A City of Winnipeg plan to rezone a large portion of the Corydon area has some residents worried.

It’s part of the city’s Corydon-Osborne Area Plan, approved by city council in 2014.

The plan is designed to be a roadmap for future development in the area.

The city hosted an open house on Wednesday night to tell residents how it plans to begin making changes.

Dozens filed into Gladstone School to ask questions and share comments.

One proposal proved troublesome for many residents.

The city proposed rezoning a large number of houses from single to multi-family.

It would affect houses between Wellington Crescent and Mulvey Avenue, and Wentworth Street and Pembina Highway.

“If people want to add a second unit into their house or they want to add a secondary suite, it would make it easier for that to happen,” said Michael Robinson, a senior planner for the city.

Currently property owners must go through a public hearing, two city committees and city council before getting approved for rezoning.

Under the new plan, property owners would get approval if they abide by the city’s design guidelines.

That streamlined approach doesn’t sit well with residents.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with the current situation where people have to apply to get it rezoned,” said Darren May.

May has lived in the neighbourhood for 20 years. He believes more units could lead to less charm and parking.

“If we start increasing the density and the number of units per lot, that’s going to change everything,” he said.

Nancy Lange has lived in the Corydon area for 21 years.

She’s concerned that rezoning will invite more renters and landlords who do not live in the area.

Lange also worries that old houses will be torn down and replaced with duplexes.

“I think we’re talking about investment of dollars, not investment of time and energy and commitment to the neighbourhood,” said Lange.

The city’s plan also includes parking improvements, and provisions to make it easier for businesses to add patios.

It proposes high rise apartments and stores near Osborne Station and the rapid transit corridor.

The city will apply to rezone the properties, and a public hearing will be held at city hall at a later date.