reflects Springfield’s long-standing commitment to aging in place.“It is going very well,” Mayor Therrien explains. “All four floors are up right now, three of them are fully enclosed, and the fourth will be enclosed shortly.” The 54-unit development includes a community pool shared by residents across the RM, reinforcing the project’s role as a community asset rather than a standalone facility. Completion is expected in September 2026. “Aging in place is a huge component of what we are looking at,” Mayor Therrien notes.“Dougal Place allows grandparents to stay in the community instead of having to leave to find appropriate housing.” Beyond Dougal Place, the municipality continues to explore additional options to support an aging population, including the long-term possibility of a personal care home. “We are working with a volunteer committee called 2020 Vision to look at financing options,” Mayor Therrien adds. “There are many initiatives underway to keep our older residents here and supported.” PLANNING FOR DIVERSE HOUSING Housing demand in Springfield remains strong, driven by population growth and the municipality’s proximity to Winnipeg, while affordability and accessibility continue to shape new development. “It is a highly desirable area,” Mayor Therrien says. “We are close to the city, which draws young families, but affordability is a real issue.” In response, Springfield is promoting a broader mix of housing options, including medium-density and semi-detached developments. One such project is planned north of the tracks in Oakbank and will proceed once water service is extended through Main Street. Accessibility is also becoming central to housing discussions. As Draper notes, young families often cannot afford single-family homes, while seniors 167 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 RM OF SPRINGFIELD, MB
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