Lorraine Purchase has lived on the riverbank in St. Boniface for 62 years.
The empty lot beside her house was once home to a city public works yard, but she dreads the housing plan set to rise on the site.
"I don't want to be in the shade of a big condo," said Purchase
The city has approved Sunstone Resort Communities’ plan to construct a seven-storey, 82-suit condo on the Tache Avenue property, with two storeys of mixed-use in the front.
Several residents in the area oppose the project, launching an appeal at city hall.
Real Rioux is one of the neighbours involved in the appeal. He's set to build his own residential tower near the development.
Rioux said Sunstone's condo is too far back on the property, overtaking green space on the riverbank and scenery for his future tenants.
"I mean the view of the human rights museum, the view of the CN bridge, and the riverbank, of course," said Rioux.
But area councillor Matt Allard is in favour of the condo project.
“This was one of the toughest decisions I've made in my political life,” said Allard
Allard says he had to vote against the wishes of some supporters, even friends who oppose the development. He feels this is a good fit for the growing area.
Allard said it adds residential density, includes a new park and riverbank stabilization.
“We're going from something that's zoned industrial to park and residential, so I definitely think this is the direction we want to be moving forward,” he said.
Purchase understands progress is inevitable, but the 82-year-old says she'll likely move if progress moves next door.
"I'm quite happy here. My kids were all raised here. My grandchildren come here and they love it here, and they say, ‘We don't know what we're going to do when you're gone from here,’” said Purchase.
The appeal hearing is set for Dec. 15.
