A proposed new subdivision has added to the growing list of construction plans in the RM of St. Francois Xavier.

SFX Chief Administrative Officer Robert Poirier says resident Sean Braun has received approval to construct a 36 lot subdivision just north of the SFX Community School. Poirier notes they're negotiating the development agreement between the municipality and the developer and optimistically construction could start this year, pessimistically start next year.

He adds a second project in the works is a little more complex. There used to be a restaurant called the Medicine Rock Cafe, perched on the edge of the Oxbow Lake, right in the centre of town. Poirier notes the owner of that property has proposed a condominium development, a very large building with 54 units, and the size engendered some negative reaction at a public hearing. He adds Council has gone back to the developer with support for development on that property, but they would like to see something less intrusive.

The RM also has approved a separate 27 lot subdivision with construction expected to start immediately.

Poirier says this is great news for the RM. It will bring an extensive population increase which echoes in terms of having volunteers to run the Community Club and to serve on the Fire Department. He notes it will also increase their customer base and chances of keeping area businesses open. Poirier explains, because they're so close to Winnipeg, its hard to keep a business alive.