Westminster Ave
currently in schematic design
Size - 65,000 sqft
Westminster, a New Place to Call Home
Situated on the dividing line between two downtown Winnipeg neighbourhoods, the Sherbrook Inn is a pivotal enterprise. Originally opened in 1965 as the Westminster Motor Hotel, it was a swanky yet modest and modern hotel with an outdoor, second floor swimming pool, basement lounge and banquet hall, expansive ground floor bar and vendor, plus 33 hotel rooms. Although the original architectural renderings included a multi-level parkade, in actuality, the motor hotel had a large surface parking lot.
In its lifetime, the Sherbrook Inn (as it was later known) has had its ups and down and over time some amenities fell into disrepair. In late 2024, a new owner stepped in to revitalize the Sherbrook Inn and sell the surface parking lot. Selling the parking lot would make new development possible. This led to a proposed six-storey apartment building which will be a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom suites, ranging in size from 450 sqft to 1,350 sqft. This building will enhance population density in an already walkable community, while preserving the two-storey residential character of Furby Street with setbacks from the sidewalk and private yards for the townhouse units.
Ground floor commercial space will be roughly 1,000 sqft, providing a good location for a retail or personal service business. A wide patio area with seating is planned for the front of the building on the sunny side of the street, protected from rain by the cantilevered upper levels of the building. The residential lobby will have comfortable casual seating and fully glazed walls with views toward Westminster Ave. An increased presence of residents will contribute to a safer environment by fostering more “eyes on the street”. Westminster Ave, already home to many apartment buildings, will benefit from the activation provided by a south facing commercial space and lobby entrance, maintaining an engaging and active streetscape.
Greenspace is a part of the plan and the existing trees along the boulevards and north property line will be maintained. An additional 10 trees and 45 shrubs will be planted, including trees along the back lane on the edge of the parking lot. There will be 50 parking stalls on the site. Twenty will be for the Sherbrook Inn, 26 for the apartment residents, two for a car share program, and two reserved for the commercial tenant. Adjacent to the main entrance will be outdoor bike racks for 14 bicycles. Inside the building, there will be secure bicycle storage for up to 43 bikes.
It is anticipated that up to 25% of the residential units will be classified as affordable according to CMHC’s MLI Select program. Of those suites, up to eight will be according to Manitoba Housing’s affordability requirements. The building is also being designed according to the barrier free requirements of the Building Code. As well, the residential units are tailored to accommodate persons with disabilities, (visitable) with a number of units designed to current barrier-free standards. The building is designed to be 25% better than the National Energy Code of Canada.
Construction is projected to commence in January 2026 and should take roughly 15 months to complete.
Questionnaire and Further Information
On January 30, 2025 an Open House was held, inviting people in the surrounding West Broadway and Wolseley neighbourhoods of Winnipeg to meet with the architects. Cibinel Architecture presented ideas, discussed the project, and received feedback from the people who attended the Open House. Both an information sheet and questionnaire were distributed at the Open House. If you are a resident or business owner in the area, we welcome you to complete a copy of the Questionnaire and return to us.
Westminster Information Sheet
Westminster Questionnaire Word
Westminster Questionnaire PDF
NEWS
Bringing vitality back; Proposed design to bring rebirth to old lot, The Leaf, February 2025 edition
Sherbrook Inn bar and vendor suddenly closes, CTV New, February 5, 2024