Neepawa Rotary Hosts Deep Dive into Project 320 Housing Development

On April 9, 2025, members of the Neepawa Rotary Club welcomed Town representatives Coleen Synchyshyn and Denis Saquet for an in-depth presentation on the much-anticipated Project 320 Housing Development. The session offered a comprehensive overview of the Town’s long-term strategy to meet growing housing demands, followed by a candid Q&A that touched on infrastructure, planning, and livability.

Rapid Growth Drives Urgent Planning

Neepawa is no longer the quiet prairie town it once was. According to the 2021 Census, the population surged to 5,685—a 23.3% increase from 2016, making it the thirteenth fastest-growing community in Canada and the third-fastest in Manitoba.

A housing study conducted in 2023 projected Neepawa’s population could reach 6,800 by 2028. To meet that demand, the Town has identified the need for approximately 460 new dwelling units. With this urgency in mind, the Town began seeking strategic solutions to secure suitable residential land.

A Community-Focused Land Acquisition

Facing land affordability and servicing challenges, the Town issued a public call in 2024 for landowners interested in selling or developing their property. Five landowners responded, leading to the Town’s acquisition of 320 acres on Neepawa’s northwest edge. This purchase became the foundation for Phase 1 of Project 320.

Synchyshyn emphasized that the Town is applying key lessons learned from previous projects, like the lengthy three-year process to sell the CN Property, to streamline this initiative. Officials are optimistic that Project 320 will proceed more efficiently with improved planning and clearer timelines.

What’s in the Plan?

Working with a Winnipeg-based consulting firm, the Town created a development plan that was later revised based on feedback from a public open house. The current layout for Phase 1 of Project 320 includes:

• 192 single-family residential homes

• 20+ multi-family units concentrated in the southeast corner

• A designated green space/park

• No commercial zoning at this stage—residential only

Sewer design is nearing completion, and the first phase will be executed in three components to allow for manageable, phased growth.

Key Questions from the Community

During the Rotary meeting’s Q&A, several critical issues were raised:

• Green Space: Officials confirmed the inclusion of a park, particularly near the multi-family units, to ensure green space access for all residents.

• Why No Commercial? Some attendees questioned the absence of commercial zoning. Town staff explained that the immediate focus is residential, with the possibility of commercial development in future phases.

• Pedestrian Safety: A passionate plea was made regarding the need for safer pedestrian access across Highway No. 5, particularly near the high school and downtown. One resident voiced concern:

  “There’s no crosswalk across No. 5. People walk there all the time. If someone is pushing a stroller with two kids, it can be dangerous.”

In response, the Town acknowledged the concern and said it is already in early discussions with consultants to explore active transportation options and pedestrian infrastructure as part of the broader development plan.

Looking Ahead

Project 320 represents more than a housing development—it’s a blueprint for Neepawa’s continued transformation into a vibrant, livable community. By securing land, planning for long-term growth, and listening to resident concerns, the Town is laying a strong foundation for the future.

While challenges remain—particularly around infrastructure and safety—the Town’s transparent, community-first approach suggests that Neepawa is not just growing, but growing thoughtfully.