Experience Windsor Park and Southdale

Established Communities in Southeast Winnipeg

Windsor Park was the first of Winnipeg’s master-planned communities, and the largest housing development of its kind in Western Canada in the mid 1950s. Windsor Park broke away from the conventional rectangular grid layout of many suburbs, featuring only a few entry points and just two main roads cutting through the community. Unlike neighbourhoods built along major traffic routes, its limited access helped maintain a sense of seclusion from the surrounding city. The streets were designed in loop and bay configurations, effectively separating high-traffic roads from residential areas to minimize noise, enhance safety, and create a more visually appealing environment. To make navigation easier, the streets were arranged in alphabetical order, adding to the neighbourhood’s thoughtful design.

winter view of the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg Manitoba

Developed a decade later in the 1970s, Southdale represents a more refined approach to enclosed residential subdivision design. At its core, serpentine-shaped retention ponds (the first to be incorporated in suburban Winnipeg) are strategically placed and surrounded by green space, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Unlike the straighter roads of Windsor Park, Southdale’s main roads follow gentle curves that complement the natural contours of the ponds. A major shopping centre is positioned along Fermor Avenue, serving both Southdale and Windsor Park with retail and essential services. Schools and community recreation facilities are thoughtfully distributed throughout the neighbourhood, ensuring convenient access for residents.

Located east of Lagimodiere Boulevard lies the newer development of Waterside Estate.s Known for its contemporary homes and well-planned streets, the community features a mix of single-family houses and townhomes, many with modern finishes and energy-efficient designs. Green spaces and walking trails are integrated throughout the area, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor activities. Its location near major roadways allows for easy access to shopping, schools, and recreational facilities, making Waterside Estates an appealing choice for homebuyers seeking a balance of convenience and suburban tranquility.

Housing in Southdale & Windsor Park: Where Classic Meets Contemporary

Timeless Homes & Modern Living

Housing in Windsor Park

Homes in Windsor Park were primarily built in the 1950s and 1960s and include bungalows, split-level houses, and side-by-side properties. Most sit on spacious lots with mature trees. Most Windsor Park homes have been renovated, blending mid-century designs with contemporary upgrades.

Niakwa Park, a smaller subsection of Windsor Park, is located adjacent to the Seine River. Homes in the area were designed by Nicola Zunic, a graduate of the University of Manitoba's School of Architecture, and features primarily mid-century bungalows with proximity to green space and recreational trails.

You will find many houses for sale in Windsor Park each year. The area is popular with first-time homebuyers, families and retirees due to its affordability.

A large two storey home with attached garage

Housing in Southdale

Housing in Southdale consists primarily of well-maintained single-family homes, along with a selection of townhouses and condominiums, albeit at a higher price point than Windsor Park.

Developed in the 1960s and 1970s, the neighbourhood features spacious lots, mature trees, and wide streets, creating an inviting suburban atmosphere. Many houses have undergone renovations, incorporating modern upgrades while retaining their original mid-century architectural character.

The predominant home styles include bungalows, split-levels, and two-story designs, often featuring attached garages and generous backyard spaces. More recent development in the 1990s introduced contemporary designs with open-concept layouts and energy-efficient features. Southdale also includes pockets of luxury homes with high-end finishes, large footprints, and lakefront views near the community’s signature retention ponds.

The neighbourhood’s thoughtful design, with curved roads and green spaces, enhances both privacy and aesthetics, making Southdale a highly desirable residential area in Winnipeg. Due to the popularity of the area, houses for sale in Southdale sell quickly.

Accessibility & Amenities

One of the greatest advantages of living in these areas is the access to green spaces and recreational facilities.

Transportation

Both Windsor Park and Southdale benefit from well-connected roadways and public transportation options. Fermor Avenue (part of the Trans-Canada Highway) intersects the neighbourhoods. Lagimodiere Boulevard, a major north-south route, connects residents to other parts of the city and the Perimeter Highway, making commutes efficient for those traveling outside the core. Abinojii Mikanah (formerly Bishop Grandin Boulevard), is a primary east-west route, and easily accessible from both neighbourhoods. You can easily access downtown Winnipeg within a 15 minute drive.

Public transit routes run throughout both areas, offering regular bus service to downtown and other key destinations, including St. Vital Centre and Kildonan Place. Bus routes along Fermor Avenue, Beaverhill Boulevard and Autumnwood Drive provide direct service, making public transportation a viable option for residents without personal vehicles.

Education

Windsor Park and Southdale are served by Louis Riel School Division, offering programs from early years through high school. Educational options include French immersion and specialized programming, ensuring diverse learning opportunities. Many schools are located within walking distance of residential areas, making the neighbourhoods particularly convenient for families with school-aged children. The University of Manitoba and Red River College's Exchange District campus are just a short drive (or bus ride) away.

a woman in blue leggings running down a path

The Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is a world-class facility that produces all of Canada’s circulation coins, along with currency for countries around the globe. Opened in 1976, this high-tech minting facility is known for its cutting-edge coin production and innovation in metallurgy and security features. Unlike the Ottawa branch, which focuses on collector and commemorative coins, the Winnipeg Mint specializes in large-scale coin manufacturing, striking billions of coins each year. Visitors can take guided tours to see the fascinating process of coin production, from raw metal to finished currency, and explore interactive exhibits detailing the Mint’s history and technological advancements. With its distinctive architecture and role in global currency production, the Royal Canadian Mint is both a landmark and a source of pride for Winnipeg.

Recreation

Windsor Park and Southdale offer a variety of recreational amenities, with access to parks, trails, and community facilities designed for year-round activities.

Windsor Park Nordic Centre – In the winter months, the Windsor Park Golf Course transforms into a cross-country skiing destination, with groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Operated by the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba, the facility offers rentals, lessons, and night skiing.
Southdale Community Centre – A key recreational hub in the area, the centre offers skating rinks, sports leagues, fitness programs, and community events. It serves as a gathering place for residents, providing organized activities for children, adults, and seniors.
Seine River Greenway – a scenic natural corridor that follows the winding path of the Seine River, offering residents a peaceful retreat into nature. One of its most notable sections is Bois-des-Esprits, a large urban forest known for its diverse wildlife, picturesque walking trails, and unique carved tree sculptures, including the well-known "Woody the Spirit Tree." This greenway provides an essential habitat for local flora and fauna while serving as a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Windsor Park Golf Course – This public golf course is a local favourite during the summer months and doubles as the Windsor Park Nordic Centre in winter. Established in 1922, it remains one of the city's best-maintained and accessible golf courses.
Niakwa Country Club - Established in 1923, is one of Winnipeg’s premier private golf courses, known for its rich history and challenging course design. Designed by the renowned golf course architect Stanley Thompson, the course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and well-manicured greens that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape along the Seine River. The club was named “Niakwa”, which means “Winding River”.

The Perfect Place to Call Home!

Southdale and Windsor Park offer a balance of well-established communities and newer developments, making them attractive options for families, professionals, and retirees. With a strong mix of housing, excellent amenities, abundant green spaces, and access to schools and transportation, these neighbourhoods continue to be popular choices for Winnipeg homebuyers.

Are You Ready to Find Your Dream Home?

I love Southdale so much, I call it home myself! If you're considering a move to Windsor Park or Southdale, I'd love to help you find the perfect property. Contact me today, and let's become neighbours!