On November 7, 2025, the Manitoba Municipal Board released its report and recommendation regarding the plans for a 111-unit, mixed-income housing project located in the west parking lot of the city-owned 1913 Granite Curling Club building at 22 Granite Way. The Granite Curling Club was concerned that the loss of parking space would negatively impact the non-profit club’s sustainability with the city doing little to ease their concerns. The club’s objection to the City of Winnipeg’s project was heard by the Municipal Board for six days in August and September 2025, with experts from both sides presenting their case. Heritage Winnipeg’s Executive Director, Cindy Tugwell was in attendance to speak in support of the club, expressing concern that no consideration was given to the impact the project would have on the existing historic building, fiscally or physically. The Municipal Board recommended:

That prior to the issuance of a development permit, the Public Service be directed to work with the proponent and the Granite Curling Club, to develop an adequate parking plan in order to support the ongoing operational sustainability of the club, to the satisfaction of the Granite Curling Club, the Director of Public Works, and the Director of Planning, Property and Development.

Having advocated for a mutually beneficial solution that allows for the construction of much-needed affordable housing while ensuring the future viability of the historic building, Heritage Winnipeg is very pleased with the outcome and hope this important issue will quickly be resolved. We also look forward to learning more about the housing project, hoping that the design will be respectful of the existing neighbourhood, include proper riverbank stabilisation and protect the Granite Curling Club building from construction damage.

Designed by prominent architect James Chisholm, a club executive, the Granite Curling Club building consists of a luxurious three storey Tudor inspired clubhouse and nine sheets of ice. The club fell on hard times and was forced to sell the property to the City of Winnipeg in 1975 with a lease back agreement. Most of the clubhouse, particularly the exterior and main entrance featuring a wrought iron arch inscribed with “Granite Curling Club” suspended between two portly pillars, remains unchanged over time. The building was added to the City of Winnipeg’s List of Historical Resources in 1986, protecting it from demolition or alteration of its character defining elements.

Featured image: Granite Curling Club at 1 Granite Way (cropped) in September 2013 from Samyaka.verma (CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)