University of Manitoba unveils landmark urban community project

A parcel of land brimming with potential lies along part of the 885-kilometre Red River, steps away from the University of Manitoba’s bustling campus. Once a golf and country club, this picturesque site lined with old-growth trees is set to become the new home of Southwood Circle, an urban community development that’s the first of its kind in Winnipeg.

Southwood Circle could bring up to 65,000 people to an area that currently feels isolated from the rest of the city. Despite being Winnipeg’s most-commuted-to destination – drawing around 30,000 students and 9,000 staff daily – the University of Manitoba campus has just 1,650 students living in residence. The area becomes a ghost town when school is not in session, exacerbated by a lack of housing and walkable amenities needed to sustain a thriving community year-round.