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As an example, Mayes noted council’s appeals committee sided with opponents to block a proposed lot split in Old Tuxedo last month, while Glenwood has seen 89 lot splits over the past eight years.

“I find the status quo is unfair and simply unacceptable,” Mayes said during Monday’s meeting.

His motion, which describes Glenwood as the oldest neighbourhood in the St. Vital ward, passed in a 2-1 vote Monday.

Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) opposed the motion, arguing development within mature communities should be encouraged. Allard said such development allows the city to increase its tax base without the need to also create new roads and other infrastructure.

On Monday, Allard noted that one lot split on Regal Avenue raised the land’s property taxes from $860 a year to about $4,000 dollars per year, after an abandoned home was replaced with two new houses that offer secondary suites.

“It’s clear that our city’s economic and fiscal situation is helped tremendously by infill,” said Allard.

Allard also questioned the idea of singling out Glenwood from other St. Vital neighbourhoods, which also see frequent infill builds.

Dylon Martin, an interim spokesperson for the pro-infill group YIMBY (Yes, in My Backyard) Winnipeg, said he agrees that there should be fairness in where lot splits and infill developments are permitted.

But he’d prefer to see council support infill in every neighbourhood, which YIMBY believes is needed to limit urban sprawl.

“I think the city should be firm across our mature communities that we need to start growing up, not out,” said Martin. “I think the lot split in Tuxedo (is) a perfect example (where) city council should have stayed firm and supported that move.”

The city named Armstrong’s Point its first heritage conservation district earlier this year, while Crescentwood has also been nominated for the status.

Council’s property and development committee is expected to consider the Glenwood recommendation in September.

jpursaga@postmedia.com

Twitter: @pursagawpgsun