Woodhaven

Woodhaven is a small, picturesque neighbourhood on the west side of Winnipeg, forming a subdivision of the larger St. James area. With mature oak trees, the meandering Sturgeon Creek, and expansive green fields in the central park, it exudes a country-style living atmosphere within the city borders.

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

Woodhaven is situated where the Sturgeon Creek flows into the Assiniboine River. This geographical feature made the area a popular summer resort spot in the 1920s, leading to the construction of cottages. Some of these summer homes still stand in great shape today. However, the community is now primarily comprised of single-family detached homes, built predominantly between the 1940s and 1960s. The typical architectural style is mid-century modern, but you can also find some character homes. They range in size from large homes backing onto the Assiniboine River to more modest residences scattered throughout the heart of the neighbourhood. Additionally, there are condominiums and some apartment complexes along Portage Avenue. The average sale price of a single family detached home in 2023 was $466,832.

SCHOOLS AND SERVICES

Woodhaven falls under the jurisdiction of the St. James Assiniboia School Division but lacks schools within its borders. Most schools are situated just over Portage Avenue in the neighborhood of Grace Hospital (or Booth). Students enrolled in the English program will attend Athlone School from Kindergarten to Grade Five, followed by middle years at Bruce Middle School, and they will complete their high school years at College Sturgeon Heights Collegiate.

For students in French Immersion programming, Kindergarten begins at Ecole Bannatyne, followed by middle school at Ecole Ness, and high school concludes at College Sturgeon Heights Collegiate.

POST SECONDARY PROGRAMS

Woodhaven is in close proximity to some of Winnipeg’s most popular post-secondary institutions. The Red River College Polytech Stevenson Campus is the closest, with a commute time of only ten minutes. The Main Red River College Campus on Notre Dame Avenue, the University of Winnipeg, as well as the University of Manitoba Bannatyne campuses, are all less than 20 minutes away. If you wish to enroll in one of the programs at Red River College Exchange District, the University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus, or the Université de Saint-Boniface, your travel time will still be less than 30 minutes.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Woodhaven is just steps away from Grace Hospital, a 250-bed healthcare centre. It is one of the three acute care facilities in Winnipeg with a full-service emergency department, orthopedic trauma surgery centre, acute care surgical site, a 10-bed critical care unit, and a full spectrum of health support services.

SHOPPING

Woodhaven does not have any grocery stores within its borders; however, with a quick ride on Portage Avenue, you can find everything you need for your everyday living. The closest option is the Real Canadian Superstore, the only Superstore in Winnipeg with underground parking. Driving towards the Perimeter, you will find more variety in Crestview Shopping Centre and Smart Centre Winnipeg West. These shopping venues are home to retailers like Safeway, Walmart, Sobeys, Canadian Tire, Sport Check, Shoppers Drug Mart, Winners, and much more. Driving towards Downtown, you will reach Polo Park, Manitoba’s largest mall with over a hundred shops and services, as well as many great restaurants. The mall and the surrounding areas include retailers like Hudson Bay, Marshalls, Marks, Winners, Safeway, Canadian Tire, the Home Depot, Best Buy, Michaels, Save on Foods, and more.

ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION

When it comes to nature and outdoor activities, this community won’t disappoint. Woodhaven Park is the focal point of the neighbourhood and acts as a meeting place for the residents. This large green area stretches along the bank of the Sturgeon Creek and is home to the Woodhaven Community Club, featuring sport courts and athletic fields. It offers a baseball diamond, soccer fields, courts for basketball, pickleball, and tennis, a playground, as well as two outdoor hockey rinks. Within this park lies “The Hill,” situated on the former schoolyard of Woodhaven School. This school was demolished in the mid-1990s, and the hill is now a favorite spot for local families, especially during the winter season. Another feature of the park is the pedestrian bridge over the creek, connecting the east side of the community.

Woodhaven Park is also the starting point of the Sturgeon Creek Greenway Trail, a 4 km trail that runs alongside Sturgeon Creek all the way to Saskatchewan Avenue. The Greenway is popular among walkers, runners, cyclists, and those who enjoy fishing, as the creek is home to at least 30 different species. This asphalt trail runs under Portage Avenue, ensuring safe connectivity. The trail boasts many points of interest, such as the T-33 Plane, Grant’s Old Mill, the Fish Ladder allowing fish to migrate upstream, the Fishing Hole (a popular fishing spot by Ness Avenue), and the Tall Grass Prairie containing native grasses and plants.

The community is also only a 10-minute drive from Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg’s most popular park offering activities year-round. The park includes athletic fields for cricket and ultimate frisbee, the English Garden, the Pavilion, Children's Garden, the Nature Playground, the Duck Pond with the Park Café, the Lyric Theatre, the Assiniboine Park Zoo, as well as its newest addition, the Leaf— an indoor-outdoor botanical garden featuring Canada’s largest indoor waterfall.

If golf is your passion, there are four golf courses to sharpen your skills. Located right on the border is the exclusive St. Charles Country Club, one of the most prestigious golf courses in the city. It is a twenty-seven-hole private golf course that has hosted many major Canadian golf events and tournaments. St. Charles includes a performance center to help golfers improve their game and a clubhouse that can host large gatherings and weddings. A little bit further is Glendale Golf and Country Club, a highly revered, private course. This facility is unique in Manitoba by offering outdoor tennis and pickleball programming on two championship-level courts. Wishing for more? Assiniboine Golf Club and the Tuxedo Golf Course are both within a 10-minute drive.

Other popular recreational facilities in the area include the St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool and Fitness Centre and the YMCA West Portage Branch. The YMCA West Portage Branch is a comprehensive fitness complex located in the neighboring Westwood. It not only offers workout and aquatic classes but also provides childcare programs and English language classes for newcomers to Canada. The St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool, situated in Crestview, offers a variety of water and land fitness programs.

Woodhaven is in close proximity to two of Winnipeg’s popular entertainment venues—the Assiniboia Downs and Red River Exhibition Park. The Downs hosts various fun events such as live horse racing, VLTS, and features a restaurant and bar. The Exhibition Park offers exciting programs throughout the year. Its signature event, the Red River Ex, kicks off each summer. The Fall Fair and Third and Bird bring small businesses together, while the Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is Manitoba's longest drive-thru light show, running from December to January.

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

The cottage-like living, embraced by nature, is what makes this neighborhood so desirable for many. Woodhaven and the surrounding areas offer numerous amenities for you and your family to enjoy. Additionally, if you are planning a night out, the neighbouring Portage Avenue is home to an array of popular restaurants, including Stella’s Café, Salisbury House, Cork & Flame Restaurant and Bar, and Underdogs, just to name a few. There are many adventures waiting for you here!

THOUGHTS FROM YOUR NEIGHBOURS