Clinic OK'd for Academy Road draws ire of some residents

A Winnipeg doctor is breathing a sigh of relief after his plan to build a dermatology clinic on Academy Road was given the green light by a city committee.

Dozens of River Heights residents crowded into the gallery Tuesday evening to voice their opinions both for and against the proposal from Shane Silver.

Those opposed, who say they will appeal the decision, believe the building will impact the character of neighbourhood, create parking issues, and force trees to be removed.

City council turned down the project last year after appeals against it by area residents, so Silver went back to the drawing board. He said he revamped his proposal to better fit property requirements and the needs of the community.

"To get to this moment is such a good relief, it shows that the process works," Silver said. "I listened to the council last time [and] I came back and they acknowledged I did what was required."

The clinic, set to go at 500 Academy Rd., is planned to be 3,300-square-feet in size.

Lindsey Steek, whose design firm is next to where it will be built, worries about the impact it might have on traffic and parking in the area.

Steek was one of many who opposed the plan a year ago and plans to do it again.

"We will be out [at city hall] as a neighbourhood, full force. We do not give up," she said.