement resonates though ALL federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
We developed a vision to create a mixed-use neighborhood that expands the options for housing. Complimenting and connecting the existing neighborhoods. This is the vision mirrored and a product that is offered in the fastest growing communities in Canada like Niverville, and Sage Creek.
In 2023 avg sale price in RM Springfield
- Detached unit = $547,950 (160units)
- Attached unit = $401,500 (7units)
- There is a MASSIVE Population decline in ages of 20-34yrs as affordability of homes within RM is out of reach.
- 21% of total population eligible to purchase homes within next 10yrs. (ages 5-19)
- If we want to keep youth/first time home buyers within the RM. We need options.
We currently have +15M secured though government grants to increase capacity of current infrastructure. We understand there are additional needs. The solution – $2,000,000 Annually.
This is estimated to be the incremental growth to the RM’s tax base that will generate the capital to pay for these upgrades.
If we don’t take action today… This will have long lasting and detrimental effects to the future of this municipality. We will lose community members to the neighbouring municipalities that are taking action and looking for economic growth.
In partnership let’s stamp this municipality with a legacy that honors the RM’s history, community, and Growth.