Iconic Pembina Hotel could be demolished for new proposed development
The Pembina Hotel, known to many in the community as The Pemby, could soon be replaced.
Development firm Richard Wintrup put forward a proposal to develop a 12-story mixed use building on the corner of Pembina Highway and Jubilee Avenue in place of the Pembina Hotel.
The building would have 226 apartments as well as commercial space on the main floor.
Lorne Peterson lives in area and the Pemby is one of his favorite watering holes, but he might not have many more chances to visit.
“Certainly this is a landmark. I’ve been coming here for years. (I’ll) miss the place but you could kind of expect it," Peterson said, adding he’s noticed a lot of new apartment blocks being built in the neighbourhood.
“It’s a good area. It’s convenient for buses and U of M and all that. It’s a good location so I’m not surprised.”
The hotel has been standing along Pembina for more than 65 years.
Jino Distacio, a professor of urban geography at the University of Winnipeg, said the project is bitter sweet. He said the Pemby was a place of gathering for decades, but the project fits the kind of development the city is looking to do.
“(It’s) rebuilding our cities. Being more sustainable is about increasing density, looking to mixed use, and connecting in to great pathways, whether it’s Pembina Highway, the rapid transit, active transportation.”
Distacio said the nearby Fort Rouge yards are proof that infill projects can be done in mature neighbourhoods. He believes the new proposal will re-energize the area.
“It’s checking the right boxes. A good scale of development for that site, mixed use which we want to see.”
Jon Orlikow, city councillor for River Heights and Fort Garry, declined to comment on the new proposal because he’s voting on the matter in the coming days.
Peterson said he might have to go across the street to the Cambridge Hotel next time he wants to visit a beverage room.
“I wish it wasn’t happening I can tell you that. But like I say I’m not surprised, and I guess it’s progress they call it.”
Rezoning changes to support the project will go to a vote at Friday’s City Centre Community Committee meeting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates: Gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO still at large
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson died in a dawn ambush Wednesday in New York City. The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway. Here's the latest.
AI modelling predicts these foods will be hit hardest by inflation next year
The new year won’t bring a resolution to rising food costs, according to a new report that predicts prices to rise as much as five per cent in 2025.
Congo government says it's 'on alert' over mystery flu-like disease that killed dozens
Congo’s health minister said Thursday the government is on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people.
'Kids are scared': Random attacks have residents of small-city N.L. shaken
Mount Pearl, near St. John's, has been the scene for three random attacks in November. Police have arrested and charged seven youth.
U.S. man wanted for military desertion turns himself in at Buffalo border
A man wanted for deserting the U.S. military 16 years ago was arrested at the border in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this week.
Honda to recall over 200,000 SUVs in Canada, U.S. over fuel leak concern
Honda is recalling approximately 12,000 vehicles in Canada
Ready to light up your home for Christmas? Here are some safety tips
The magic of the holidays wouldn't be complete for many people without Christmas lights, but there are some important tips to know before you set up your ladder.
DEVELOPING Words carved into bullet casings, police sources say amid search for gunman in shooting of U.S. CEO
Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk, then disappeared into Central Park.