During the past five years, Fort Garry's population has increased 25 per cent. Also during this period, a total of 2,654 building permits has been issued for construction valued at $61,672,000.
This unprecedented growth is reflected in the municipality's plans in establishing two industrial parks, which are second to none in Greater Winnipeg. In recent years they have attracted such well-known companies as Macleods, Wilson Stationers Ltd., Wester Flyer Coach, Saults and Pollard, Underwood Mclellan and Associates, Motor Coach Industries, to name a few.
Plans are being formulated to develop a third industrial area, which will be located to also take advantage of the exceptional rail and highway access at the disposal of the municipality.
The industrial areas are in close proximity to Pembina Highway, McGillivray Boulevard, Waverley St. and the Perimeter Highway, in addition to being a distance of 12 minutes from downtown Winnipeg.
A subdivision of industrial sites in the area south of McGillivray Blvd. has recently been established off Chevrier Blvd. which will prove attractive to smaller industries and commercial enterprises. Known as Trottier Bay, the sites are fully-serviced and will provide for diversified development in the area.
Metro's widening of Waverley St. into four lanes has been of great benefit to both industrial areas.
Fort Garry council is urging Metro to include in its 1969 capital works program, provision for the widening and reconstruction of McGillivray Blvd. between Pembina Highway and Waverley St.
Fort Garry's newest residential area, Fort Richmond, is situated immediately south of the University of Manitoba and east of Pembina Highway.
Development of the area by the municipality in joint agreement with Ladco Company Limited, began approximately four years ago. Construction is proceeding at the rate of 165 units per year and when complete will contain 2,500 to 3,000 housing units and 1,000 apartment units, covering an area of approximately 830 acres.
The subdivision is served by churches, of several denominations and excellent school facilities are provided. Plans for future schools, park and recreation facilities are already underway. The shopping centre at Dalhousie Dr. and Silverstone Ave. houses a grocery chain store, beauty parlor, barber shop, dental office, drug store, service station, insurance agency and ample parking space is provided.
Fort Richmond is a development growing in popularity; to date, over 600 homes have been built in the area which is served with underground services.
In 1967 Fort Garry's Centennial project, the $375,000 Century indoor arena, located in industrial area No. 2 on the 13-acre Ray Fennell Memorial Sport Centre, was officially opened. In its first year of operation this facility provided such winter activities as public skating, hockey, figure and speed skating, with a total attendance of over 29,000 people. To complete this park, a year-round sport centre, the municipality has constructed Moffat Field, a Little League baseball diamond, with future plans to include a Pony League diamond, football field and tennis courts.
Another recreation area is the 14.6-acre Memorial Park, which includes a football field, running track, little league baseball diamond, wading pool and outdoor swimming pool.
In addition to these facilities, there are six strategically located community centres, which provide varied programs for all ages throughout the year. During the summer months of July and August, the recreation department, in conjunction with the community centres, operates a playgound program for children five to 14 years of age. During 1968, a total attendance of 16,000 children was recorded.