Island Lakes is an affluent neighbourhood in the Southeastern corner of Winnipeg.  The average household earnings of just over $103,000 according to the 2016 Census (above average for Winnipeg).  It was a Ladco development and plays neighbour to the communities of Royalwood (to it’s West) and Sage Creek (to its West) and now, Bonavista to it’s South.  You will find that the neighbourhood is created with a series of meandering streets, that make for a more family-friendly, traffic-controlled community. Bishop Grandin Boulevard forms the Northern border, Warde Avenue forms the Southern border, Lagimodiere Boulevard forms the Eastern border and the CPR Emerson railway tracks form the Western border. Construction began on the neighbourhood in 1981 and by 1985, 150 homes were already constructed. Between 1986 and 1990, construction accelerated and 880 homes were built. Today the community is home to over 7500 residents.  Island Lakes is approximately 12 kilometers from downtown and 20 kilometers from the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

Real Estate Trends

Island lakes is known for its more substantial homes, often on – you guessed it – lakefront lots!  The majority of homes were built between 1985 – 2005 as that is when the bulk of development occurred.  There are great options in terms of floor plans within the area – anything from bi-levels, to bungalows, to cabovers and two-storeys, with two-storey homes being the most predominant floor plan.  Prices for homes range in the area from as low as $280,000 for a home in need of substantial cosmetic repair, all the way to $800,000 for a more stately, waterfront home on a larger lot. Just south of this area, you will find the newer development of Bonavista, with new construction offerings. 

Island Lakes has more limited offerings when it comes to condominium-styles.  Those looking for an apartment complex style of living, will be out of luck.  However, there are great options if you are interested in a semi-detached style of living.  There are bungalow and townhouse condominium options within the area ranging in price from $250,000 - $450,000. 

Schools and Services

Island Lakes is operated by the Louis Riel School Division. The community only has one school within its borders: Island Lakes Community School. It is a kindergarten to grade eight English school.

If you wish for your children to enroll in French Immersion programming, they will be travelling outside of the borders of Island Lakes – likely to neighbouring Southdale or Windsor Park.

There are no hospitals within the borders of Island Lakes, but there are two major hospitals within 10 kilometers of Island Lakes; Saint Boniface General Hospital located on Tache Avenue and Victoria General Hospital located on Pembina Highway

Shopping

Shopping in Island Lake is limited.  However, the community is conveniently located along Bishop Grandin which provides access to numerous big box retail shops. The corner of St. Anne’s and Bishop Grandin has a number of such stores, some of which include Sobeys, Michaels, and Home Depot.  South on St. Anne’s there are further offerings including restaurants, grocery stores, and retail store options.  St. Vital mall is only a 5-minute drive from Island Lakes and has over 160 stores/restaurants!

Entertainment and Recreation

Island Lakes is home to a number of parks, the largest of which is Lindsey Wilson Park, which boasts nearly 20 acres of walking trails and green spaces.  This park also offers a spray pad, basketball hoops as well as tennis courts. 

The neighbourhood’s lakeside walkways have always been a popular attraction for cyclists, strollers and joggers.  Also, the connected waterways that form one big circle, with some offshoot bays are popular for canoeists and kayakers.  For lovers of nature and birdwatchers, the community has a five-acre natural grass area planted with native prairie species.

Wanting to go catch a movie or go on a date?  Island Lakes is close to many fine dining establishments in St. Vital and Sage Creek as well as the Cineplex Theatre at St. Vital Mall.

Popular Bus Routes

16: Selkirk to Osborne

59: South St. Anne’s Express

75: Crosstown East

96: St.Vital to Windsor Park