East Fort Garry

East Fort Garry is a welcoming neighbourhood with abundant green spaces, mature trees, schools within reach, and convenient amenities nearby. Nestled along the winding curves of the Red River, this community is part of the broader area of Winnipeg known as Fort Garry. Over time, Fort Garry has become increasingly popular due to its easy access to the downtown core and the University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus as the city has developed.

One of the gems of the area is Wildwood Park. Wildwood Park is a charming suburban community boasting a central green space and unique design featuring only back alleys instead of front roads. This intentional design fosters a pedestrian-friendly environment while maximizing green spaces and minimizing traffic. Residents enjoy communal walkways, playgrounds, and parks, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. The Wildwood Park community is renowned for its strong sense of unity, exemplified by their regular newsletter. To stay updated on board meetings, local classifieds, community events like BBQs and tree planting, playgroups, and more, simply email wildwoodsy@gmail.com to subscribe. It's an inclusive and delightful community worth being a part of!

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

Development within East Fort Garry surged in the 1940s and 1950s, shaping the landscape with predominantly single-family homes, primarily bungalows and two-storey houses. Newer constructions and infill developments compliment the established community, often replacing older homes with larger residences on spacious lots.

North and South Drive stand out as two of Winnipeg's most prestigious streets, prized for their expansive riverfront properties set amidst mature surroundings. These custom-built homes are the pride of some of Winnipeg's most affluent residents.   Wildwood Park also commands a premium. Most of the original houses are based on five variations of three basic designs, all pre-fabricated in one section of the site. Here you will again find two-storeys, bungalows, as well as some split-level options. Properties in Wildwood Park were inspired by the Radburn community design principles of architects Henry Wright and Clarence Stein, who envisioned neighbourhoods for the 'motor age'. 

Additionally, East Fort Garry offers a variety of condominium developments, including high-rises nestled along the quiet streets within the community and those closer to Pembina Highway.

SCHOOLS AND SERVICES

Schools in East Fort Garry are overseen by the Pembina Trails School Division. Oakenwald School, a Kindergarten to Grade Six English Elementary School, is situated in the heart of the neighbourhood. For middle school, students transition to General Byng School in West Fort Garry, which offers classes from Grade Seven to Grade Nine.

For students interested in French Immersion programming, École Crane School is the starting point, providing education from Kindergarten to Grade Four. Adjacent to the English elementary school is École Viscount Alexander, offering Grade Five to Grade Eight studies.

Institut Collégial Vincent Massey Collegiate is a dual-track high school serving the entire East Fort Garry community. Students in the English track attend from Grade Ten to Grade Twelve, while those in the French track complete classes from Grade Nine to Grade Twelve.

The sub-community of Wildwood Park is home to St. John's-Ravenscourt School, a private institution offering programming from Kindergarten to Grade Twelve. Many households in the area are within walking distance to the school, and for those further out, private bussing services are available as part of the school’s annual tuition.

East Fort Garry is conveniently located near several of Winnipeg’s post-secondary institutions, with the University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology both within a 10-minute drive. The University of Winnipeg, Université de Saint-Boniface, Red River College Polytech Exchange District Campus, and Canadian Mennonite University are all within a 15 to 20-minute commute, depending on your location within the neighbourhood.

HOSPITAL

The community is conveniently close to larger healthcare providers. The Victoria General Hospital is the quickest to reach via Pembina Highway, but the Misericordia Health Centre and St. Boniface Hospital are also just a few minutes away.

SHOPPING

East Fort Garry is predominantly residential but offers a range of retail options along its borders. Pembina Highway hosts numerous stores, from quaint mom-and-pop shops to larger big-box retailers and grocery chains, including Shoppers Drug Mart, FreshCo, and Cottage Bakery—a beloved local spot renowned for its freshly baked goods available seven days a week.

Just beyond the neighbourhood borders lies Pembina Crossing, featuring Save on Foods, Staples, Toys “R” Us, Best Buy, and various other services. Additional shopping opportunities are available within a 10-15-minute drive.

Pembina Village Shopping Centre houses Safeway, Giant Tiger, JSYK, Winners, alongside dining options and other services. Grant Park Shopping Centre offers a mix of retailers such as Canadian Tire, Red River Co-Op, Shoppers Drug Mart, Winners, McNally Robinson Booksellers, along with restaurants and amenities.

Venturing along Taylor Avenue, you'll encounter La Grotta Mediterranean Market and two shopping centers, Grant Park Festival, and Grant Park Pavilions, featuring stores like Sobeys, Walmart, Dollarama, banking facilities, and more.

A drive along McGillivray Boulevard connects you easily to Kenaston Boulevard, where a plethora of shopping venues awaits. Linden Ridge Shopping Centre, Smart Centre Winnipeg Southwest, Kenaston Common, and Kenaston Crossing boast retailers like Safeway, Walmart, Sobeys, Marshalls, HomeSense, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Rona, and a local favourite hotspot-Costco.

ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION

East Fort Garry offers a wealth of activities, parks, and recreational facilities within its borders.

Crescent Drive Park stands as the largest green space, providing year-round enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. Encompassing 25.3 hectares of woodlands, parkland, and trails, this picturesque park is home to various bird species, deer, and other wildlife. Its newest addition, the F

orest Pavilion, is a modern four-season facility. The pavilion features washrooms, a warm-up room, a covered picnic area, and an enclosed west-facing fireplace patio. Additionally, the park boasts a three-kilometer walking trail with scenic viewpoints overlooking the Red River, a playground, canoe launch, picnic sites, BBQ pits, a large pop-up rink in winter, cross-country ski trail, and toboggan run.

Wildwood Park stands out as another beloved outdoor space among residents. Featuring three playgrounds and a network of pathways, this central green area provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise. The pathways also ensure a safer route for students walking to St. John's-Ravenscourt School.

Sandra Crowson Park is a notable destination for nature enthusiasts. Offering walking paths through forested surroundings, the park is ideal for leisurely strolls where encounters with wildlife, such as deer, are common.

Byng Park is a spacious green area featuring a playground, basketball court, and a pop-up rink during the winter season. Adjacent to Byng Park is Toilers Park, a memorial park honoring the members of the Toilers Basketball Team. Toilers Park offers benches with stunning river views.

For families with young children, there are additional small parks scattered throughout the community, such as Ruttan Bay Park, Fletcher Arms Park, and Kebir Place Playground.

In 2009, the Victoria Community Centre and Fort Garry Community Club merged into one, creating a larger sense of community for the area. Each site includes a multi-purpose building, skate changing room, playground, outdoor rinks, and athletic fields.

The Fort Garry Community Centre Hobson Site, situated in Garry Hobson Memorial Park, boasts baseball diamonds, soccer fields, track and field facilities, an off-leash dog area, wading pool, playground, and two outdoor hockey rinks. Additionally, the park is home to the Fort Garry Lions Outdoor Pool and Fort Garry Skate Park. The Victoria site, located in West Fort Garry, features an outdoor rink, playgrounds, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds.

Wildwood Park Community Centre is a vibrant, volunteer-run hub offering baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a basketball court, and two outdoor rinks. Those interested in getting involved can join as volunteers to help organize community events like the annual tree-planting, Earth Day cleanups, or summer BBQs. Additionally, the community center is available for rental for special functions.

If you are a golf enthusiast, East Fort Garry is the perfect place to call home, boasting two golf courses. Crescent Drive Golf Course, a public facility nestled beside Crescent Drive Park, offers a 9-hole course with all par-3 holes set against a scenic, wooded backdrop. Meanwhile, Wildewood Golf Course, a semi-private gem, 9-hole course is renowned for its deceptively difficult layout. Featuring tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and irregular greens, it demands precision and strategic play.

Adjacent to Wildewood Golf Course lies the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club, providing lessons for all skill levels, leagues, and competitive events on its 11 Plexipave hard courts throughout the season.

For those seeking ice-based activities, Century Arena in neighbouring West Fort Garry is home to the Century Skating Club, offering instruction from beginner to competitive levels for skaters from across Winnipeg, led by Skate Canada certified professional coaches.

Shapes Fitness Centres, located in Pembina Crossing Shopping Centre, caters to fitness enthusiasts with both a Women's Only and Co-Ed facility.

During the winter months, Wildewood Golf Course, Wildwood Park Community Centre, and St. John's-Ravenscourt School offer groomed trails for classic or skate cross-country skiing.

For ultimate relaxation, Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, situated on the edge of Crescent Drive Park, provides a slice of paradise with its Scandinavian-inspired thermal pools, Finnish saunas, steam baths, and spa treatments.

Fun Fact: If you ever participate in the Manitoba Marathon, part of the route will take you through the East Fort Garry area, passing down Point Road, Oakenwald Avenue, along North Drive and South Drive, and through Crescent Drive Park.

And for fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the stadium is just a 10-minute drive from the neighbourhood, although many opt for a leisurely walk to soak up the atmosphere during a sunny afternoon game.

WHY WE THINK THIS IS A GREAT NEIGHBOURHOOD TO LIVE IN?

Community members cherish the tucked-away ambiance of living in this area. Once you veer off Pembina Highway and venture into the tree-lined streets, it feels like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle, yet conveniently close to everything you need. Communal walkways, playgrounds, and parks are thoughtfully scattered throughout the neighbourhood, elevating the quality of life for residents and nurturing a strong sense of community.

Popular Bus Routes

29 - Sherbrook

36 - Northwest Super Express

60 - Pembina

78 - Crosstown West

84 - Pembina ® Whyte Ridge ® Pembina

86 - Pembina ® Whyte Ridge ® Pembina

94 - Kenaston ® Industrial Park

137 - Richmond Super Express

160 - Downtown ® University of Manitoba

161 - University Super Express

162 - Fort Richmond ® St. Norbert Express

163 - Waverley Heights Express

170 - Fort Richmond ® St. Norbert

180 - Industrial Express

181 - Whyte Ridge Express

183 - Richmond West Express

185 - Osborne Village Express

THOUGHTS FROM YOUR NEIGHBOURS

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